Maine, a northeastern U.S. state, is famed for its rugged coastline, historic lighthouses, and countless islands dotting its shores. Acadia National Park, Maine’s crown jewel, encompasses not only a significant portion of Mount Desert Island but also numerous smaller, picturesque islands, creating a majestic and diverse natural tapestry. If you’re seeking an escape to unspoiled beauty, far from the city’s hustle and bustle, exploring Maine’s offshore islands is an exceptional choice. This article provides a detailed guide to help you plan an unforgettable adventure to these enchanting islands.
Discovering Maine’s Offshore Islands and Acadia National Park
Maine’s coastline is like an island labyrinth, with thousands of islands of varying sizes scattered along its 3,500-mile (5,600 km) expanse. Among them, Acadia National Park boasts the highest concentration of beautiful and renowned islands, offering visitors a chance to discover diverse natural landscapes ranging from mountains and freshwater lakes to granite coastlines and pristine sandy beaches.
Established in 1919, Acadia National Park is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River. Originally named Lafayette National Park, it was renamed Acadia in 1929 to honor the former French colony of Acadia in the region. The park protects approximately half of Mount Desert Island, along with the smaller Cranberry Isles, Isle au Haut, and a section of the Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland.
Maine’s offshore islands, especially those within Acadia National Park, embody unspoiled beauty, tranquility, and poetic charm. Each island possesses a unique allure, from dramatic cliffs and verdant pine forests to quaint fishing villages and secluded beaches. Visitors can relish the fresh air, explore diverse ecosystems, engage in exciting outdoor activities, and delve into the unique history and culture of this region.
Must-Visit Islands in Acadia and Beyond
While the original article focused on Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, to fully address the keyword “guide to visiting small islands off Maine,” we need to broaden our scope to include nearby smaller islands and emphasize the island-hopping experience. Here are some notable islands you shouldn’t miss when visiting Maine:
Mount Desert Island
Mount Desert Island is the largest island off the coast of Maine and the heart of Acadia National Park. This island is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Atlantic coast, and the serene Jordan Pond, to the romantic Frenchman Bay, the dramatic Otter Cliff, and the lively town of Bar Harbor.
On Mount Desert Island, visitors can easily get around by car, bicycle, or the free Island Explorer shuttle. Popular attractions on the island include:
- Cadillac Mountain: The highest peak in Acadia National Park, and the first place to see the sunrise in the United States during fall and winter. From the summit, you can admire panoramic views of Mount Desert Island, neighboring islands, and the vast ocean.
- Jordan Pond: A stunning freshwater lake with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by mountains and lush forests. You can hike around the lake, kayak, or enjoy the famous popovers at Jordan Pond House restaurant.
- Frenchman Bay: A vast bay dotted with numerous small islands, creating a picturesque and tranquil scene. The beaches in the bay are ideal for relaxation and sunbathing.
- Otter Cliff: Granite cliffs rising over 100 feet (30 meters) high, one of the tallest coastal headlands in North America. It’s a perfect destination for those who love rock climbing and breathtaking ocean views.
- Bar Harbor: A charming coastal town with a vibrant atmosphere, featuring many shops, restaurants, pubs, and boutique hotels. Bar Harbor is the main tourist hub of Mount Desert Island and a great starting point for exploring Acadia National Park and surrounding islands.
Bar Harbor town viewed from Acadia National Park
The Cranberry Isles (Great Cranberry and Little Cranberry)
Located just off the coast of Mount Desert Island, the Cranberry Isles, comprising Great Cranberry and Little Cranberry, are peaceful and traditionally charming small islands. To reach these islands, you can take a ferry from Northeast Harbor or Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island.
- Great Cranberry Island: The larger of the two islands, Great Cranberry features a small village called Cranberry Isles, a historical museum, and numerous beautiful hiking trails. You can rent bikes to explore the island or relax on quiet beaches.
- Little Cranberry Island (Islesford): Also known as Islesford, Little Cranberry is famous for the Whaling Museum, which showcases the region’s whaling history. The island also has several shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Isle au Haut
Situated further south of Mount Desert Island, Isle au Haut is a more remote and tranquil island, with a significant portion belonging to Acadia National Park. To get to Isle au Haut, you can take a ferry from Stonington on the Deer Isle Peninsula.
Isle au Haut is an ideal destination for those seeking to escape the crowds and find natural serenity. The island boasts numerous stunning hiking trails leading to coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush forests. You can also camp at the Duck Harbor Campground on the island (reservations required).
The Porcupine Islands
Looking out from the Bar Harbor coastline, you’ll see the four Porcupine Islands rising from the sea, creating a distinctive regional landscape. The Porcupine Islands include Bar Island (accessible on foot at low tide), Burnt Porcupine, Sheep Porcupine, and Long Porcupine.
The Porcupine Islands are mostly privately owned and lack developed tourist services. However, you can admire these islands from the Bar Harbor shore or join boat tours to explore the surrounding waters.
