Otter Cliffs, Acadia National Park, Maine, USA

© dbimages/Alam

On the rocks

Welcome to Otter Cliffs on Mount Desert Island, the second largest island on the USA’s east coast. Here thrill-seekers have the chance to take in the picturesque Atlantic seashore from the edge of a sheer granite wall. Rising some 60ft (18m) above the crashing waves below, the cliffs are shown here at low tide - when the tide is in, that ledge at the bottom is completely submerged.

This spot in Maine’s Acadia National Park has become one of New England's premier climbing destinations, popular with both experts and beginners. Climbers begin by either abseiling down the cliff or being lowered from the top. The heart races at the bottom, as waves crash against the rocks right below the climber's shoes and ocean spray makes the first few hand, and footholds, slippery. From there, the only way out is up, back to the top of this stunning crag in a thrilling ascent.