Rocks
Most cliffs are composed of solid coarse-grained pink granite. The longest routes are three pitches. Otter Cliff and Great Head provide a spectacular setting for sea cliff climbing not commonly available elsewhere.
Safety
Climbers assume responsibility for personal safety. On some routes local climbers maintain fixed protection or rappel stations. Evaluate them before using. At Otter Cliffs, the park maintains fixed anchors on top that must be used instead of trees to belay several climbs. Evaluate them before using also, and notify the park immediately of safety concerns. Climbers at Great Head and Otter Cliffs should know tides and weather forecasts; climbing at these areas is more difficult and dangerous at high tide or with high surf. Climb within your limits.
Instruction/Guiding
Climbing instruction and guiding is available locally from private companies in Bar Harbor.
Guidebook
Grant Simmons, 2015: Rock Climbs of Acadia
Commonly Used Climbing Areas
- Otter Cliff: 60 foot (18 m) sea cliffs, crack and face climbing, rappel access, routes up to 5.12.
- Precipice (Center, Left, Right, and Lower walls): 3 pitch routes to 5.12, good corners and thin cracks, some good beginner routes.
- South Bubble: 1-3 pitch routes, some friction climbing, good beginner routes.
- Great Head: high grade sea cliff climbing, rappel access, know tides and weather.