Thunder Hole – Acadia National Park Photography
Acadia National Park is located in the U.S. state of Maine. It reserves much of Mount Desert Island and associated smaller islands off the Atlantic coast. Created as Lafayette National Park in 1919, the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River, it was renamed Acadia in 1929.
Thunder Hole is an inlet that is naturally carved out of rocks. The water rolls into the inlet and is forced into a cavern, and when it rushes out, it gives a large bang like a clap of thunder. The water can come out and go as much as 40 feet into the air. When you come around the corner to Thunder Hole, roll your window down so you can listen to nature talking to you as you approach.
We can him and haw here and tell you about the magnificent views, the incredible colors, the dynamic shapes and go on and on, but we won’t. We will just inform you that this park is one of the most incredible places in the USA. If you want to photograph from morning to night for days in a row, put this on your bucket list. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Acadia National Park is one of the most photographed parks in the United States. This image alone should portray why that is so. Extra Eyes Photo Tours will take you to all of the hidden locations. It’s a great tour. See the details here www.extraeyesphototours.com.
If you want to leave here and head to another northern location, read about our journey from Acadia National Park, Maine, to Fundy Trail, Canada. It is an incredible journey. >Read more here.
Acadia National Park Thunder Hole Photography at a Glance
Lens: Wide Angle
Gear List at a Glance: Circular polarizing filter, neutral density filter, tripod, shutter release, wide-angle lens. – Long exposure running waters.
When to Go: Call ahead in the winter to see if the roads are open when snowing. We like Spring, Summer and Fall the best.
MANUAL MODE
You have moving waters here. You can do your long-exposure running and milky water shots, and a lot of them. You will have to use a tripod for this effect. Your settings will vary depending on the lighting and your neutral density filter. We highly suggest you do not go here unless you have ND filters and know how to use them. Read up on ND filters and Moving Water photography.
You will shoot in manual mode for the milky waters. ISO is always 100 or as low as your camera will allow. The aperture is f22, or the most closed aperture your camera allows to let the least amount of light in(the highest f number). Your shutter speed will be the only variable depending on the light. Roll your shutter speed until your meter reads zero. (In the center) You can use your shutter release or 2-second timer to prevent camera movement when exposed. You will want at least a 2-second exposure to create the milky water effect. If you don’t have a neutral density filter, you may not get more than 1/15th of a second in the sun.
OPTIMAL TIME TO VISIT
We advise against traveling to this location during winter due to possible road closures. Our preferred times of year are Spring and Fall, which tend to have lower attendance rates. We highly recommend visiting mid-week to avoid larger crowds. Plan your trip during the Milky Way season for a chance to photograph some of the darkest skies in the lower forty-eight states. Check out our Milky Way Photography page for information on when the Milky Way will be visible and optimal for photography.
HOW LONG PHOTOGRAPH
You can set aside at least two full days to have the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of this expansive park and its surrounding areas. From the sprawling forests to the winding paths that led to hidden beauty, there was much to discover in this nature haven.
WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR TO BRING
We suggest you bring a robust and versatile camera setup to capture the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife fully. Essential items include a DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide-angle and telephoto lenses, a sturdy tripod for long exposures, and multiple memory cards.
A wide-angle lens is essential for snapping sweeping vistas of the park’s forests and coastline and is our primary tool in this park. In contrast, a telephoto lens will enable you to capture close-ups of wildlife, but that is a rare occasion. If you go on a boat tour, you are more likely to see wildlife, and your zoom lens is a must. We’ve seen a visitor here and there fascinated by the sight of deer grazing in the early dawn or the flight of eagles soaring majestically overhead, but not very often.
So, the most important things are your tripod, ND filters for long exposure milky water effects, and all of your gear for Milky Way photography, including a red headlamp, flashlight, two-second timer, and zoom lens for your boat tour.
