Thunder Hole

A natural phenomenon caused by waves crashing into a narrow inlet, Thunder Hole is a sight worth seeing in Acadia National Park.  As the waves rush in and out of the small cavern at the end of the inlet, the water collides with trapped air, creating a loud thunderous sound.  The splash of the water can reach up to 40 feet when the elements are just right.  The best conditions for experiencing the clapping waves are 2 hours before high tide, but rough waters and choppy seas can also create the necessary conditions.

This overlook is worth seeing even on a calm day.  The stairway down to the shore allows for views of the rocky shoreline to both the north and south.  It is also a great spot for taking in the sunrise and will likely be less crowded than the popular Cadillac Mountain.  The parking lot has ample room, but it will fill up fast in the summer months.  Consider taking the park shuttle, or turn the trip into an afternoon adventure by walking the Ocean Path trail from Sand Beach to Otter Point, stopping at Thunder Hole along the way.

Although we didn’t get to see the rare 40 foot splash on our visit, we did get a little bit of a show.  This video shows just a glimpse of the power of Thunder Hole.