Isle au Haut is literally a treasure-trove of mountain hiking and stunning coastal views. Approximately 2/3 of the island is NPS land, the remaining land is a quaint year-round fishing village.

In order to reach the island you must travel by ferry out of Stonington. There are two ferries that run during the summer months. The 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.

From Duck Harbor / Western Head Road, you may choose from 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. Western Head, Duck Harbor Mountain, Goat and Barred Harbor Trails all offer panoramic views of granite cliffs and miles of crashing surf. On the trails you will see lush blueberry bushes which ripen in August, spruce woods with gorgeous moss floors and lichen covered ledges. Deep Cove is a beautiful natural attraction that is located on the southeastern edge of the island and is accessible off Western Head and Duck Harbor Mountain Trails. Squeaker Cove is another natural attraction that is accessible from Duck Harbor Mountain Trail and Goat Trail.

This large island sits 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.

Visitors enjoy viewing the many species of birds that frequent the island. You may expect to see a variety of hawks, the American bald eagle, petrels, sandpipers, cormorants, bitterns, herons and a variety of geese and ducks. A number of small songbirds inhabit the island as well. Hiking inland, you may see ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, raccoon and more.

Directions: From Stonington, ME, Seasonal ferries to Town Landing and Duck Harbor Landing.

Plan an entire day or two when traveling to Isle au Haut. There are numerous trails of varying lengths and one primitive campground.