WHAT ESLE TO BRING
Hiking boots, bug spray, hats in summer, and gloves and scarf during colder months are essential for a comfortable experience. Remember, this is Maine. It gets pretty cold at night. A good quality backpack that can handle your gear and personal necessities will help in your long treks.
Remember to bring water and some high-energy snacks to keep yourself fueled while exploring the vast park. There is a restaurant at Jordon Pond that you can plan to shoot around lunch or dinner time.
A field guide or map of the park could also help navigate between the popular spots and hidden gems Acadia offers. Lastly, bring binoculars for bird watching or observing far-off wildlife.
WHAT TO PHOTOGRAPH
Acadia National Park is renowned for sunrise and sunset views, making it an idyllic spot for landscape photography. The breathtaking beauty of Cadillac Mountain, being the tallest along the North Atlantic seaboard, is a highlight, especially at dawn when it is the first place in the U.S. to greet the morning sun. Still, it’s just a tourist overlook without the dramatic colors of sunrise and sunset. A slow, gradual climb to the summit rewards an unparalleled view where the sun’s first rays paint vibrant colors across the sky and sea. Later in the day, capture the dappled sunlight as it filters down, bathing the forest floor in an ethereal glow, but plan on going when the sky fills with colors.
As dawn breaks into daylight, focus on the pristine lakes that dot the park. The sky and surrounding wilderness’s reflections on their calm surfaces create an enchanting mirror image begging to be photographed. Remember Jordan Pond; its sparkling waters often ripple with the movement of the beavers and otters that call it home.
Rock Beach is a favorite spot for Milky Way photography, and don’t forget the Bass Harbor Lighthouse for sunset photography and Milky Way.
SEE ALL OF OUR MAINE PHOTOGRAPHY HOT SPOTS TO VIEW INDIVIDUAL LOCATIONS IN ACADIA.
DIFFICULTY
A lot of Acadian National Park is easily accessible. Rock Beach has a set of stairs that make it difficult to get down to the beach. The Bass Harbor Lighthouse is challenging to shoot. There are slipper rocks and off-trail rocks to climb down to get to a spot to create a good shot. You can view it from standing near it without climbing down, but you will not get a good shot or be able to see the icon view.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Acadia National Park may offer encounters with creatures such as foxes, white-tailed deer, and an occasional eagle. Don’t look for moose here. They are on the other side of the state. There are massive opportunities for dynamic photography here, especially long exposure and Milky Way photography. It can get very crowded, so book your hotel/motel/cabin in advance.
HOW BUSY DOES IT GET?
As one of the top ten most visited national parks, Acadia sees its fair share of visitors, particularly during the summer when the weather is at its finest. We like Spring and Fall to avoid the crowds and there are more ways to avoid the crush of people. Opt for early mornings or late afternoons, when most visitors are tucking into their breakfasts or dinners. That’s when the park is quiet. Also, consider exploring some of the less-trodden paths. Even though they might not lead you to the most popular attractions, they can offer you a peaceful sojourn away from the hustle and bustle, letting you bask in the serene beauty of Acadia’s less frequented corners.
MILKY WAY PHOTOGRAPHY
This is one of the best places to photograph the Milky Way. The sky here is incredibly dark, and the Milky Way shines brilliantly overhead at certain times during certain months. Be sure to see our Milky Way Photography Page to learn when the Milky Way is visible.
NEARBY PHOTOGRAPHY
If this wasn’t enough photography, don’t miss the rare opportunity to photograph puffins up close near Cutler, Maine. The largest puffin colony on the east coast is not far north of Acadia National Park. Book your summer tours as early as March. They fill up fast!
HOW TO GET TO ACADIA
BY CAR: To reach Mount Desert Island from the south, follow I-95 north to Augusta, Maine and then take Route 3 east to Ellsworth. Another option is to continue on I-95 north towards Bangor, then take Route 1A east to Ellsworth. From there, continue on Route 3 until reaching Mount Desert Island.
