View from Isle au Haut hiking trails

Just past the Stonington Archipelago lies Isle au Haut, one of Maine’s most remote and pristine islands. This 13-mile-long island maintains a year-round community of fewer than 100 residents—a unique mix of authors and lobstermen. With a small town center and a one-room schoolhouse on the southern side, Isle au Haut preserves authentic Maine island life while offering exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.

Over half of Isle au Haut is part of Acadia National Park, featuring 18 miles of hiking trails, remote coves, secluded beaches, and the Duck Harbor Campground. Whether you’re planning a day trip or multi-day camping adventure, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Isle au Haut.

Isle au Haut History: From Wabanaki Territory to Acadia National Park

Isle au Haut held significant value for Native Americans long before European settlement. Numerous shell middens scattered across the island demonstrate its resource-rich environment. The Wabanaki people called it Solikuk, meaning “the place of many shells.”

European exploration began around 1604 when French explorer Samuel de Champlain sailed past and named it Isle au Haut — French for “high island” — referring to its elevated terrain visible from the water.

Permanent European settlements didn’t establish until the late 18th century. Early settlers built their livelihoods through farming and fishing Isle au Haut’s productive cold waters. Summer vacationers discovered the island during this era, purchasing land for seasonal resorts.

In 1943, over half of Isle au Haut’s land was donated to Acadia National Park for preservation, creating the backcountry wilderness visitors enjoy today.

How to Get to Isle au Haut: Ferry Schedule and Access Points

Isle au Haut is accessible only by the Isle au Haut Ferry from Stonington, Maine. Check the current ferry schedule carefully when planning your visit, as departure times vary by season.

The ferry services two drop-off locations:

Isle au Haut Town Landing – Available year-round. This landing serves the island’s small community and provides access to the northern trail system. Approximately 5 miles from Duck Harbor and the main trail network.

Duck Harbor Campground – Seasonal service only (June through September). This landing offers direct access to Isle au Haut’s best hiking trails on the island’s southern end. This is the preferred access point for day hikers and campers visiting Acadia National Park land.

Pro tip: Book your ferry tickets in advance during peak summer season, and arrive at the Stonington dock at least 15 minutes before departure.

Camping at Duck Harbor Campground

Duck Harbor Campground is Isle au Haut’s only campground, and camping elsewhere on Acadia National Park land is prohibited. This rustic, peaceful campground features several lean-tos and tent platforms positioned near the shore.

Reserve your campsite through the National Park Service reservation system. Duck Harbor is exceptionally popular—sites often book months in advance, especially for July and August weekends. The campground operates from mid-June through mid-September.

What to bring: All camping gear, food, and water. There are no services at Duck Harbor. Practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash.

Best Hiking Trails on Isle au Haut

The Isle au Haut trail system encompasses 18 miles of well-maintained paths through coastal forests, along rocky shorelines, and up to scenic viewpoints.

Recommended Route: Western Head Loop via Duck Harbor Mountain

This 7-mile loop combines elevation views with stunning coastal scenery, showcasing the best of Isle au Haut’s landscape:

• Duck Harbor Mountain Trail: Ascend to the island’s highest accessible point for panoramic views of the surrounding archipelago
• Western Head Trail: Follow Isle au Haut’s dramatic, rugged coastline with views of crashing waves and remote coves
• Cliff Trail: Experience dramatic coastal scenery along rocky headlands

Trail Details:

• Distance: ~7 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
• Elevation gain: ~500 feet
• Time: 4-6 hours
• Terrain: Rocky, rooted paths with coastal exposure

Other notable trails:

• Bowditch Trail (moderate coastal walk)
• Goat Trail (challenging scramble with coastal views)
• Long Pond Trail (easy, family-friendly)

Planning Your Isle au Haut Day Trip

For day visitors arriving at Duck Harbor, plan for 5-6 hours on the island to complete a substantial hike. Check ferry return times carefully—missing the last boat means an unexpected overnight stay.

Why Visit Isle au Haut?

Unlike the crowded trails of Mount Desert Island, Isle au Haut offers a quieter Acadia National Park experience. You’ll encounter few other hikers, enjoy pristine wilderness, and experience Maine’s rugged coast at its most authentic.

Whether you’re seeking remote camping, challenging day hikes, or simply an escape from mainland crowds, Isle au Haut delivers an unforgettable Maine island adventure.

Three Tips from Acadia National Park Ranger Emily Franco

1. Pack Smart: Isle au Haut is a remote island, and although there are some year-round residents and park rangers present in the summer, the rough terrain and spotty cell service mean you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for your visit. Bring the ten essentials, and don’t skimp on the food and water – never plan on being able to access treated water or additional food once you’re here!

2. Get Wild: Once you’ve enjoyed the beautiful coastal views of the island, head inland and you may catch a glimpse of some of the carnivorous plants that dwell on Isle au Haut. Found in bogs across the island, pitcher plants and sundews use nectar to attract the insects that then become their lunch! To see them in action, visit a bog on the island, like the one located on the Park Road between the Nat Merchant Trail and the Long Pond Trail. Step carefully – these are fragile ecosystems!

3. Check for Hitchhikers: The dense woods of Isle au Haut are the perfect habitat for ticks, including those that carry Lyme disease. During your visit, wear long layers, tuck pants into socks, and use insect repellent that contains DEET (which is also effective against disease-carrying mosquitoes). Once you’re home, do a thorough tick check on yourself and any pets, making sure you look everywhere from head to toe.

View of Isle au Haut from Settlement Quarry