Acadia’s Hidden Island
Isle au Haut (pronounced “EYE-la-HO”) is a 6-mile-long island in eastern Penobscot Bay, roughly 6 miles southwest of Stonington. Over half of the island belongs to Acadia National Park, making it the most remote and least-visited section of the park. While millions of visitors crowd the carriage roads and Cadillac Mountain on Mount Desert Island each summer, Isle au Haut receives only a few thousand. On any given trail here, you may not see another person all day.
The island rises sharply from the sea. The highest point, Mount Champlain, reaches 543 feet and offers views across the bay and the archipelago. The coastline alternates between cobble beaches, granite ledges, and sheer headlands battered by open-ocean surf. Eighteen miles of hiking trails cross the island through spruce forest, over ridgelines, and along cliff edges. The year-round population is roughly 55 people, mostly lobster fishermen and their families. There is no store, no restaurant, and no inn. You bring everything you need and you take it all back with you.
This is Acadia without the crowds. It is also Acadia without the infrastructure. If that trade appeals to you, Isle au Haut is one of the finest day hikes in Maine.
The Trails
The trail network covers the southern half of the island, which is National Park Service land. All trails are accessed from either the Town Landing or the Duck Harbor Landing.
The Duck Harbor Trail connects the Duck Harbor boat landing to the campground and the network of southern trails. From Duck Harbor, you can loop south along the coast on the Western Head Trail and Cliff Trail, which follow the shoreline past some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Acadia. The cliffs on the southern headlands drop directly into the surf, and the trail traverses exposed rock with expansive ocean views.
The Goat Trail climbs to a ridgeline overlook on the western side. The Median Ridge Trail runs the interior spine of the island through dense spruce. The Duck Harbor Mountain Trail ascends to panoramic views of the archipelago and the Camden Hills on the distant mainland.
All trails are well-marked but rugged. Expect roots, rocks, mud, and steep sections. The footing is more demanding than the popular trails on Mount Desert Island.
Duck Harbor Campground
The National Park Service maintains five lean-to shelters at Duck Harbor, the only camping on the island. Sites must be reserved in advance through recreation.gov, and they fill up quickly when reservations open. Each lean-to holds up to six people. There are a water pump and a composting toilet but no other facilities.
Camping at Duck Harbor is a backcountry experience. You carry in all food and gear and carry out all trash. The reward is sleeping within earshot of the surf on one of the most remote islands on the East Coast.
Getting There
Isle au Haut Boat Services operates the mail boat from Stonington on Deer Isle. The crossing takes about 45 minutes. Year-round service runs to the Town Landing. From mid-June through Columbus Day, an additional seasonal stop is made at Duck Harbor Landing, which is the preferred access point for day hikers visiting the national park trails.
Round-trip fare is approximately $44 for adults. The shorter “Island Cruise” fare (same boat out and back, no island time) is $34. Purchase tickets at the ticket booth at 27 Seabreeze Avenue in Stonington. Arrive 45 minutes before departure for parking and boarding. Call (207) 367-5193 or visit isleauhaut.com.
In summer, the boat typically departs Stonington at 9:00 AM for Duck Harbor and returns in the afternoon, giving you roughly five hours on the island. Check the current schedule, as departure times change seasonally.
When to Go
Summer
Best hiking weather. Duck Harbor landing operates. Warmest water. Busiest but still far quieter than Mount Desert Island. Bring bug spray for the interior trails.
Fall
Excellent hiking season. Cooler, drier air. Fewer bugs. Duck Harbor landing runs through Columbus Day. Foliage and autumn light.
Winter
Mail boat continues to Town Landing only. Trails are icy and unmaintained. For experienced hikers only. The island is profoundly quiet.
Spring
Trails are muddy. Mail boat to Town Landing only. Nesting seabirds. Cool and often foggy. Limited appeal for visitors.
Practical Notes
There are no services on Isle au Haut. No store, no restaurant, no water source beyond the campground pump. Bring all food, water, and supplies for the day. Pack out all trash.
Wear sturdy hiking boots. The trails are rocky and often wet. Sandals and sneakers are not adequate for the cliff trails.
Cell service is effectively nonexistent on the island. Download any maps or trail information before you arrive.
Packing List
Isle au Haut Day Hike
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Daypack with rain cover
- At least 2 liters of water
- Lunch and snacks
- Rain jacket and layers
- Trail map (downloaded or printed)
- First aid kit
- Bug spray (summer)
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp (backup)
FAQ
Is Isle au Haut part of Acadia National Park?
Yes. Over half the island is part of Acadia National Park. It is the most remote section of the park and receives a fraction of the visitors that Mount Desert Island does.
How do you get to Isle au Haut?
Take the mail boat from Stonington on Deer Isle. The crossing is about 45 minutes. From mid-June through Columbus Day, the boat stops at Duck Harbor Landing for hikers.
Do I need a park pass for Isle au Haut?
No entrance fee is currently required for the Isle au Haut section of Acadia National Park.
How many miles of trails are on Isle au Haut?
Approximately 18 miles of trails cover the southern half of the island. The most popular loop along the southern coast is about 4 to 5 miles.
Can I camp on Isle au Haut?
Yes, at the Duck Harbor Campground, which has five lean-to shelters. Reservations are required through recreation.gov and fill up quickly.
