Explore the Majestic Otter Cliff

Discover breathtaking views and natural beauty at Otter Cliff in Bar Harbor, Maine, a jewel of Acadia National Park.

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Otter Cliff in Bar Harbor, Maine, is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers stunning ocean views, rugged cliffs, and a serene atmosphere perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike. As part of Acadia National Park, it provides ample opportunities for hiking, photography, and simply soaking in the beauty of the Maine coastline.

A brief summary to Otter Cliff

Bar Harbor, Maine, US

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
Bring sturdy footwear if you plan to hike the trails leading to the cliff.
Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Check the tide schedule, as the views change dramatically depending on the tide.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks after your hike.

Getting There

Shuttle Bus

To reach Otter Cliff from Bar Harbor, you can take the Island Explorer Shuttle, which operates during the summer months. Board the shuttle at any main stop in Bar Harbor, such as the Village Green. Make sure to check the schedule for the bus that heads towards the loop roads in Acadia National Park. Get off at the Otter Cliff stop, and from there, it’s a short walk to the cliff for breathtaking views.
Bicycle

If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bicycle in Bar Harbor. Begin your journey by heading south on Main Street. Follow the signs for the Park Loop Road, which will take you directly towards Otter Cliff. It's about a 4-mile ride, so make sure to stay on the designated bike paths and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Once you reach the Otter Cliff area, park your bike at the designated bike racks and walk to the viewing areas.
Walking

For a more adventurous route, you can walk from Bar Harbor to Otter Cliff. Start at the Village Green and head south along Main Street towards the entrance of Acadia National Park. Follow the Park Loop Road, which is approximately 4 miles long. Be mindful of traffic, as you will be sharing the road with vehicles. The walk will take you through beautiful forested areas, and once you arrive at Otter Cliff, you will be treated to stunning ocean views.

Discover more about Otter Cliff

Otter Cliff is one of the most stunning geological formations on the Maine coast, located within the picturesque Acadia National Park. Rising prominently from the Atlantic Ocean, this cliff offers an awe-inspiring view of the surrounding landscapes, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. The rugged beauty of the cliff, coupled with the crashing waves below, creates a dramatic scene that captivates visitors at any time of the day. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical, as the changing light casts beautiful hues across the rocky surface and waters. For those looking to explore the area, a variety of hiking trails lead to Otter Cliff, providing different perspectives of this natural marvel. The trails are well-maintained and range in difficulty, making them accessible for families and experienced hikers. Along the way, you might encounter diverse wildlife including seabirds and perhaps even the occasional deer. Be sure to bring your camera; the views from the top of the cliff are nothing short of spectacular. In addition to its natural beauty, Otter Cliff is steeped in history and culture, being a part of Acadia National Park, which has long been a beloved retreat for visitors seeking solace in nature. The park itself offers numerous recreational activities such as kayaking, cycling, and even rock climbing for the adventurous. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore or embark on a challenging hike, Otter Cliff stands as a testament to the rugged charm of Maine's coastline, inviting all who visit to connect with the great outdoors.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Monument Cove

0.8 km

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Monument Cove in Bar Harbor, Maine, where stunning views and nature's tranquility await.

Cadillac South Ridge Trailhead

2.1 km

Discover the breathtaking views and scenic trails of Cadillac South Ridge Trailhead, the gateway to Acadia National Park's majestic Cadillac Mountain.

Bunker Ledge Monument

4.4 km

Discover the enchanting Bunker Ledge Monument in Mt. Desert, Maine - a historical landmark offering breathtaking views and a connection to the region's past.

Stanley Brook Bridge

4.6 km

Discover the beauty of Stanley Brook Bridge, a stunning architectural gem nestled in Acadia National Park, Maine, offering breathtaking views and serene surroundings.

Highseas

5.0 km

Explore Highseas in Bar Harbor, a premier marine research foundation offering insight into ocean science amidst stunning coastal views.

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden

5.1 km

Discover the beauty and tranquility of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden in Seal Harbor, Maine—an exquisite botanical paradise for nature lovers.

Pemetic Mountain

5.1 km

Discover Pemetic Mountain: a breathtaking peak in Maine offering stunning views, diverse hiking trails, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Jordan Pond House Restaurant

5.3 km

Experience breathtaking views and delicious American cuisine at Jordan Pond House, a culinary haven in Acadia National Park.

