Boulder Beach

You won't find Boulder Beach on the Acadia National Park website, and its secret nature is part of the love affair people have with this special slice of coastline. Boulder Beach is on one of the popular trails, so it's easy to find if you know where to look.

Dog-Friendly Boulder Beach Details

Boulder Beach is along the Ocean Path Trail between Monument Cove and Otter Cliff. The full length of the trail is 2.2 miles each way.

Pets must be on a leash at least six feet long at all times. If you're crossing Sand Beach to get to Boulder Beach, dogs can only be on Sand Beach long enough to walk to the trailhead between May 15 and September 15.

You'll have to watch your steps (and your pet's paws) as you climb down to Boulder Beach, which is obvious by the round, smooth bowling ball and larger rocks that make up the beach.

FUN FACT: A boulder, by definition, is any rock larger than 10 inches in diameter. If it's bigger than a basketball, it's a boulder. Cobble is a rock shaped anywhere from a tennis ball to basketball size, and a pebble is smaller than a tennis ball.

From Sand Beach to Thunder Hole, the trail is packed with gravel and a smooth walking surface. It becomes more uneven after Thunder Hole through the extension to Otter Point.

This beach is popular with photographers, especially at sunrise.

Ocean Path is one of the recommended trails in winter when conditions are safe to do so. Some trails in the park will be closed to visitors, but not Ocean Path.

Boulder Beach Dog-Friendly Amenities

You are responsible for all accessories your dog needs, including pet waste bags and drinking water. Please pick up immediately after your pet. If you exhibit all the responsible signs of pet ownership at the park, you could get your dog a coveted BARK Ranger award.

If you need to use the restroom, do so at the Sand Beach parking area, as there are no restrooms along this trail.

Is Boulder Beach Safe for Dogs?

You'll need to use your best judgment, but you should look at some videos of others who made the trek. The trail is slippery and rocky to get to the beach. Once you're there, you could be on loose, slippery, or ice-covered boulders. The waves can be intense here (one of the most beautiful aspects) but can also be dangerous.

This is definitely a "visit at your own risk" location, but it's not an area that is off-limits by any means. If you're planning to visit for the sunrise, it makes sense to visit in daylight ahead of time to get the lay of the land. The same goes for those wanting a starry night view of the beach. In fact, this view won a Share the Experience photography award in 2018.

As tempting as it might be to let a dog off-leash, it's against the park rules, and it is dangerous because of the rocky cliffs, swift currents, and slippery conditions.

If you're visiting Thunder Hole on the path as well, be mindful of dogs who are scared of thunder. They certainly won't like this natural wonder as much as you do and could become agitated or agonized.

Take Safety Seriously on Ocean Path

This path has seen at least two deaths in recent years. In 2016, a man went to take photos of the sunset above Thunder Hole and accidentally slipped. In April 2023, a 17-year-old fell to his death just north of Otter Cliff, which is in the vicinity of Boulder Beach.

Parking at Boulder Beach

The Island Explorer free bus system is pet-friendly (please review the rules), and it's the best way to avoid traffic. There is a route with two stops near Boulder Beach.

If you are going to drive, Sand Beach is your best option, but the lot does fill up fast in the summer. Pick up a map of all parking areas before you enter Park Loop Road.

NOTE: Sand Beach is open year-round, making this the best parking option in the winter since the loop is closed just before you get to Boulder Beach from the roadway. The Ocean Path Trail is open year-round, starting at Sand Beach.

What's Near Boulder Beach?

Along this route, you have several wonderful stopping points.

• Thunder Hole
• Otter Cliff (please read the dog restrictions for climbers)
• Sand Beach - Check out this starry night timelapse from Sand Beach

Boulder Beach Dog-Friendly Beach Rating: C