The Ocean Path

The Ocean Path walking trail, renowned for its unparalleled beauty, starts at the far end of the upper parking lot at Sand Beach. The trail gently winds southward along the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island, extending approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) until it reaches Otter Cliff and Otter Point, creating a 4-mile (6.4 km) round trip. This scenic pathway runs between the ocean on the left and the Park Loop Road on the right. There are numerous excellent spots to pause and enjoy the stunning vistas, so be sure to take advantage of them. Keep an eye out for short side trails on the left that offer closer access to the shoreline, but exercise caution, especially in wet areas or where seaweed is present. Pay close attention to the waves, as occasional larger rogue waves can occur..

Sand Beach Parking GPS: Latitude 44.330198; Longitude -68.183998

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Large crashing wave at Thunder Hole in Acadia

What is here to see?

About half-way between Sand Beach and Otter Cliff, is the famous Thunder Hole. If the waves and the tide are just right, you just might get to hear the signature sound that is like thunder while still some distance away. Just as you arrive, you will likely notice the aroma of the salt air but also mixed with the aromatic smell of the many wild rose bushes next to the entrance. Granite stairs with railings take you down to the viewing area. Below the surface of the water at the end of the inlet is a concave space. When the water pulls back, air gets into the little cave but then is trapped when the next wave comes crashing in. As the air is forced out, it creates a deep and loud “clap” like sound or a deep lower frequency rumble like thunder.

Mountain Trail on Right

Next, approximately halfway between Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff on the right side of the Park Loop Road, you'll find a small parking area designated for visitors to the Gorham Mountain Hiking Trail. This is a hidden gem that many people are unaware of. The hike is highly recommended, particularly for its breathtaking panoramic views of Acadia National Park's eastern coastline on the island. From this vantage point, you can see everything from Sand Beach to the north, stretching all the way south to Otter Cliff. In the far distance, the Schoodic Peninsula is also visible. For a leisurely stroll in a stunning setting, it doesn't get any better than this.

Approaching Otter Cliff

At the southern end of the Ocean Path lie Otter Cliff and Otter Point, two of the most recognizable geographical features in the park. You can't truly appreciate their immense size until you see someone standing atop one of the ledges, which provides a sense of scale. Just before reaching Otter Cliff, you'll find Monument Cove. Be sure to look for the short side trail on the left, as it offers stunning photographic opportunities, particularly when the morning light casts a golden hue over the cliffs. Between Monument Cove and Otter Cliff, you'll encounter the distinctive round boulders frequently depicted in photographs. These boulders are especially beautiful in the early morning, illuminated by the warm side-lighting.

Beaches Hiking Trails Park Loop Road

No Better Place in Acadia

I can't think of a better place within Acadia National Park to consistently capture a wide variety of stunning images than along the Ocean Path on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island. You can easily spend an entire day in this area, which stretches from Sand Beach all the way south to Otter Cliff, without exhausting the photographic possibilities. It's important to note that the Park Loop Road is one-way here. However, there is an access point to the south, just before Otter Cliff, where Otter Cliff Road connects with the Park Loop Road from Route 3 on the south side of Bar Harbor. This access point is convenient when you need to reach Otter Cliff or Monument Cove for a sunrise and time is tight. It is also useful when you need to exit the park to reach another spot to the west or return to the Bar Harbor business district. When I plan to do some “before the dawn,” or sunrise photography in this area, I find that I have the most success when I arrive with plenty of time to choose the best spot, depending on the available light and the tide level, which can vary considerably.

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