Visiting Isle au Haut

People wishing to experience the beauty and tranquility of a Maine island firsthand will do well to consider Vinalhaven, Monhegan or one of the many other islands in the Gulf of Maine as their destination. They are just as beautiful as Isle au Haut and are much better equipped to accommodate tourists. For those who are bound and determined to come to IAH, here's everything you need to know:

How to get here:

Unless you have your own boat, you'll need to take the mailboat to the island. The mailboat departs from Stonington, on Deer Isle. No auto ferry is available.

Please note: The number of visitors per day to Isle au Haut is regulated by the number of passengers the mailboat can carry. Visitors needing ferry service to the island are encouraged to use the mailboat and only the mailboat as their means of coming to the island; this helps to prevent undue congestion at the town landing and to preserve the uncrowded nature of the island atmosphere. It also helps us islanders to maintain our sanity during the tourist season.

Stonington can be accessed from points to the south by driving north either on coastal route 1 or I-95.

Coastal Route 1:
Drive north on 1 to Bucksport. Continue north until you see the sign for 15 South (just a few miles past Bucksport, at Orland). Follow 15 South across Deer Isle. This will take you all the way to Stonington.

I-95:
Take I-95 north to Augusta. In Augusta, take route 1 & 3 to Bucksport, proceed to Stonington as directed above.

If you are coming from the north, take I-95 south to Bangor, then take 15 south all the way to Stonington.

On arrival in Stonington, make a left on Sea Breeze Avenue and find the Isle au Haut Company landing and parking lot at the end of the road. (Stonington is very small; you'll find it).

Parking is available at the Isle au Haut company dock.

If you are flying to Maine for the purpose of visiting Isle au Haut you may be able to avoid the expense of acquiring a rental car. Eddie's Island Taxi offers local and long-distance transportation, including airport to and from the IAH ferry. Call 917.968.3534 or 207.367.5505 or visit www.eddiesislandtaxi.com for more information.

Where to go:

If you are planning a day trip or have a campsite reserved, the Isle au Haut ferry may take you directly to the landing at Duck Harbor, depending on the season. If you are not going to the park or campground, or are travelling in the off-season, the ferry will take you to the town landing at Isle au Haut.

From the town landing, the ranger station and the park is to the right, a mile or so down the road. The Duck Harbor campground is also to the right, a hike of several miles. The town and the privately owned section of the island is to the left.

Lodging:

There are 3 ways to acquire lodging on Isle au Haut-

1) Reserve a room at The Keeper's House or The Inn at Isle au Haut (Reservations must be made in advance)

2) Reserve a campsite at Duck Harbor, in Acadia National Park. (Reservations must be made well ahead of time. For detailed instructions on how to reserve a campsite, visit the GORP website)

3) Rent a house. See: Hall Cottage, Cute Cape at Edge of Acadia National Park or Vacation Rental at Turner Cove.

Hiking in Acadia National Park:

There are a good number of hiking trails that are maintained by the National Parks Service. The trailheads are marked and maps are available at Duck Harbor and at the Ranger Station. None of these trails are particularly difficult and most hikes can be completed in an hour or two. You may, however, encounter some rough and wet conditions. You can choose a hike to the top of one of the mountains or to the southern coast of the island.

It is very important that you familiarize yourself with the park's policies before you go hiking. The park (and the entire island, for that matter) has a strict NO TRASH policy. Waste disposal is a difficult matter on the island; whatever you bring onto the island should be taken with you when you leave. Additionally, extreme care must be exercised when lighting fires. The island is covered with dry spruce needles and a fire can easily get out of control. Even a stray spark is dangerous during periods of dry weather, so be sure to check with the park ranger before you strike a match to tinder.

Duck Harbor Campground:

The five campsites on Isle au Haut are available by reservation only. The campsites include a lean-to shelter capable of holding up to six people, a fire ring, picnic table, pit toilet and access to a water pump which is shared by the five sites. These sites are usually booked very far in advance. To make a reservation, contact Acadia National Park. Instructions are available at the GORP website.