Ocean Path, Acadia National Park, Maine

From Sand Beach to Thunder Hole to Otter Point - 4 miles

Sand Beach, in Acadia National Park, is nestled in a small inlet between the granite mountains and rocky shores of Mount Desert Island. This gorgeous 290 yard long beach is one of the most popular points of interest on the island.
The thousands of years of pounding surf created a beach that is largely comprised of unique sand of shell fragments. The ocean temperature rarely exceeds 55 degrees in the summer and there is approximately one half cup of salt per gallon of ocean water.
Access to Sand Beach is provided via the Park Loop Road just after the park fee entrance station on the northeastern side of the island. A lifeguard is on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Changing rooms and restrooms are located next to the parking area. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus has a pickup and drop-off point here and stops about every half hour during normal season hours.
The mountain that you will notice from the parking area is likely The Beehive. Look closely and you might see people climbing toward the summit.
There is a very nice oceanside trail, accessed from the upper parking lot, that follows the shore's edge past Thunder Hole and arrives at Otter Cliff to the south. This is well worth the trek.

Nothing symbolizes the power of Acadia National Park as much as Thunder Hole does.
When the right size wave rolls into the naturally formed inlet, a deep thunderous sound emanates. The cause is a small cavern formed low, just beneath the surface of the water. When the wave pulls back just before lunging forward, it dips the water just below the ceiling of the cavern allowing air to enter. When the wave arrives full force, it collides with the air, forcing it out, resulting in a sound like distant thunder. Water may splash into the air as high as 40 feet with a roar!