*For Summer 2023, we will only be guiding in Acadia National Park.
Climbing Sites
Atlantic Climbing School (ACS) is a full service year round guiding outfit offering private guiding and instruction on rock, ice and snow for folks of all ages and abilities. We offer courses courses in:
Rock Climbing
Ice Climbing
Mountaineering
Cross Country Skiing
Snowshoeing
Acadia National Park is located just down the road from our office and is highly regarded for its impeccable granite. Although there are certainly bigger cliffs to climb in many other areas of the country, none can match the singularly unique beauty of Acadia’s cliffs. From the granite slabs of the South Bubble overlooking Jordan Pond, the idyllic seaside location of Otter Cliffs, or the longer climbs found on the Precipice, Acadia offers a truly diverse range of climbing terrain. This diversity is fortunate for us and a huge benefit to our clients: it allows us to be selective in choosing a climbing site best suited to a particular client or course. The winter potential in Acadia is endless! Acadia hosts half a dozen amazing ice climbing venues, hundreds of miles of secluded and beautiful trails, as well as steep and snowy mountains! Regardless of the time of year, there are always an amazing adventure just around the corner in Acadia National Park!
Camden, more classically known for its excellent sailing and sea kayaking, boasts an amazing selection of rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering opportunities! With less crowds than Acadia and stunning views of Penobscot Bay and Megunticook Lake, the low-traffic cliffs in the Camden Hills are perfect for individuals, couples, families, and groups of all ages and abilities. Camden is also the site for our Rock Climbing Adventure Camps. Each summer ACS offers multiple day camps that enable kids to spend a week in the Maine woods climbing, hiking, rappelling and enjoying the company of like minded adventurous kids!
Rock Climbing in Acadia National Park
South Bubble
Perfect for kids or anyone who feels a little intimidated with the idea of rock climbing. The terrain at South Bubble presents several options and is a popular destination for our Family Climbing Experience courses. With amazing views of Jordan Pond, the Cranberry Islands and Pemetic Mountain the South Bubble is a perfect spot for the whole family!
Otter Cliffs and South Otter
Climbing above the ocean is a truly unforgettable experience. With over eighty routes to choose from this spectacular sea side location is tough to beat! An unbelievable location for your first outdoor climbing experience. Whether you are 6 years old or 70 years old there is a perfect climb for you at Otter Cliffs. The setting alone will put a smile on your face!
South Otter Cliffs is a smaller, less intimidating continuation of Otter Cliffs proper. This great climbing area is a perfect spot for folks who want to experience climbing on the ocean but want a slightly less challenging experience. A popular half day option is to start at South Otter and then walk the few minutes to Otter Cliffs proper once everyone is warmed up.
Precipice (a.k.a. the South Wall)
The higher you climb the more amazing the views! This is the tallest climbing area in Acadia National Park at around 300 feet, and offers incredible multi-pitch and single pitch climbs from 5.2 to 5.12. This stunning area is perfect for the first time climber or an experienced climber looking to check out the classics. Immaculate pink granite crack systems are everywhere! Enjoy remarkable views of Frenchman’s Bay, Egg Rock Lighthouse and Schoodic Point.
Rock Climbing in Camden, Maine
Barrett’s Cove Cliff
The ideal cliff for climbers of all abilities, Barrett’s offers beginner top ropes as well as classic multi-pitch routes. Those that reach the top are rewarded with views of Penobscot bay, Megunicook lake, and the Camden Snow bowl- the east’s only ski resort with views of the ocean. As with other venues within the Camden area, Barrett’s Cove cliff provides a crowd-free, peaceful climbing experience all summer long. At the end of the day take a dip in Lake Megunticook and look up at the cliff you just climbed!
The Verticals
For more experienced individuals the Verticals offers an excellent selection of intermediate to advanced steep face climbs. An ideal full day option is to start at Barrett’s cove cliff and warm up on lower-angle routes then walk five minutes to the Verticals for a perfect sampler of Camden’s unique metamorphic Gneiss.
The Ramparts
Interested in learning to lead climb? The Ramparts has more moderate sport and traditional climbs along with hard steep test pieces. Only minutes from Barrett’s and from the Verticals by car, this seldom-visited crag nestled in the forest is a great place to get away and pull down on Camden’s impressive stone.
Rates
The vast majority of our summer and winter programs take place in Acadia National Park and in Camden, Maine. This is our home turf and we love sharing it’s wonders with others. That said, we are lucky enough to have obtained climbing permits for wonderful climbing areas around the US and abroad. Below is a list of some of the beautiful places where we often climb. Please reach out to us if you would like more information about climbing with us outside of Acadia.
Acadia National Park, ME
Camden, Maine
Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park
Red Rocks, Nevada
North Conway, NH
Mount Washington Valley, NH
Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Red River George, KY
El Potrero Chico, Mexico
El Chalten, Argentina
