![]() NPS Photo by Kent Miller Climbing BasicsRocksMost 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. SafetyClimbers 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/GuidingClimbing instruction and guiding is available locally from private companies in Bar Harbor. GuidebookGrant Simmons, 2015: Rock Climbs of Acadia Commonly Used Climbing Areas
Many other small areas are used infrequently and good bouldering can be found along the ocean between Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs, and near Blackwoods Campground. Climbing Management PlanTo learn more about how and why we manage climbing in the park, visit our Climbing Management Plan page. Climbing RegulationsNew Route DevelopmentCreating new routes by installing fixed protection (including bolts and pitons), and/or cleaning routes of vegetation and soils will be permitted only with the prior written approval of the superintendent and only at these climbing areas:
Route development using fixed protection (including pitons) and route cleaning is prohibited at all other areas of the park. Route cleaning is defined as the systematic and comprehensive removal of soils and vegetation from climbing routes. For more information, visit our Climbing Route Development page. Group SizeAll organized climbing groups are limited to a maximum group size of twelve persons, including guides. For information please call (207) 288-3274 . Group ClimbingReservations for climbing are required at Otter Cliffs for organized groups of 6-12 people (including guides and instructors), from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Group Climbing information. Commercial Use AuthorizationsAnyone offering instruction or guiding services in the park for a fee must obtain a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). (36 CFR 5.3). To learn more, visit Do Business With Us, or contact the CUA Program Coordinator at (207) 288 8735 or acad_cua_program@nps.gov BridgesClimbing and bouldering are prohibited on all park bridges. (36 CFR 2.1 a 5) DogsDogs are prohibited at climbing areas to the extent that they may not be tethered or allowed to run loose while their owner is climbing. (36 CFR 2.15 a) Area closuresThe Precipice parking lot wall, Jordan Cliffs, and Beech Cliffs are usually closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons between early April and mid-August. Exact dates and locations may vary annually. (36 CFR 1.5) |
Last updated: August 7, 2020