Beacons and Trails: 6 Hikes to Maine’s Most Picturesque Lighthouses
Maine’s rugged coastline doesn’t just serve up jaw-dropping views and salty sea breezes—it’s also home to some of the most iconic lighthouses in the country. These historic sentinels have stood guard over rocky shores and foggy inlets for centuries, guiding ships to safety and earning a special place in maritime lore. What’s even better? Some of them can only be reached by hiking, making the journey just as rewarding as the destination.
Whether you’re a lighthouse aficionado, a hiking enthusiast, or just someone looking for the perfect blend of history and scenery, these six hikes to Maine’s most charming lighthouses are sure to brighten your day (pun absolutely intended).
Here’s a preview of the list — scroll to the end for the map you can add right to your phone! Ps. All of these hikes with the exception of Monhegan are do-able in winter, just remember to bring the right gear.
West Quoddy Head Light
Portland Head Light
Squirrel Point Light
Bass Harbor Head Light
Rockland Breakwater Light
Monhegan Island Light
1. West Quoddy Head Light
The easternmost lighthouse in the United States, offering dramatic coastal views.
Overview of the Hike: Standing tall at the easternmost point in the United States, Quoddy Head Light feels like the edge of the world. The hike here isn’t just a stroll—it’s an immersive journey through the windswept cliffs and boggy meadows of Quoddy Head State Park. The 4.2-mile Coastal Trail loop winds along towering bluffs that plunge into the crashing waves of the Bay of Fundy. Built in 1858, the candy-striped lighthouse is an enduring symbol of Maine’s maritime heritage and offers postcard-worthy views of the Grand Manan Island cliffs across the bay.
Location: Machias
Distance: 4.2 miles (Loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailkeeper: Quoddy Head State Park
Insider Tips:
• Sunrise is a must—Quoddy Head is the first place in the U.S. to see daylight.
• Explore the park’s coastal bogs for rare plants like pitcher plants and sundews.
• In summer, scan the waters for whales feeding just offshore.
• Pack layers—coastal winds here can be blustery, even in warmer months.
2. Portland Head Light
Maine’s most iconic lighthouse, perched on dramatic cliffs within Fort Williams Park.
Overview of the Hike: You’ve seen it in calendars, postcards, and maybe even your dreams—Portland Head Light is the definition of quintessential Maine beauty. Built in 1791, it’s the oldest lighthouse in Maine and certainly the most photographed. The 1.5-mile cliffside loop through Fort Williams Park is an easy stroll that still delivers wow-factor views of crashing waves and rugged outcroppings. From its timeless stone tower to its keepers’ quarters-turned-museum, Portland Head Light serves up history and grandeur in equal measure.
Location: Cape Elizabeth
Distance: 3.4 miles (Cliff Walk + Stonegate Trail)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailkeeper: Town of Cape Elizabeth
Insider Tips:
• Arrive early to snag a parking spot, especially in summer.
• The Cliff Walk (map below) offers the best angles for photos, but the Stonegate Trail explores the nearby Robinson Woods, providing a more serene perspective of the area.
• Don’t miss the food trucks in the park for post-hike lobster rolls.
• Birders should bring binoculars—this area is a hotspot for migrating seabirds.
3. Squirrel Point
Peaceful riverside hikes leading to a hidden gems along the Kennebec River.
Overview of the Hike: Nestled along the Kennebec River, Squirrel Point Light feels like Maine’s best-kept secret. The 1.5-mile round-trip hike through pine-scented forests and tidal marshes offers glimpses of osprey nests and wading herons before delivering you to the quaint white-and-red lighthouse perched at the water’s edge. Built in 1898, Squirrel Point has guided mariners along one of Maine’s busiest waterways for over a century, yet it retains an air of seclusion and serenity that’s perfect for a quiet afternoon.
Location: Arrowsic
Distance: 1.5 miles (Out & Back)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailkeeper: US Coast Guard and Citizens for Squirrel Point
Insider Tips:
• Keep an eye out for harbor seals basking on rocks near the river.
