You Can Hear Thunder Without The Rain At This Maine Natural Wonder In Acadia
By Chris Dodge|Published April 05, 2023
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Chris Dodge
Author
My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
The Pine Tree State is known for a few staple things that are familiar to every Mainer – things like moose, lobsters, and blueberry pie. There are even a few natural wonders that we hold near and dear to our hearts, like Mount Katahdin, the rocky coastline, and of course, Acadia National Park. Within the borders of our national park, there is a sight that rivals Old Faithful. That natural wonder, of course, is Thunder Hole in Acadia, Maine, and you simply don’t want to miss this one.
Thunder Hole is a rather popular spot and it's on many people’s must-see list when they visit Acadia. Though information on this natural wonder isn’t hard to find, you could easily drive right past it if you didn't know where to look.
The Park Loop Road is a one-way road that traverses most of the national park, and the drive is nothing short of gorgeous. That being said, make sure you follow the map and try not to get so caught up in the beauty around you. Trust us - it's hard not to be infatuated with the sights.
Knowing where to go is half the battle, but the other half is knowing when to go.
Follow the tide charts closely and pay attention to pending storms because those two factors will have a huge impact on the spectacle that is Thunder Hole. You will want to arrive an hour or two before high tide and claim a spot or just enjoy the views. On a busy summer day, you may even be sharing the location with a few hundred people, so be prepared to arrive early so you can find a parking spot.
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From the parking lot, cross the street and head down the stairs.
There are several sets of stairs leading all the way down to a cave carved out of the rocky coastline. If you come early enough or when the tide is low, you can descend down to the lowest landing where you'll have the best view of the cave's gaping maw before it receives its daily dousing of seawater.
As the rhythmic design of the ocean brings waves further and further into the hole, you will start to hear the faint slap of the tide. Soon, the waters begin to churn and swirl like a swarm of angry bees and the force will start to get more intense.
If you catch it just right, the sea begins to gain momentum, and with the force of a mighty wave, water violently crashes into the cave.
If you take off from that point, you can climb on the rocks in either direction to find unique sections and solitude. Getting away from the crowds can sometimes be a difficult thing in Acadia, but here it's as easy as heading along the coastline.
One thing is sure, Thunder Hole in Acadia, Maine, is a must-see in our national park. With a little bit of planning ahead, you are sure to make your trip to Mount Desert Island memorable when you see the mighty and clamorous sounds of Thunder Hole. For more information about the park please visit the Acadia National Park page.