Jordan Pond Dam Bridge

5.4 km

Discover the serene beauty of Jordan Pond Dam Bridge in Acadia National Park, where stunning landscapes and peaceful waters await your visit.

Bubble Pond

5.4 km

Explore the tranquil beauty of Bubble Pond in Bar Harbor, Maine, where nature meets serenity amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Cobblestone Bridge

5.5 km

Explore the historic Cobblestone Bridge in Mt. Desert, Maine—a stunning architectural gem surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

Cliffside Bridge

6.0 km

Discover the breathtaking views and serene beauty of Cliffside Bridge in Mount Desert, Maine, where nature and architecture meet.

South Bubble

6.0 km

Explore South Bubble, a stunning mountain peak in Acadia National Park, where breathtaking views and nature's beauty await every adventurer.

Amphitheatre Bridge

6.6 km

Discover the stunning Amphitheatre Bridge in Acadia National Park, where nature's beauty meets architectural elegance, perfect for your next adventure.

Penobscot Mountain

6.7 km

Experience the stunning vistas and natural beauty of Penobscot Mountain in Maine, a premier hiking destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Unmissable attractions to see

Boulder Beach

0.3 km

Explore Boulder Beach in Bar Harbor, Maine – a breathtaking coastal attraction featuring unique boulders and stunning ocean views for nature lovers.

Gorham Mountain Trailhead

0.7 km

Explore the breathtaking Gorham Mountain Trailhead in Acadia National Park, a hiking paradise with stunning views and diverse trails for all adventurers.

Ocean Path

0.9 km

Experience the breathtaking views and tranquility of Ocean Path, a scenic coastal trail in Bar Harbor, Maine, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Thunder Hole

1.1 km

Discover the thundering waves and stunning vistas at Thunder Hole, a must-see natural attraction in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Otter Cove Bridge & Causeway

1.1 km

Discover the breathtaking Otter Cove Bridge & Causeway in Mt. Desert, Maine, where stunning views and tranquil landscapes await every visitor.

Gorham Mountain Trail

1.6 km

Explore the breathtaking Gorham Mountain Trail in Acadia National Park, where stunning views and outdoor adventure await every visitor.

Ocean Path Trailhead

2.1 km

Discover the breathtaking Ocean Path Trailhead in Bar Harbor, Maine, where stunning coastal views and vibrant wildlife await every visitor.

Sand Beach

2.1 km

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Sand Beach in Bar Harbor, Maine, where golden sands meet stunning coastal landscapes in Acadia National Park.

Little Hunters Beach

2.3 km

Unwind at Little Hunters Beach, a serene coastal oasis on Mt. Desert Island, perfect for relaxation and scenic ocean views.

Great Head

2.3 km

Explore Great Head in Acadia National Park, where scenic trails meet stunning ocean views, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Beehive Trail

2.3 km

Explore the breathtaking Beehive Trail in Bar Harbor, where adventure meets stunning panoramic views and serene mountain top lakes.

Hunters Beach Overlook

2.5 km

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Maine's coastline at Hunters Beach Overlook, a serene scenic spot perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Hunters Beach

2.7 km

Experience the tranquil beauty of Hunters Beach in Mt. Desert, Maine, with stunning coastal views and serene surroundings perfect for relaxation.

Schooner Head Overlook

3.3 km

Discover the stunning coastal views and serene atmosphere of Schooner Head Overlook in Bar Harbor, Maine, a must-visit scenic spot near Acadia National Park.

Cooksey Drive Overlook

3.3 km

Experience the stunning vistas of Acadia National Park at Cooksey Drive Overlook, a scenic gem in Mount Desert, Maine.

Experience the best local flavors at Lunch Bar Harbor, where fresh ingredients meet delightful culinary creations in Maine's scenic paradise.

Explore Sunrise Clothing Jewelry in Bar Harbor for unique souvenirs and locally inspired treasures that capture the heart of Maine.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Garden Lounge

8.6 km

Discover the serene Garden Lounge in Bar Harbor, Maine, where refreshing drinks meet a tranquil ambiance in a picturesque setting.

Tap & Barrel Tavern

8.8 km

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Tap & Barrel Tavern in Bar Harbor, a top sports bar offering delicious food and local brews for every visitor.

