Submitted by Unfair_Holiday_3549 t3_1004hkz in Maine
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Comments
Unfair_Holiday_3549 OP t1_j2fk1ef wrote
I guess that would be the biggest concern, icy roads.
hike_me t1_j2fjbz5 wrote
Thunder Hole is accessible in winter, however the park will close the road during snow storms and then clean it up and reopen Ocean Drive after the storm is over. To get there in the winter you drive down Schooner Head Road and turn right at the 4 way stop at the end. Turn left onto the one way park loop road and go through the entrance station. Stop at Sand Beach for a bit, and then continue to Thunder Hole. The road closes just before Otter Cliffs, so you’ll be forced to turn right onto Otter Cliff Road instead of continuing on Park Loop Road. At the end of Otter Cliff Road turn right to head back to Bar Harbor.
A recent change is they now man the entrance station some of the time in winter, and you’re supposed to display a pass regardless, so you’ll want a park pass. You can buy one at the entrance station, at the chamber of commerce on Bar Harbor (the park shares it in the winter because the ANP visitors center is closed), or online. In the winter sometimes they sell discounted annual passes (in person only). They used to advertise that passes were only required May-October, but that is no longer the case.
A large portion of the Park Loop Road is closed to cars in winter, but it’s currently snow free and great for biking.
Unfair_Holiday_3549 OP t1_j2fq4ou wrote
Thank you. What great info!
Guygan t1_j2fgc7z wrote
> if you can visit that area in January?
CAN you? Yes.
> Is anything closed around that area?
In January? Almost everything.
Unfair_Holiday_3549 OP t1_j2fh6s2 wrote
So I won't be able to drive to those outlooks near the coastline?
hike_me t1_j2fii9x wrote
The Ocean Drive section of park loop road is open. This goes by the iconic ANP spots of Sand Beach and Thunder Hole.
I live in Bar Harbor. Town was actually pretty vibrant today. Lots of people around. A small number of restaurants are open, and a few shops.
Unfair_Holiday_3549 OP t1_j2fju1h wrote
Okay, thanks. I see it's supposed to snow around the time I would go, but it shouldn't be too bad with all the rain you all are getting, right? I also have snow tires with studs, if that matters.
hike_me t1_j2fn3w8 wrote
The ground is currently bare
Guygan t1_j2fi1mz wrote
Call the chamber of commerce.
floralwhale t1_j2fig0d wrote
Basically the entire island shuts down. As in, you may be able to find an open coffee shop and a couple of open restaurants. But sure, you can drive around to the scenic spots as long as the roads aren't icy. You can definitely still drive along the coast.
hike_me t1_j2fn860 wrote
Some of actually live here year round, so it isn’t a ghost town, and we’re getting more winter visitors every year. A handful of restaurants and shops will be open.
floralwhale t1_j2fu8ip wrote
That's awesome to hear! I love visiting in winter but last January when I went, it basically felt like a ghost town.
Spiral-bound t1_j2fiz80 wrote
In winter, a section of park loop road usually remains open that extends just past sand beach. You can park there and walk along the cliff trail to thunder hole. Most stores and restaurants will be closed, and unless you are coming prepared for winter hiking with the appropriate gear you probably won't want to do mountain/elevation hikes. The carriage trails will be open, but keep an eye on icy conditions. Its a great time to explore the park if you're coming prepared with cold weather clothing. You will see the park at its least busy time and it is beautiful.