Wonderful Views!
This spot provides gorgeous panoramic views of Otter Cliff on the right, Schoodic Peninsula in the far distance, and Sand Beach and Great Head to the left. Thunder Hole is a great place to stand and watch or sit and relax, taking in the spectacular sights, sounds and smells. One of the pleasant things that greets you upon arrival, depending upon the season, is the aroma of roses. Next to the steps leading to the ocean, are large groupings of wild roses or rose hips. Rose hips are a potent source of vitamin C, at least until they become dry or are processed. Note: The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus stops here about every half hour during normal seasonal daytime hours. The last bus leaves at 6:58 P.M. Check their schedule to verify.
Next To Ocean Path
A scenic 3-mile (or 3.8 km) round-trip walking trail known as Ocean Path at the Sand Beach upper parking lot, directly to the north. It follows along the eastern coastline of Mount Desert Island, heading south past Thunder Hole, and continues until reaching Otter Cliff to the south. Renowned for its unmatched coastal beauty, this walk is highly recommended along the eastern seaboard of the continental United States. Running parallel to Ocean Path, the Park Loop Road follows the same direction but is one-way on this section of the island. If needed, there is an exit and entrance road on the right just before reaching Otter Cliff that will take you back to Bar Harbor or south toward Seal Harbor.
Use Caution
When there is a storm nearby, even when it is many miles out-to-sea, exercise extreme caution. The rough seas combined with rogue waves can be very dangerous when near the shoreline, even when 100 feet away. Always remain vigilant and stay informed by listening to the radio and checking with the National Park Service. Always make sure that children are supervised and close-at-hand. Rogue waves can and do happen as it did tragically in 2009 when Hurricane Bill was over 300 miles out-to sea. The photo to the right shows one of these monster waves.
Hulls Cove Visitor Center GPS: Latitude 44.409286; Longitude -68.247501