As the days get longer and the weather gets more reliably warm, all we can think about is planning outdoor escapes. Whether it’s just hopping outside for a few minutes every day or it’s planning longer trips to the state’s parks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy what the Spring season brings. While you’re planning all your exploration, make sure you’ve got Acadia National Park on your list. There are tons of places to hike here, but what we really love is the natural phenomenon that’s so loud they call it thunder!

One of the most incredible natural wonders in Maine can be found in Acadia National Park.

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A lot of the time, things look pretty calm around here.

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But if you time your visit just right, you’re in for a huge surprise.

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Thunder Hole is actually a small inlet in the rocks where waves continually crash against the shore.

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When a particularly strong wave enters the inlet, the air within a small cavern just below the surface is forced out causing a thunderous roar. And, the best part is when the water rushes into the air - sometimes as high as 40 feet!

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It’s important to be careful here. The sound is indicative of the sheer force of the waves here. Getting to close or not paying attention can lead to a dangerous situation.

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But, play it safe and this is a wonderful way to appreciate the beautiful coast of Maine.

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This spot isn’t exactly a secret. On weekends you’re likely to spot quite a crew of people waiting to bear witness to this magnificent wonder.

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There’s not much that can thwart eager nature-lovers. Not even that quintessential foggy coastal weather we see in Maine.

burnedcity / Flickr It’s fun to stand and wait for the roar of the waves. If you’ve ever seen a geyser erupt from the ground, the anticipation is a lot like that!

To see Thunder Hole in action, check out this video:

oakleyoriginals / Flickr

jeffgunn / Flickr

nightthree / Flickr

drewtarvin / Flickr

smilla4 / Flickr

kenlund / Flickr

mcoupland / Flickr

rjcox / Flickr

burnedcity / Flickr

It’s fun to stand and wait for the roar of the waves. If you’ve ever seen a geyser erupt from the ground, the anticipation is a lot like that!

You can get to Thunder Hole by traveling south on the Park Loop Road. It’s just past Sand Beach. To make the visit easier, you can take the the Island Explorer Shuttle Bus which stops here about every half hour during normal seasonal daytime hours.

While you’re in Acadia National Park for the day, make sure you cross these 8 things off your one-day list of adventures. It’s hard to believe how much fun can be had in just one day in Maine!

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