Cottage St. Pub

8.9 km

Discover the charm of Cottage St. Pub in Bar Harbor, where local flavors meet a cozy atmosphere for an unforgettable dining experience.

Eagles Nest Cocktails

9.1 km

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and unique cocktails at Eagles Nest Cocktails in Bar Harbor, where local flavors meet unforgettable moments.

Bar Island Land Bridge

9.4 km

Discover the breathtaking Bar Island Land Bridge in Bar Harbor, Maine - a hiking paradise with stunning views and unique coastal experiences.

Thurston's Lobster Pound

15.3 km

Experience the taste of freshly caught lobster and seafood at Thurston's Lobster Pound, a coastal dining gem in Bernard, Maine.

The Travelin Lobster, LLC

16.9 km

Experience the freshest seafood in Bar Harbor at The Travelin Lobster, where every dish celebrates Maine's coastal flavors.

Island Take Out

18.5 km

Discover the heart of American cuisine at Island Take Out in Bar Harbor, where each meal is a delightful taste of local Maine flavors.

Fogtown Brewing Company

31.5 km

Discover the essence of Maine craft brewing at Fogtown Brewing Company, where exceptional beers and delicious pizzas await in a delightful setting.

Whale's Tooth Pub

65.3 km

Experience the best of coastal Maine cuisine at Whale's Tooth Pub, where fresh local seafood meets a friendly atmosphere and stunning views.

Paper Plane

70.3 km

Discover the essence of Camden at Paper Plane, a premier cocktail and wine bar offering exquisite drinks and breathtaking views.

Salt Wharf

70.4 km

Experience the best of Maine's seafood at Salt Wharf, where fresh catches meet stunning waterfront views in Camden.

Mad Kat and Company

70.4 km

Discover the lively atmosphere of Mad Kat and Company in Brewer, where delicious grilled dishes meet unforgettable entertainment and fun.

Camden Harbour Inn

70.5 km

Discover elegance and tranquility at Camden Harbour Inn, a luxurious hotel in the heart of Camden, Maine, with breathtaking harbor views.

Natalie's Restaurant - Relais and Chateaux

70.5 km

Experience the best of modern European cuisine at Natalie's Restaurant, Camden's premier fine dining destination with breathtaking views.

Natalie's Restaurant - Relais and Chateaux

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Explore the Majestic Otter Cliff

A brief summary to Otter Cliff

Local tips

Getting There

Shuttle Bus

Bicycle

Walking

Unlock the Best of Otter Cliff

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Otter Cliff

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Monument Cove

Cadillac South Ridge Trailhead

Bunker Ledge Monument

Stanley Brook Bridge

Highseas

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden

Pemetic Mountain

Jordan Pond House Restaurant

Jordan Pond Dam Bridge

Bubble Pond

Cobblestone Bridge

Cliffside Bridge

South Bubble

Amphitheatre Bridge

Penobscot Mountain

Unmissable attractions to see

Boulder Beach

Gorham Mountain Trailhead

Ocean Path

Thunder Hole

Otter Cove Bridge & Causeway

Gorham Mountain Trail

Ocean Path Trailhead

Sand Beach

Little Hunters Beach

Great Head

Beehive Trail

Hunters Beach Overlook

Hunters Beach

Schooner Head Overlook

Cooksey Drive Overlook

Essential places to dine

Burning Tree Restaurant

The Bucking Lobster

Copita

Colonel's Restaurant and Bakery

123 Main Street: June-Oct, Thurs-Sun, 9-3.

Havana

Everyday Joe's

Bar Harbor Lobster Co.

Project Social Kitchen & Bar

Salsa Verde Grill

McKay's Public House

Cafe This Way

Blaze

CherrySTONES

Lunch Bar Harbor

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Thunder Hole Gift Shop

Otter Creek Market

Cadillac Mountain Gift Shop

Main Street Mercantile

Swallowfield

The Kimball Shop

Fabricate LLC

Arts and Ends

The Maine Store

Sagegrass Gallery

Christmas Vacation Shop - Changing Seasons

Christmas Vacation Shop

Serendipity

The Acadia Country Store

Sunrise Clothing Jewelry

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Garden Lounge

Tap & Barrel Tavern

Cottage St. Pub