Thunder Hole

Nothing symbolizes the power of Acadia National Park as much asThunder 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!This is a beautiful spot to view some of the most striking features within Acadia. Northward is Sand Beach and the Great Head to the right. Southward is the majestic 110 foot high Otter Cliff, one of the highest headlands north of Rio de Janeiro.Thunder Hole is just past Sand Beach while traveling south on thePark Loop Road. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus stops here about every half hour during normal seasonal daytime hours.