State: Maine
Location: Acadia National Park
Length, Round Trip: 17 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Best Season: Summer
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Moderate
Stonington Harbor, Maine
Trail Information
Isle au Haut is a literal treasure-trove of hiking and stunning coastal views. About 2/3 of the island is NPS land, the remaining land is a quaint year-round fishing village. Isle au Haut is a large island sitting high above the surrounding islands in the Gulf of Maine offering some of the most gorgeous views of a lifetime. To the east you will see the islands of North Haven and Vinalhaven. In the far distance, you will be able to see Camden on the mainland.
There are a number of trails varying in Length. The island offers 17 miles of hiking trails. Most trails offer ocean views but there are some inland paths as well. If you want to hike the entire day, pick up a park map which is helpful for combining several trails.
In order to reach the island you must travel by ferry out of Stonington. There are two ferries that run during the summer months and off-season schedule is limited. In summer, one ferry travels to Town Landing four times per day and the other ferry travels to Duck Harbor Landing two times per day. For more detailed ferry information call: 207-367-5193.
If traveling during the off-season you will want to make advanced overnight reservations. The primitive campground on Isle au Haut opens mid-May and closes mid-September. The National Park Service has 6 overnight lean-to shelters available and advance reservations are recommended. In addition, there is a small bed-and-breakfast on the island by the name of Keeper’s House.
Isle au Haut Trails
Bowditch Trail: The Bowditch Trail is a 7.4 mile trail that offers no expansive mountaintop views. During the spring it blooms with rhodora, sheep laurel and tiny white star flowers in spring. It is frequently used as a connector to the Long Pond Trail.
Duck Harbor Mountain Trail: The Duck Harbor Mountain Trail is only 2.4 miles long but is the most strenuous hike on Isle au Haut, but it also offers some of the most spectacular views. The trail provides access to Deep Cove, a beautiful natural attraction located on the southeastern edge of the island.
Duck Harbor Trail: The 7.6 mile long Duck Harbor Trail is the only north-south trail that leads from the town landing to Duck Harbor Campground.
Cliff Trail: At 4.2 miles, the Cliff Trail is the shorter of the two trails to catch low tide to cross over to the rocky island of Western Ear. However, the Cliff Trail is more ups and downs.
The Eben’s Head Trail: The Eben’s Head Trail is a moderate, 2.9 mile hike for day-trippers and picnickers who arrive at nearby Duck Harbor Landing
Goat Trail: The 6.8 mile Goat Trail is rugged enough for a mountain goat and it offers spectacular coastal scenery as a reward. If you’re lucky you may also spot evidence of the elusive mink. Panoramic views of granite cliffs and miles of crashing surf and this trail provide access to Squeaker Cove.
Isle au Haut: A 4.8 mile hike on forest and seaside trails on Isle au Haut in the Gulf of Maine
Long Pond Trail: The trailhead is about a 3 mile walk on the island loop road from either the town landing or Duck Harbor Landing making the Long Pond Trail is the most difficult to reach on Isle au Haut. However, the views from this 9 mile hike are worth it, if you are up for the challenge.
Nat Merchant Trail: Mainly used as a connector trail for long day hikes during an overnight camping trip, the 5.6 mile Nat Merchant Trail provides no breathtaking scenery.
Western Head Trail: If you time the 4.2 mile hike along the rocky Western Head Trail to coincide with low tide, you can cross over to explore the small rocky isle known as Western Ear. If not, you will still get the spectacular views without the ability to visit Western Ear.
Directions
From Stonington:
Seasonal ferries to Town Landing and Duck Harbor Landing.
