Cliffs closed after massive rock fall

ACADIA NAT’L PARK — A rockslide involving boulders larger than some cars has indefinitely closed ocean-side climbing areas at Otter Cliffs. Park officials must decide where and what kind of anchor to install in order to make the area safe for climbing, said ranger Stuart West.

When the park’s two expert climbers – David Smith and Therese Picard – inspected the area this week and removed debris, they found chalk marks – an indication that someone has already climbed on the new and unstable rock face. The park also received reports over the weekend that at least one climber had disregarded the signs. “This could have been a real tragedy,” said Mr. West.