BY AIR: Travelers can take direct flights to Mount Desert Island from Boston’s Logan Airport, which is only 10 miles away from the Hancock County Airport. For those flying into Bangor International Airport, just an hour away from the island, national airlines are available. Car rental services are offered at both airports for convenience.
WHERE TO STAY
There are numerous options throughout the park. We will be featuring Hotels, Motels and Cabins here. Please email us to advertise for only $129.00 for the entire year!! You can scroll down for information on where to stay. See below if we picked our best location.
PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS
SHUTTER PRIORITY:
You have moving subjects, you will want to shoot in shutter priority to ensure your shutter speed is high enough to have your subject in sharp focus. Approximately 1/250th of a second is appropriate for people walking by, and adjust your ISO accordingly. If they are moving fast, increase your shutter speed to about 1/500th of a second. A fast bird flying by would be shot at about 1/1000th of a second. If it’s a bright sunny day, go as high as 1/1200th of a second. Remember, the higher your shutter speed, the less light comes into the camera. For More Details, see our Shutter Priority Page.
MANUAL MODE:
You can do your long-exposure running and milky water shots if you have moving waters at the location. You will have to use a tripod for this effect. Your settings will vary depending on the lighting and your neutral density filter. You will shoot in manual mode for the milky waters. ISO is always 100 or as low as your camera will allow. The aperture is f22, or the highest f-stop your camera will allow. Your shutter speed will be the only variable depending on the light. Roll your shutter speed until your meter reads zero. (In the center) Use your shutter release or 2-second timer to prevent camera movement when exposing. You will want at least a 2-second exposure for milky water. If you don’t have a neutral density filter, you may not get more than 1/15th of a second in the sun.
You can buy an ND filter here. We highly suggest you do not go anywhere without one. Long exposure to moving waters makes all the difference between lifeless images and outstanding, dynamic images.
APERTURE PRIORITY:
Aperture Priority is often used to blur the background of your images and control your depth of field (how much from the subject to the background is in focus). For more information on this – see our Aperture page
ISO:
The higher you set it, the more light is when exposing an image. The higher the number, the more digital noise, so stay below 800. If you need to go higher to get the shot, you can use Topaz Denoise to filter out the digital noise later. See the ISO page here.
WHITE BALANCE:
Be sure to set your white balance each time the lighting changes. Auto mode is not always accurate on many cameras, and we prefer to set it manually. It’s one of the more straightforward basics of photography to master. If you need more help, you can get some more details here. See the white balance page here.
WATERFALL PHOTOGRAPHY:
If you’re going to do the milky water photography shots here along the water, you must have a tripod and a neutral-density filter. Preparing before embarking on a waterfall photography excursion is always best. You can also explore long-exposure waterfall techniques by visiting our waterfall photography page for tips.
AREA
INFORMATION
Acadia National Park and Area Information:
Entrance Fees: All park visitors are required to pay an entrance fee upon entry May–October. Passes are non-transferable. Credit cards are accepted at all fee collection areas.
Private Vehicle: $25 valid for 7 days
Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants.
Motorcycle: $20 valid for 7 days
Admits one or two passengers on a private, non-commercial motorcycle.
Per Person: $12 valid for 7 days
Admits one individual with no car.
Hulls Cove Visitor Center:
April 15 – October 31, open daily
April, May, June, September, and October: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
July & August: 8 am – 6 pm
Seasonal Closings:
Park Loop Road:
Closed annually December 1 – April 14. Road opening may be delayed on years of heavy snow and ice. Two short sections remain open year-round.
Winter Restrooms:
The following restrooms are open during winter operations:
- Brown Mountain Parking Area
- Eagle Lake Boat Ramp
- Eagle Lake Carriage Road
- Fabbri Picnic Area
- Jordan Pond Boat Ramp
- Parkman Mountain Parking Area
- Sand Beach Parking Area
HOTELS
Acadia National Park Hotel Information:
No lodging is located inside the park, but there are plenty of hotels just outside of the park. Here are Pam’s Picks for the best bang for the buck.
