Ocean Path Trail
A classic coastal walk linking Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs and Otter Point.
Route overview
Ocean Path Trail in Mount Desert Island and Down East Maine.
Ocean Path follows Acadia’s exposed pink-granite shoreline beside Park Loop Road. The first section to Thunder Hole is comparatively smooth, while the southern portion becomes rockier and includes stairs around Otter Cliffs. The route is visually accessible but demands disciplined edge awareness and conservative decisions around surf.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Mount Desert Island and Down East Maine
- Distance
- 7.1 km return / 3.5 km one way
- Typical duration
- 2–4 hours return
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Spring through autumn; winter only with road and ice planning
- Trail type
- Out and back or one way with Island Explorer
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Park entrance pass; no hiking permit
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Cliff edges, large waves, wet granite, road crossings, crowding, fog and winter road closure
Highlights
Acadia National Park, Ocean Path, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, coastal hike
Why find a buddy
A partner improves cliff awareness, tide decisions and one-way shuttle coordination.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.