Length: .4 mi (.64 km)
Elevation Gain: 39 ft (11.9 m)
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Monument Cove, in Acadia National Park, is a beautiful photography location. This part of Acadia’s Ocean Path has a pebble beach and is known for a sea stack that separated from the rest of the cliff wall over centuries of weather exposure. Located on the east side of Mount Desert Island, Monument Cove offers views of the Otter Cliffs, Atlantic Ocean, and shows a good representation of the rugged coastline of Acadia.
Accessing Monument Cove in Acadia National Park
Starting Location: Thunder Hole or Gorham Mountain Trailhead Parking Lots, Park Loop Rd, Bar Harbor, ME
GPS (DD): 44.32078, -68.18894 (from Thunder Hole)
Monument Cove is located on the Ocean Path in Acadia National Park. The closest access points are either the Thunder Hole or Gorham Mountain Trailhead parking lots. Both areas fill up quickly, so you can also use the Island Explorer Shuttle Bus during the peak season. This shuttle bus runs from mid-June to mid-October. I would personally recommend getting off at Thunder Hole and then walking to Monument Cove from there.
From either parking lot, you will walk across Park Loop Road and then hike along the Ocean Path trail until you reach Monument Cove. Monument Cove is north of Gorham Mountain and south of Thunder Hole. The Ocean Path hiking trail is fairly level and is well worth the trip, even if you hike only a small section of it.
Photography Tips for Monument Cove
Monument Cove was my biggest regret on my trip to Acadia National Park. I really wanted to see the separated sea stack, but I needed to go just a bit farther along the Ocean Path than I did. I started at the Gorham Mountain Parking Lot and missed the vista by a few yards. If I were to wager a guess, the northern vista with the sea stack is located somewhere around these GPS coordinates: 44.31819, -68.19072 along the northern edge of the cove. But I will need to go back to verify the location.
Apparently, the vantage point where you can see the Monument Cove sea stack separated from the sea cliff wall is only big enough for one tripod. Because of that, you are not likely to see a crowd of photographers. Either you will get your spot or you won’t. In light of that, please remember to be courteous and safe.
That said, the southern view of Monument Cove is also stunning (see above photo). Although you won’t be able to see the sea stack separation from this angle, you can still see it in the distance and the coastline is beautiful. No matter which place you decide to shoot from, Monument Cove is an incredible sunrise location.
Find Your Favorite Location
No matter where you stop, Acadia National Park provides amazing landscape photography opportunities. Be sure to take your time and find your favorite location along the way. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife! Don’t forget to add detailed macro shots, change your perspective, and most importantly have fun.
Before making your trip, consider checking the official Acadia National Park website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area. I hope you enjoy your time visiting Monument Cove!
Happy Travels!
Juventa, Co-Owner, National Park Photographer
Want to learn more about Acadia National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Best Easy Day Hiking Guide and Trail Map Bundle: Acadia National Park
- Carriage Roads of Acadia: A Pocket Guide
- Moon Acadia National Park: Seaside Towns, Fall Foliage, Cycling & Paddling (Travel Guide)
- Acadia National Park: The Complete Guide (Color Travel Guide)
- Historic Acadia National Park: The Stories Behind One of America’s Great Treasures
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