The Colony Cottages and Motel – 20 Route 3, Hulls Cove, Bar Harbor, ME, 04644, United States of America, 888-950-5062 – See the pictures and details above.
Add your hotel here!
Do you want us to send our photography and ghost-hunting friends to your hotel for their photography or ghost-hunting trip? Put your hotel information here. We will put pictures of your hotel, the website link, the phone number, and your hotel information.
CAMPING
Where Camp Near Acadia
Do you want us to send our photography and ghost-hunting friends to your campground to stay during their ghost-hunting trip? Put your campground information here. We will put a picture of your establishment, the website link, the phone number, and the information on your campground to make it easy for our photographers and ghost hunters to find you. They are good at getting there in the dark.
Would you like to be featured in an article as a place to stay while doing photography or ghost hunting? If so, please send us an email. You will be surprised at how affordable our prices can be.
Camping
Blackwoods Campground
Located on Route 3 the campground is 5 miles (8 km) south of Bar Harbor. It is open all year, with the following restrictions:
- May – October: Reservations recommended. Fee: $30 per site, per night.
- April and November: Weather permitting, Fee: $10 (self-registration)
- December – March: A limited number of campsites are available for primitive camping only in the offseason at Blackwoods. During this time campers must obtain a camping permit from the dispatch at park headquarters (8 am – 4:30 pm daily). Facilities are limited to a hand pump for water and a portable toilet. The campground entrance road is closed to automobiles during this time; campers are required to hike in from the campground entrance on Route 3. Campers must pack out all trash. Fee: Free. For more information, visit the Winter Camping page.
Schoodic Woods Campground
Located on the Schoodic Peninsula, this campground is 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Winter Harbor. It will open in 2015 from September until Columbus Day. After this season, it will be open from late May until Columbus Day. The entire campground will be first come, first served this year. Reservations for following years are highly recommended.
Fee (per site, per night): $22 walk-in tent sites, $30 drive up tent/small RV, $36 RV with electric only sites, $40 RV with electric and water. Discounts available for Senior and Access (Permanent Disability) pass holders.
Reservations for Blackwoods and Seawall Campgrounds
Reservations for individual sites are handled by the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS), not the park. By Phone
877-444-6777
877-833-6777 (TTY)
518-885-3639 (International)
888-448-1474 (Customer Service)
Reservations for individual sites are handled by the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS), not the park. By Phone
877-444-6777
877-833-6777 (TTY)
518-885-3639 (International)
888-448-1474 (Customer Service)
Online
www.recreation.gov
FOOD & DINING
Restaurants – Acadia National Park
The Jordan Pond House Restaurant:
Located inside the park. This is where we stop to eat.
Address: Park Loop Rd, Seal Harbor, ME 04675
Phone: (207) 276-3316
Perry’s Lobster Shack:
1076 Newbury Neck Road
Surry, ME
207-667-1955—This is where you go to do sunset photography and enjoy your incredibly fresh lobster dinner. Don’t go here and not have lobster. I got up during dinner, did some sunset photography, and returned. I was out on the deck. No one seemed to care. I could have shot it from my seat, but of course, I needed just the right angle. There was a dock and a man fishing below to get in my sunset shot.
Perry’s is run by Perry and his wife, Beverly. The lobster shack is on the side of Newbury Neck Road, with stairs leading to the town beach. Perry’s menu is simple, with fresh lobster, mussels, and corn on the cob.
Add your Restaurant here!
Do you want us to send our photography and ghost-hunting friends to your restaurant after their ghost-hunting trip? Put your restaurant information here. We will put a picture of your establishment, the website link, the phone number, and the information on your restaurant to make it easy for our photographers and ghost hunters to find you.
WEATHER
Don’t forget that you can use a rain sleeve on your camera if it is raining.
Go to our Photography Store after reading all about waterfall photography or neutral density filters.