Activities and Experiences on the Islands
Visiting Maine’s offshore islands offers a wealth of exciting activities and experiences to suit every traveler’s interests:
- Hiking and Climbing: Acadia National Park and the surrounding islands feature a diverse network of hiking trails, from easy coastal paths to challenging climbs up Cadillac Mountain or other peaks on Mount Desert Island and Isle au Haut.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Exploring the rugged coastline, coves, and small islands by kayak or canoe is a fantastic experience. You can rent boats in Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, or Northeast Harbor and join guided paddling tours.
- Boat Tours and Whale Watching: Boat tours departing from Bar Harbor and other harbors will take you to explore the surrounding waters, see lighthouses, islands, and have the chance to spot whales, seals, and other marine wildlife.
- Fishing and Sailing: Maine is a paradise for fishing and sailing enthusiasts. You can join deep-sea fishing tours or rent sailboats to enjoy the sea breeze and stunning scenery.
- Exploring Culture and History: Maine’s offshore islands have a unique history and culture tied to fishing, shipbuilding, and tourism. You can visit museums, historic fishing villages, and lighthouses to learn more about this region.
- Savoring Local Cuisine: Fresh seafood is a renowned specialty of Maine. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy Maine lobster, clams, scallops, and other seafood dishes at coastal restaurants or local eateries.
Suggested Island Hopping Itinerary
For a fulfilling trip exploring Maine’s offshore islands, consider the following suggested itinerary:
Days 1-3: Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park
- Arrive at Bangor or Boston Airport, travel to Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island.
- Explore Acadia National Park: hike Cadillac Mountain, walk around Jordan Pond, enjoy views of Frenchman Bay, visit Otter Cliff, explore Thunder Hole.
- Stroll and shop in Bar Harbor town, savor fresh seafood.
Day 4: Cranberry Island (Great Cranberry or Little Cranberry)
- Take a ferry from Northeast Harbor or Southwest Harbor to your chosen Cranberry Island (Great Cranberry or Little Cranberry).
- Explore the island by bike or hiking, visit museums (if available), relax on the beach.
- Return to Mount Desert Island in the late afternoon.
Day 5: Isle au Haut (Optional)
- If you have more time and want to explore a more remote island, dedicate a day to Isle au Haut.
- Take a ferry from Stonington to Isle au Haut.
- Hike and explore the island, camp (if desired), enjoy the tranquility of nature.
- Return to the mainland or Mount Desert Island in the late afternoon.
Days 6-7: Explore Maine Coastline and Other Destinations (Optional)
- Rent a car and drive along the Maine coast, visit charming coastal towns like Camden, Rockland, Kennebunkport.
- Visit historic lighthouses along the coast.
- Enjoy local cuisine and shop for souvenirs.
- Travel to Bangor or Boston Airport for departure.
This itinerary can be adjusted to your time and interests. If you have less time, focus on exploring Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. If you have more time, you can explore more islands and other attractions along the Maine coast.
Tips and Travel Advice for Maine Islands
- Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) and fall (September-October) are the best times to visit Maine’s offshore islands. The weather is warm and pleasant, and the natural scenery is beautiful. However, these are also peak tourist seasons, prices may be higher, and it can be more crowded. Spring and winter can be less crowded, but the weather can be cold, and some services may be closed.
- Transportation: To reach the islands, you need to take a ferry. Ferries operate regularly from harbors on Mount Desert Island and the mainland to the Cranberry Isles, Isle au Haut, and other islands. On the islands, you can get around by bicycle, shuttle (on Mount Desert Island), or walking.
- Accommodation: There are many accommodation options on Mount Desert Island, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly motels and vacation rentals. On smaller islands, accommodation choices may be more limited. You should book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Packing Essentials: Pack clothing suitable for the weather, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a camera to capture beautiful moments.
- Book Tours and Activities in Advance: If you want to join boat tours, kayaking, fishing trips, or other activities, you should book in advance to ensure availability and get good prices.
- Check Ferry Information and Schedules: Ferry schedules may vary depending on the season and weather. Check the ferry schedule before you go and arrive at the ferry terminal early to ensure you don’t miss your trip.
Local Island Cuisine
Maine cuisine is famous for fresh seafood and traditional dishes with rich ocean flavors. When visiting Maine’s offshore islands, don’t forget to savor these specialties:
- Maine Lobster: The iconic dish of Maine, fresh lobster is prepared in many ways such as steamed, grilled, boiled, or made into soup.
- Clams and Scallops: Maine clams and scallops have a sweet and fresh flavor, often prepared in soups, stir-fries, or grilled dishes.
- Clam Chowder: A creamy soup characteristic of New England, with fresh clams, potatoes, bacon, and fresh cream.
- Lobster Roll: A simple but delicious dish, soft bread roll filled with fresh lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise.
- Popovers: Light and airy pastries, often served with jam or butter, especially famous at Jordan Pond House restaurant on Mount Desert Island.
- Wild Blueberries: Maine is famous for wild blueberries; you can enjoy fresh blueberries, blueberry pie, blueberry jam, and other blueberry products.
Famous Maine Lobster dish
Visiting Maine’s offshore islands is a journey to discover unspoiled natural beauty, experience unique culture, and enjoy wonderful cuisine. With this detailed guide, hopefully you will have a memorable and unforgettable trip to this enchanting island region.