Quoddy Head State Park

Overview: Quoddy Head State Park covers 541 acres at America’s easternmost mainland point near Lubec. Anchored by the candy-striped West Quoddy Head Light, the park offers rocky tide pools, seaside picnic groves, five primitive campsites, and nearly five miles of scenic trails through cliffs, bogs, and spruce forest.

Key Highlights: 

• ✅ Iconic 1858 candy-striped lighthouse and keeper’s house viewing area
• ✅ Five walk-in primitive campsites with pit toilets (no reservations)
• ✅ Nearly 5 miles of trails: Lighthouse Loop, Coastal Trail, Bog Trail, Thompson Trail, Inland Path
• ✅ America’s easternmost point of land—first U.S. sunrise views

Activities: 

• 🦀 Tide‑pooling at low tide among urchins, hermit crabs, and sea stars
• 🥾 Hiking rugged trails with cliff‑top panoramas and peat bog boardwalks
• 🧺 Picnicking in a shaded spruce grove overlooking Passamaquoddy Bay
• 🏕 Primitive camping under the stars with only basic facilities
• 📷 Photography of sunrise, lighthouse architecture, and rare bog flora

Amenities: 

• Pit toilets at trailhead, picnic area, and campsites
• Self‑pay kiosk for day‑use and camping fees (cash or card)
• Interpretive signage along Bog Trail and at picnic spots
• No potable water—bring your own supply

Trail Snapshot: 

• Lighthouse Loop – 0.3 mi loop, easy, historic light & harbor views
• Coastal Trail – 3.6 mi out‑and‑back, moderate, sea cliffs & tide‑pools
• Inland/Bog/Thompson Loop – ≅ 5.0 mi circuit, moderate, peat bog & spruce forest

Best Season: May 15 – Oct 15 for full services and camping; summer is ideal for tide‑pooling, fall delivers vibrant foliage, and winter remains open for day‑use hiking (no services).

Insider Tips: 

• Arrive by 10 a.m. to claim one of the five campsites—they fill quickly
• Check NOAA tide tables before exploring pools—best low‑tide windows are morning
• Wear waterproof boots in the bog and sturdy shoes on slick rock ledges
• Pack warm layers—sea breezes cool the headland even on summer days
• Download the park map in advance—cell service can be spotty

Nearby Hotspots: Downtown Lubec shops & galleries (2 min), Eastport Harbor (15 min), Roosevelt Campobello International Park (20 min ferry), Cape Enrage scenic overlook (25 min).

Average Reviews: Visitors consistently rate the park around 4.8 / 5, praising its unique coastal setting, first‑sunrise views, and back‑to‑nature camping experience.