Otter Cliffs, Maine

Acadia National Park
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Otter Cliffs

The pink granite of the Otter Cliffs rises 110 feet above sea level and juts out dramatically above the ocean. Pounding surf and high waves add to the spectacle. Trails and ledges provide opportunities for active recreation.

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  • Spectacular scenery 
  • All-season use 
  • Close to walking and hiking trails
  • Multi-sport use

Location

The Otter Cliffs are on the east side of the Park Loop Road, about 0.7 mile past Thunder Hole. There is a parking area.

Season

The Otter Cliffs are open to Park visitors year round. However, the Park Loop Road, which provides easy car access to the Otter Cliffs, is closed to automotive traffic in winter. The National Park Service may also close access to Otter Cliffs at other times to protect visitors from dangerous conditions. Otter Cliff Road, which branches off Route 3, also leads to Otter Cliffs.

Activities

The level Ocean Path hugs the coastline between Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs, providing spectacular views of the cliffs and ocean. Many visitors enjoy photographing the extraordinary scenery. In winter visitors and local people use the closed Park Loop Road around Otter Cliffs for walking, bicycling, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing.

Otter Cliffs is a popular rock-climbing destination, but climbing routes are sometimes closed for safety reasons.

Otter Cliffs is close to hiking trails to Gorham Mountain and the Beehive.