A Restored Light Station on Swan’s Island
Burnt Coat Harbor Light stands on Hockamock Head at the entrance to Burnt Coat Harbor on Swan’s Island, a working lobstering island south of Mount Desert Island. It is one of the most rewarding lighthouses on the Maine coast to actually visit, because the town and its volunteers have restored the whole station and opened it up. You can go inside the keeper’s house, climb the tower, and walk trails out to the shore, and it all costs nothing.
The light was first lit in August 1872. The 32-foot tower originally held a Fresnel lens, and keepers tended oil lamps nightly before the station was eventually automated, with the current LED optic installed in 2017. Today the station is cared for by the Town of Swans Island Lighthouse Committee and the Friends of the Swan’s Island Lighthouse, who run the museum, the tower openings, and the summer rental in the keeper’s house apartment.
Visiting, the Tower, and the Trails
This is a hands-on lighthouse visit. From late June through early September, the downstairs of the keeper’s house is open with historical displays and an art gallery, and the tower is open to climb. The climb is 30 steps up to the watch room, then a ladder up into the lantern room, with volunteer tower guides on hand. The reward at the top is a wide view over Burnt Coat Harbor and the surrounding bay.
Outside, about two miles of trails wind around Hockamock Head, with access to two beaches. The whole light station, the trails, and the beaches are free, which is rare for a fully restored and staffed station. The upstairs of the keeper’s house is a summer apartment available for weekly rentals, so that part is private when occupied.
Wildlife & bird watching
The keeper’s house and tower only open from late June through early September, so time your Swan’s Island trip for summer if you want to go inside and climb. Outside that window the grounds, trails, and beaches are still open and worth the ferry, but the buildings will be locked. Check the lighthouse committee’s posted hours before you commit a whole day to the crossing.
Getting There
Swan’s Island is reached by the Maine State Ferry from Bass Harbor, on the southwest side of Mount Desert Island. From Bangor the drive to Bass Harbor is around an hour and a half; from Portland, roughly three and a half hours, plus the ferry. The crossing takes about 40 minutes.
Once on the island, the lighthouse is at Hockamock Head at the south end, on Harbor Road. Bring a car or a bike on the ferry, since the light is a drive from the ferry landing. Services on the island are limited, so come prepared.
When to Visit
Spring
The grounds, trails, and beaches are open, but the keeper's house and tower are not yet open for the season. Quiet and uncrowded.
Summer
Late June through early September is when the keeper's house and tower open. Warm weather, the fullest ferry schedule, and the full experience.
Fall
Clear air and color, with the buildings closing after early September. The trails and beaches stay open for a peaceful shore walk.
Winter
The grounds remain open, but the buildings are closed and the island is quiet and cold. Confirm the ferry schedule before going.
Summer is the time to go if you want the full visit with the open keeper’s house and the tower climb. The trails and beaches are a fine reason to make the trip in any open-water season.
Packing List
Burnt Coat Harbor Light Visit
- Ferry schedule for the Bass Harbor to Swan's Island run
- A bike or car for the island
- Binoculars for the harbor and bay
- Sturdy shoes for the trails and the tower ladder
- A windbreaker and layers
- Food and water (island services are limited)
FAQ
Can you climb the tower at Burnt Coat Harbor Light?
Yes, in summer. From late June through early September the tower is open to climb, 30 steps up to the watch room and a ladder into the lantern room, with volunteer guides. It is free.
Is there a fee to visit Burnt Coat Harbor Light?
No. The keeper's house museum, the tower, the trails, and the beaches are all free to visit. Donations support the volunteers who maintain the station.
How do you get to Burnt Coat Harbor Light?
Take the Maine State Ferry from Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island to Swan's Island, about a 40-minute crossing. The lighthouse is at Hockamock Head on the south end of the island, a drive from the ferry landing.
When was Burnt Coat Harbor Light built?
It was first lit in August 1872. The 32-foot tower originally held a Fresnel lens, and the current LED optic was installed in 2017. The station is now restored and run by local volunteers.
Are there trails and beaches at the lighthouse?
Yes. About two miles of trails wind around Hockamock Head with access to two beaches, all free and open to the public.
While you are out this way, see Swan’s Island itself or the nearby Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse back on Mount Desert Island.
