Granite and a Big View, with Almost No Climb
Settlement Quarry Preserve sits just outside Stonington on Deer Isle, and it delivers one of the easiest big views in the region. The whole place was once a working granite quarry, part of the industry that made Stonington famous, and the cut faces, grout piles, and rusting iron rings are still scattered through the woods. A short walk up an old quarry road brings you to an open ledge at the top with a sweeping look out over Webb Cove, the Merchants Row islands, and Isle au Haut on the horizon.
Deer Isle granite was shipped up and down the coast for buildings and monuments, and stone from this corner of Maine went into projects as far away as Arlington National Cemetery. Standing on the quarry floor, surrounded by squared-off rock and the marks of drills and wedges, you get a real sense of how the stone was split and hauled. Island Heritage Trust now manages the preserve, and they have left the industrial bones in place alongside interpretive signs.
The walking here is genuinely short and gentle. The access road to the overlook is only about three tenths of a mile, with a couple of side loops adding up to roughly a mile and a half of trail in total. It is a good leg-stretcher for families and anyone who wants a view without a real hike.
The Overlook and the Loops
The main draw is the granite overlook, reached by the wide, gradual quarry road from the parking area. The ledge is open and bare, with the islands of Merchants Row laid out below and the Camden Hills visible to the northwest on clear days. It is a fine spot for a picnic or to watch the working harbor traffic and the occasional schooner.
From the overlook, a couple of marked side trails wander the rest of the preserve, including the Glacial Erratic Trail past a big boulder dropped by the ice age and short woods loops. They add forest walking and a bit of variety, but the view from the top is the main event.
The quarry road up to the overlook is wide and not steep, which makes Settlement Quarry one of the more accessible viewpoints on Deer Isle. If steep, rooty trails are hard for someone in your group, this is the spot, because you can reach the big view on a gentle gravel grade.
Granite Underfoot
This is still a quarry, and the ground reflects it. There are open rock faces, loose grout piles of waste stone, and uneven ledge throughout. The footing on the bare granite is good when dry but can be slick when wet or frosty, and the edges of the cut faces are real drop-offs.
The old quarry has open rock faces, loose stone piles, and unguarded edges. Keep children and dogs close near the cut faces and ledges, and watch your footing on wet or icy granite. Stay on the marked trails rather than scrambling on the quarry walls.
Getting There
From the Deer Isle causeway, follow Route 15 south toward Stonington. A few miles before the village, turn left onto Oceanville Road and continue a short distance to the small parking area on the right, where the quarry road begins. The lot is modest, so on busy summer days you may need to wait for a spot.
Stonington village, just down the road, is a working lobster port with restaurants and shops, and the ferry to Isle au Haut leaves from here. Settlement Quarry pairs well with a stop in town.
Wildlife & bird watching
When to Visit
Spring
Cool and quiet, with clear long views before summer haze. The bare granite dries quickly after rain.
Summer
Warm weather, the fullest island views, and an easy stop between Stonington and other Deer Isle preserves. Parking fills midday.
Fall
Crisp air, foliage in the surrounding woods, and the clearest views out to Isle au Haut. Very quiet on weekdays.
Winter
Open year-round, but the granite ledges can be icy and the access road may not be plowed. Use caution on the bare rock.
Packing List
Settlement Quarry Walk
- Sturdy shoes with grip for the granite
- Water and a snack for the overlook
- Sunscreen and a hat (the top is exposed)
- Binoculars for the islands and harbor
- A layer for the breezy ledge
- Leash for your dog (May through September)
- Camera for the Merchants Row view
FAQ
How long is the walk at Settlement Quarry?
The access road to the granite overlook is only about three tenths of a mile, an easy, gradual walk. Side loops bring the total trail network to roughly a mile and a half.
What can you see from the overlook?
The open granite overlook looks out over Webb Cove, the Merchants Row islands, and Isle au Haut, with the Camden Hills visible to the northwest on clear days.
Is Settlement Quarry good for kids or limited mobility?
The quarry road to the overlook is wide and gently graded, making it one of the more accessible viewpoints on Deer Isle. The side loops are rougher, with uneven ledge and roots.
Are dogs allowed at Settlement Quarry Preserve?
Yes. Dogs are permitted on leash from May 1 through September 30, and on leash or under voice control the rest of the year. Keep them close near the open quarry faces.
Is there a fee?
No. Settlement Quarry Preserve is owned and managed by Island Heritage Trust and is free for day use, dawn to dusk. Camping and overnight parking are not allowed.
For more nearby walking, see the mossy trails at Crockett Cove Woods or the low-tide crossing at Barred Island Preserve.
