03 Jul Otter Cliff Overlook in Acadia National Park

Otter Cliff Overlook is one of the most popular overlooks in Acadia National Park due to its convenient location and stunning views. It is located in the southeastern section of Mt. Desert Island just off of Park Loop Road. Moreover, you can hike there along the Ocean Path Trail. All you have to do after you arrive at the overlook is look to your right to see the 100 foot (~33.5 meter) tall cliff looming overhead. Grab your binoculars, and you might even see a rock climber or two making their way up the cliff.

There are many more attractions to see within Acadia National Park, so make sure you plan a full weekend or even just a one-day itinerary in the park.

Contents: 

1) Location of Otter Cliff Overlook

2) Directions and Parking

3) Otter Cliff Overlook Information

4) Nearby Attractions

5) Acadia National Park Entrance Information

1) Location of Otter Cliff Overlook

Where is Otter Cliff Overlook located?

Otter Cliff Overlook is located in Acadia National Park, specifically in the southeastern section of Mt. Desert Island. Furthermore, it is located just off of Park Loop Road as well as along the Ocean Path Trail. The Ocean Path Trail is a 4.5 mile (~7.2 kilometer) out and back trail that begins at Sand Beach and ends at Otter Point Overlook.

The overlook provides beautiful coastal views of Acadia National Park. Therefore, it is the perfect place for your next picnic lunch or photoshoot.

Lodging Near Otter Cliff Overlook

First, you can book a site at a campground. I recommend you stay at Blackwoods Campground since it is closer to Otter Cliff Overlook than any of the other park campgrounds.

We stayed at Blackwoods Campground during our visit to Acadia National Park and camped in our car. The campground had nice accommodations, and there were even hot showers available for a small fee just down the road. Bring quarters for the showers or use the ATMs and change machines provided.

Second, opt for something more comfortable and book a hotel in Bar Harbor. For a luxurious experience, book a room at the Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B or the Hampton Inn Bar Harbor. On the other hand, book a room at the Island Place or the Bell Isle Motel to stick to a budget.

Airport Near Otter Cliff Overlook

The closest airport to Acadia National Park is the Bangor International Airport at one and a half hours northwest.

There are no public transportation options available from the airport to Acadia. Therefore, your best option is to rent a car from the airport.

2) Directions and Parking

You can access Otter Cliff Overlook by: (1) hiking (2) driving (3) hopping on the park shuttle.

Once you arrive, simply walk to the side of the road along the coastline. Then walk on the path leading to the overlook – simple as that!

Hiking Directions & Parking

First, you can reach Otter Cliff Overlook by hiking along the Ocean Path Trail. Park at the Sand Beach parking lot and then head south at the start of the trailhead. The trail then continues almost parallel to Park Loop Road, offering beautiful views and passing by a few other attractions, before reaching Otter Cliff.

The distance from the Ocean Path Trailhead to Otter Cliff is approximately 1.7 miles (~2.7 kilometers). An average hiker can walk there in about 32 minutes.

Driving Directions & Parking

Second, you can drive to Otter Cliff since there is a parking lot on the left side of the road. Then all you need to do is cross the street to reach the overlook. Parking can become full on weekend afternoons in July and August, so you might have to wait a couple of minutes for a spot. However, people will be constantly arriving and leaving since most people only stay for 15 minutes or so to enjoy the view.

Please note that Park Loop Road, which is the access road to the overlook, is generally a one-way road. Therefore, all traffic approaches Otter Cliff Overlook from the north.

For reference, you will pass by the Precipice Trailhead, Sand Beach Entrance Gate, Beehive Trail, and Thunder Hole before reaching Otter Cliff. Once you depart, you will then continue south on Park Loop Road towards Otter Point Overlook.

Shuttle Information

Third, ditch the car and take the Island Explorer Shuttle. The shuttle drives around Acadia National Park, stopping at all of the popular attractions. One of their stops is indeed the Otter Cliff Overlook. Check their website for detailed route information.

