Wayside: Sounds of the Sea

Access Wayside: Sounds of the Sea

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Thunder Hole

Significance:

Interpretive Wayside

Amenities

2 listed

Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Access Acadia: Inclusive Descriptions of Park Destinations

• LINK TO WAYSIDE IMAGE IN NPGALLERY

• LINK TO RECORDED AUDIO DESCRIPTION

• Access Wayside: Sounds of the Sea

  
  

  An audio description provided for "Unusual Pocket Beach," an interpretive wayside at Acadia National Park.
  Audio Transcript

  At the Thunder Hole overlook, a wayside exhibit entitled "Sounds of the Sea" features an informational panel angled atop the low stone wall.

  The exhibit's title appears over a dramatic photograph that captures the raw power of the ocean at Thunder Hole. At high tide, water surges over rocks and sprays high into the air over the walkway. An inset diagram shows waves pushing into a narrow cave in the ledge parallel to the walkway.

  Text explains: "Hearing the thunder here is all about timing. The best time to witness the boom and spray is two hours before high tide. If the ocean is calm or the tide is low, you may just hear gurgling. What causes the thunder? The cave traps air when it suddenly fills with water and creates a thunderous burst of ocean spray."

  More text offers safety tips:

  -Stay in designated walkways and viewing areas behind railings and respect gate closures for safe views of Thunder Hole.

  -Big waves caused by high tides or offshore storms occur without warning and have washed people out to sea.

  -Black algae and water make shore rocks very slippery. Use extreme caution if walking in these areas.