Otter Cliff

Hone your photography skills by taking artistic images of this towering headland while you listen to the soothing sound of waves lapping the rounded stones at its base.

At a height of 110 feet (34 metres), Otter Cliff is among the tallest points on the Atlantic Coast in the U.S. It is made up of thousands of partially eroded rocks and offers a spectacular view of the ocean. Snap photos of the moments that powerful waves crash into the rock face and surge up the cliff.

Clamber over the rounded rocks adorning the bay here. Arrive at sunrise or sunset for the best views. Feel the spray of the water from the large waves that crash into the cliff. The Ocean Path offers many hiking trails with ideal viewing platforms surrounding the cliff.

Find a dry area and lay down a blanket for a picnic with your family. Enjoy the utter serenity of this fairly isolated cliff on the eastern flank of Mount Desert Island. The picturesque region is enclosed by a dense, verdant forest.

Spot the Spindle as it peeks above the water surface at low tide. This semi-hidden rock formation damaged the ship of sailor Samuel de Champlain, as he approached in 1604. This forced him to spend the winter in Otter Cove while repairing the vessel.

Visit the nearby Monument Cove for an excellent view of the intriguing rock formations that straddle the ocean. Walk to Thunder Hole, a scenic mini-bay into which foamy waves crash and bubble like a Jacuzzi.

Note that the cliff was used for certain scenes of Martin Scorsese’s movie Shutter Island. Be cautious on the slippery rocks of the cliff and watch out for rogue waves.

Otter Cliff is on the Otter Point headland in the southeastern part of Acadia National Park. It is in the southern outskirts of the town of Bar Harbour in southeastern Maine. Ride the Free Island Explorer Shuttle Bus Service and walk along the Park Loop Road to reach the cliff. Visit nearby attractions, such as Sand Beach, the Great Head Trailhead and the Beehive Trailhead.