Otter Cliff Overlook

3) Otter Cliff Overlook Information

Otter Cliffs is a 100 foot (~33.5 meter) tall cliff on the coast. It is the most popular spot within Acadia National Park to go rock climbing. There are multiple routes available for a variety of skill levels.

If you are not looking for that much of an adventure, you can just walk around the rocks by the cliffside instead of rock climbing.

Unfortunately it was quite foggy when we visited, so we were not able to see much of the cliff. However, the park is quite mystic when surrounded by fog. Always try to look on the bright side, even when the weather is not too bright.

Additionally, you will not see otters while visiting. The name can be misleading, but otters have never been present in the area. Sorry that I have to be the one to break the news to you!

4) Nearby Attractions 

Otter Cliff Overlook is located on the Ocean Path Trail, just off of Park Loop Road. Due to its convenient location, there are a myriad of nearby attractions. Many of the nearby attractions are on the Ocean Path Trail as well. Moreover, I recommend you visit all three of the below attractions before you stop at Otter Cliff due to the fact that Park Loop Road is a one-way road.

First, stop at Sand Beach. It is a six minute drive or a 32 minute walk north. Sand Beach has stunning coastal views, and it also is the starting location of the Ocean Path Trail. An alternative option to the Ocean Path Trail is the Ship Harbor Trail, for it is another easy trail with beautiful coastal views. The Ship Harbor Trail is located just a bit further away.

Second, hike the Beehive Trail if you are looking for an adventurous trail. The trailhead is just across the street from the Sand Beach parking lot. Moreover, the Beehive Trail is a 1.5 mile (~2.4 kilometer) loop trail with approximately 500 feet (~152 meters) in elevation gain. However, you might want to pass on this trail if you have a fear of heights. There are portions of the trail where you have to climb iron rungs as ladders on the cliff’s edge.

Third, stop at Thunder Hole and hear the roar of the waves. It is a three minute drive or a 17 minute walk north. Thunder Hole is a naturally-formed inlet with a small cavern on the coast. Waves crash into the inlet and then the cavern, which creates a sound similar to thunder. Plan to visit approximately one to two hours before high tide for the best chance to hear the thunder sound.

Thunder Hole

5) Acadia National Park Entrance Information 

Looking for a reason to visit Acadia National Park? Well, then I have a few for you! First, it is the only national park in the northeast of the United States. You thus do not have any other options if you live in states such as Massachusetts, Maine, or New Hampshire. Second, Cadillac Mountain, which is within the park, is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the US.

Acadia National Park has three main sections: (1) Mt. Desert Island (2) Schoodic Peninsula (3) Isle Au Haut. Nevertheless, Mt. Desert Island has the most popular attractions due to the fact it is in the most convenient location out of the three sections. Otter Cliff Overlook is located on Mt. Desert Island.

Moreover, Mt. Desert Island has residential areas and the town of Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor is a cute little town with a bunch of shops and restaurants. Additionally, it even has a land bridge that you can walk across during low tide to reach a nearby island. What does this mean? You can drive just 20 minutes or so and enjoy a delicious lobster roll as well as gorgeous views.

Opening Hours of the Park

The park is open 24/7 to visitors. We were thankful for the flexible hours when we arrived late at night and were still able to get to our campground for our reservation. While there is an entrance gate leading to Blackwoods Campground, it closes by the late evening and visitors can then simply drive right through.

However, I would not recommend visiting Otter Cliff Overlook late at night simply because you will not be able to see much. The main draw to the overlook is the view, of course!

Entrance Fee for the Park

The entrance fee for Acadia is $35 per private vehicle. Check the Acadia nps.gov page for more information on daily as well as annual pass types. Furthermore, you will need a separate vehicle reservation if you plan to visit Cadillac Mountain during the months of May through October.

There is not one entrance station for the park, but instead there are a few entrance stations to popular attractions. For example, there is an entrance station at Cadillac Mountain and another one just before Sand Beach.

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