Just down the road is the white octagonal tower and wooden walkway of Doubling Point Light, built in 1898, and perfect opportunity to knock off two lighthouses in one!
• If visiting in summer, bring bug spray—the marshlands can get buggy.
4. Bass Harbor Head light
Perched on rugged cliffs in Acadia National Park, this lighthouse offers one of the most iconic coastal views in New England.
Overview of the Hike: Tucked into the southwestern corner of Mount Desert Island, Bass Harbor Head Light combines rocky drama with seafaring history. Built in 1858, this stately white tower rises above jagged granite ledges, creating one of the most photographed scenes in Maine. The short 0.2-mile trail to the lighthouse winds through spruce forests before opening to the clifftop overlook, where the ocean stretches endlessly to the horizon. From rolling fogbanks to blazing sunsets, this spot radiates timeless coastal charm.
Location: Southwest Harbor
Distance: 2.1 miles (Start at Wonderland Trail, connect to Ship Harbor, walk or drive to Bass Harbor Lighthouse - see links below)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailkeeper: Acadia National Park
Insider Tips:
• Arrive early or during off-peak hours—the parking lot is tiny and fills quickly.
• For the best photos, take the rocky path to the base of the cliffs (accessible at low tide) for a sweeping view of the lighthouse above.
• Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead or harbor seals bobbing in the water.
• Extend your adventure with a hike along nearby Ship Harbor Trail or Wonderland Trail for more coastal scenery.
5. Rockland Breakwater Light
A mile-long walk along a granite breakwater that juts into the bay.
Overview of the Hike:
This 1-mile trek along a granite causeway leads straight to the 1902 lighthouse. Surrounded by water on both sides, it feels like you’re walking straight into the ocean.
Location: Rockland
Distance: 1.9 miles (Out & Back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailkeeper: City of Rockland
Insider Tips:
• Watch for harbor seals and sailboats as you walk.
• Bring a jacket, as the wind off the water can be chilly year-round.
• Be mindful of the uneven granite stones—they can be slippery when wet.
6. Monhegan Island Light
A remote island adventure paired with stunning cliffs and artistic charm.
Overview of the Hike: Accessible only by ferry, Monhegan Island is an off-the-grid paradise known for its rugged trails, artist colony, and iconic lighthouse, first lit in 1824. The hike to the lighthouse takes you past quaint cottages, wildflower-filled meadows, and up to the island’s highest point, offering jaw-dropping ocean views in every direction. The Monhegan Museum, housed in the former keeper’s quarters, provides a glimpse into the island’s nautical history and enduring connection to the sea.
Location: Monhegan
Distance: 5.2 miles (Start at lighthouse, Whitehead Trail to Cliff Trail Loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailkeeper: Monhegan Associates
Insider Tips:
• Start at the Lighthouse and take the Whitehead Trail (map below), but instead of coming back, take the Cliff Trail Loop (4.4 miles) to explore the island’s towering sea cliffs.
• Bring snacks and water—there are limited amenities on the island, and most shops operate seasonally.
• Plan ahead, as the ferry schedule varies and fills up fast during summer.
• Watch for seals, puffins, and even whales during the ferry ride.
Wrapping It Up—Lighting the Way to Adventure
Maine’s lighthouses are more than navigation aids—they’re timeless symbols of resilience, beauty, and maritime history. Hiking to these coastal beacons offers the perfect combination of natural wonder, historical intrigue, and soul-soothing views.
Whether you’re standing atop wind-swept cliffs at Quoddy Head, wandering down a granite breakwater in Rockland, or soaking up sunset magic at Bass Harbor, each hike provides a glimpse into Maine’s rugged coastal spirit.
So pack your hiking boots, grab a pair of binoculars, and let these lighthouses guide you on your next adventure. And if the journey leaves you craving even more coastal charm, don’t worry—Maine’s shores always have another trail (and another lighthouse - 65 in total to be exact) waiting to be explored!
See you out there,
Maine Hikes team
