The End of the Road
Bailey Island is the last island in the Harpswell chain, connected to Orr’s Island by a bridge made of granite blocks stacked without mortar, which is connected to Great Island, which is connected to the mainland at Brunswick. The drive south from Route 1 through this island chain is one of the prettiest on the Maine coast, narrow roads through fishing villages, lobster buoys drying in front yards, and water glimpses on both sides.
At Bailey Island, the road ends. Literally. Route 24 runs the length of the island and terminates at a parking area near the water, where a lobster restaurant, a dock, and the open Atlantic mark the southern tip. This is Land’s End, and the name is accurate. From here, you can see across Casco Bay to the outer islands and the open ocean beyond.
But the island’s greatest attraction is a short walk away. Giant’s Stairs is a geological formation on the eastern shore where massive slabs of basalt have split and tilted into a series of step-like ledges dropping to the surf. The “stairs” are not human-scaled, each step is several feet tall, and the effect of the ocean surging up and through the gaps is mesmerizing.
The Cribstone Bridge
Before you even reach Bailey Island, you cross one of the engineering marvels of the Maine coast. The cribstone bridge connecting Orr’s Island to Bailey Island was built in 1928 using granite blocks stacked in a honeycomb pattern without mortar or concrete. The open structure allows tidal water to flow freely through the bridge, reducing the force of the current and waves on the structure.
It is the only bridge of this design in the world, and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. The granite has been replaced and repaired over the decades, but the basic design is unchanged. Looking at it from the side, the honeycomb pattern of the stacked blocks is clearly visible, and you can watch the tide flow through the openings.
You cannot fully appreciate the cribstone bridge from the bridge itself. Pull over on the Orr’s Island side before crossing and walk down to the shore for a side view. The honeycomb granite pattern and the water flowing through the openings are best seen from this angle.
Giant’s Stairs
The Giant’s Stairs is a short trail (about a quarter mile) along the eastern shore of Bailey Island, starting from a small parking area on Ocean Street. The path follows the cliff top through a corridor of wind-pruned spruce before arriving at the formation, a series of massive basalt ledges that descend in irregular steps from the cliff top to the ocean.
The stairs are dramatically beautiful. The dark rock, the white spray, the green spruce framing the scene, and the constant sound of the surf create a visceral experience. At high tide or during storms, the waves crash into the gaps between the ledges and send spray high into the air.
The rocks at Giant’s Stairs are steep, slippery when wet, and have no railings or barriers. The surf can reach higher than you expect, especially during storms or high tide. People have been injured here. Stay on the marked trail at the top of the cliff and do not climb down the ledges. The “stairs” are a geological formation, not an invitation to descend.
The trail continues along the cliff top past the stairs, offering additional views of the rugged eastern shoreline. The round trip, including time at the stairs, takes about 30 minutes.
Land’s End
At the southern tip of the island, Land’s End is more a feeling than a destination. The road simply stops, and you are as far south as you can go on the Harpswell peninsula chain. The view is Casco Bay in all its island-studded glory, Ragged Island (where poet Edna St. Vincent Millay spent summers), Eagle Island (Admiral Peary’s home), and dozens of smaller islands scattered across the water.
Cook’s Lobster and Ale House sits near Land’s End, a large restaurant with waterfront dining and views across the bay. It has been operating since 1955 and is a popular destination for lobster dinners.
For a more local lobster experience than Cook’s, try Morse’s Cribstone Grill near the bridge, or drive back to Orr’s Island and pick up lobster at one of the smaller shacks. The views from Land’s End are free. You do not need to eat at the restaurant to enjoy the scenery.
When to Go
Summer
Best weather for the drive and the coastal walk. Giant's Stairs is most accessible. Restaurants are open. The islands in the bay are beautiful against blue water.
Fall
Fewer visitors, spectacular light, and the island's forest turns color. Storm watching at Giant's Stairs can be dramatic. Restaurants may reduce hours.
Winter
The island is quiet and wild. Winter storms produce enormous surf at Giant's Stairs. Most restaurants closed. The drive is still beautiful.
Spring
The island wakes up slowly. Wildflowers appear along the roads. Lobster boats are busy setting traps for the season.
FAQ
What are Giant's Stairs on Bailey Island?
Giant's Stairs is a geological formation on the eastern shore where massive basalt ledges form a series of step-like drops from the cliff to the ocean. A short trail leads to the viewpoint. The stairs are natural rock, not man-made, and each step is several feet tall.
What is the cribstone bridge?
The cribstone bridge connects Orr's Island to Bailey Island and is the only bridge in the world built with granite blocks stacked in a honeycomb pattern without mortar. Built in 1928, it allows tidal water to flow through the openings. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Is Bailey Island worth visiting?
Yes. The combination of the unique cribstone bridge, the dramatic Giant's Stairs formation, and the Land's End views make it one of the best day trips from Portland or Brunswick. The drive through the Harpswell islands is scenic on its own.
How far is Bailey Island from Portland?
About 45 minutes by car. Take I-295 to Brunswick, then Route 24 south through the Harpswell islands to Bailey Island.
Are dogs allowed at Giant's Stairs?
Yes, dogs on leash are welcome on the Giant's Stairs trail. Keep them away from the cliff edge and on the marked path.
