Isle auHaut

Isle au Haut is a beautiful island off the coast of Stonington, Maine. The island is approximately six miles long and two miles wide. A remote area of Acadia National Park covers about half of the island. The town's year-round population of 65 grows to several hundred in the summer season.

What will you find on the Island? A small, traditional village, a harbor busy with fishing and cruising boats, and enough miles of unspoiled walking trails to keep you busy for many return visits!

Island History

"High Island" is the name given by Samuel Champlain during his explorations of the Maine coast in 1604. Although shell heaps along the island's shores tell of an American Indian presence long before Champlain's arrival, it wasn't until the end of the American Revolution that farmers, fishermen, and boat builders came to the island in large numbers. In the 1880s a small summer community was established, attracted by agreeable weather and idyllic scenery.

In 1943, heirs of the founder of that community donated portions of Isle au Haut to the federal government as part of Acadia National Park. Because of their generosity, much of the island's beauty is now yours to experience and enjoy.

Half of Isle au Haut is federal park land. The other half is privately owned, with summer residents and a year-round fishing community.
Plan Your Visit

Bicycling
There are five miles (8 km) of paved roads and seven miles (11 km) of rough, unpaved roads on the island. Mountain bikes are recommended. Bicycles are prohibited on hiking trails. The ferry charges an additional fee to transport bicycles to and from the Isle au Haut Town Landing only.

Hiking
Eighteen miles (29 km) of trails offer opportunities to explore rocky shorelines, wooded uplands, marshes, bogs, and a mile-long (1.6 km) freshwater lake. Be prepared for rough trails. Bring adequate foot gear, warm clothing, and rain gear. Duck Harbor provides the best starting point for hiking. Temperatures on island average 10ºF (5ºC) cooler than the mainland.

Day Trips
The number of visitors allowed in the Isle au Haut section of Acadia is limited.

Ferry Service
Isle au Haut is linked to the mainland by a year-round, passenger-only ferry from Stonington to the Isle au Haut Town Landing. From mid-June through late September, the ferry also stops at the Duck Harbor Boat Landing, near the campground. The ferry operates on a first-come, first-served basis. For current fare and schedule information:
Isle au Haut Boat Services
207-367-5193
www.isleauhaut.com

Services
There are no private campgrounds on Isle au Haut. There are no moorings available at Duck Harbor. Boats can be anchored on the shore side of the float only. A small store and post office with limited hours are located near the town landing.

Trail Information

Bowditch
2 miles (3.2 km)
1.5 hours, moderate

Cliff
0.7 miles (1.1 km)
45 minutes, moderate

Deep Cove
0.2 miles (0.3 km)
5 minutes, easy

Duck Harbor
3.8 miles (6.1 km)
2 hours, moderate

Duck Harbor Mountain
1.2 miles (1.9 km)
1.5 hours, difficult

Eben's Head
0.8 miles (1.3 km)
30 minutes, easy

Goat
2.1 miles (3.4 km)
1.25 hours, moderate

Long Pond
3 miles (4.8 km)
2 hours, moderate

Median Ridge
1.8 miles (2.9 km)
1 hour, easy

Nat Merchant
1.1 miles (1.8 km)
45 minutes, easy

Western Head
1.3 miles (2.1 km)
1.25 hours, moderate