Otter Cliff

From 0.7 miles past the famous Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff is another gorgeous attraction in Acadia National Park and one of the few stops on Park Loop Road. Otter Cliff is mainly famous for its interesting granite rocks—The rugged cliffs, the gorgeous coastline, everything is beautiful about Otter Cliff. The clear blue water is so peaceful to look at and the waves crashing on the rocks are simply amazing.

 

This is a must-visit point when you’re visiting Bar Harbor and driving around the Park Loop Road. The majestic cliffs stand 110 ft high with pine trees standing quietly atop. This is the perfect place if you want to relax and enjoy the views because of fewer crowds. Bring lunch with you and enjoy the view of the ocean and coastline. Maybe stargaze if you have the time; it’s a perfect place for stargazing. Overall, you wouldn't wanna miss the Otter Cliffs. 

 

 

What to Know

Along with one of the highest headlands north of Rio de Janeiro, its thousands of rounded boulders in the small cove are the highlight of Otter Cliff. The boulders have been shaped over the centuries by the sea and eroded by both water and against themselves. The deposition by glaciers also contributed to these formations. 

 

Another amazing thing about the Otter Cliff is that the Ocean Path that starts at the Sand Beach arrives at this point. There are many beautiful vantage points along the way and it's all splendid. Also, it’s on the east side of Mount Desert Island, so this whole area is gorgeous to look at, especially at sunrise. 

 

You can also see a bell buoy that holds a historical significance. The location of this bell buoy is off the shore from the cliff. This represents a hidden rock “Spindle”. In 1604, the explorer Samuel de Champlain was sailing around Mount Desert Island and his ship got damaged because of a hidden rock. That’s why he and his crew spent the winter in Otter Cove for safety. It was 16 years before the pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock. The reason Maine has so many French-origin names is because it is connected to Champlain's exploration. Also, the area was then known as “New France”. 

 

How to Get There

If you’re driving, you’ll find the Otter Cliffs on the east side of Park Loop Road. It is also around 0.7 miles past the Thunder Hole. And across the road from the Otter Cliffs, you’ll find a small parking area which you can easily access if you arrive early or late in the afternoon. The lot holds around 20 cars. If it’s not available, then continue on Park Loop Road to the Otter Point parking area. From there you can walk the Ocean Path to the Otter Cliffs. 

 

Another great option to get there is to use the free Island Explorer Shuttle Bus, which stops at the Otter Cliffs. And if you’re hiking there, then simply take the Ocean Path trail from Sand Beach, which also passes by Thunder Hole and arrives at Otter Cliffs. 

 

Best Time to Visit 

Every season is great to visit Otter Cliff. But the Park Loop Road is closed to cars during winter. So if you’re driving your car, it’s best to visit in summer. 

 

Also, in comparison with other attractions in Acadia National Park, Otter Cliff is not very crowded. But to avoid even the slightest chance of crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. By arriving late in the afternoon, you will also get to see the gorgeous sunrise of the place. Also to find parking, it’s best to arrive before 9am and after 4pm.

 

Features and Highlights 

- Overlooks the coastline and consists of gorgeous granite rocks having pink hues.

- Rounded boulders pounded and eroded by the sea and each other. 

- One of the highest headlands north of Rio de Janeiro, at 110 ft high.

- Emerges as a great natural wonder with pink hue granite and provides spectacular views of the ocean.

- The highlight of the Otter Cliffs is the bell buoy located just off the shore and holds a historical significance.

- Another great highlight of the Cliffs is the Ocean Path that starts at the Sand Beach arrives here including many great vantage points.

- On the top of the Cliffs stand gorgeous Spruce and Pine trees.

- A popular rock climbing spot, but sometimes these are closed for safety purposes.

- Close to the hiking trails of the Beehive. 

- When Park Loop Road around Otter Cliffs is closed in winter for cars, it’s great for walking, bicycling, snowshoeing, and more. 

- Excellent place for photography with gorgeous views all over.

- Walk down onto the rocks and see the waves crashing up close.