Ocean Path: Acadia's Granite Coast on Foot

Ocean Path traces the park's most dramatic shoreline — 2.2 miles one way, 4.4 round trip, from Sand Beach to Otter Point, in about 2–4 hours.

The Terrain

The first 0.7 mile, from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole, is the most accessible — concrete and packed gravel. Beyond that it turns gravelly and rocky, with granite staircases about 1.4 miles in and steep drops to the ocean. Good footwear matters.

Signature Sights

The path passes Thunder Hole and continues to Otter Cliffs, which rise about 110 feet straight out of the Atlantic — some of the most photographed granite on the East Coast.

Access & Parking

Park at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, or Otter Point. A vehicle reservation is required for Sand Beach access from mid-June to mid-October, so plan the start point accordingly — or take the shuttle.