Bailey-Five Islands-Sebasco l Bath-Brunswick l Wiscassett-Edgecomb l Boothbay Harbor l Damariscotta-Pemaquid Point l Monhegan Island l Rockland-Rockport l Camden-Lincolnville l Belfast-Searsport l Castine
Monhegan Island is one of Maine's last best places, unchanged and unbelievably beautiful. Monhegan is easily reached by ferry, just an hour ride aboard Hardy Boats from New Harbor, or from Boothbay or Port Clyde, and a priceless trip to a simpler time as an islander. Just 10 miles offshore on this mountainous island about 70 residents exists peacefully and productively within a square mile of spectacularly scenic terrain. Monhegan was first settled by Native Americans for its prime fishing, which is Monhegan's industry to this day (although lobster fishing season is closed in summertime around Monhegan) along with accommodating summer overnight guests and day visitors off the ferries and Monhegan tour boats.
Monhegan Island features several inns like the Island Inn, the Monhegan House and a few bed and breakfasts, a few art galleries, casual restaurants, fish houses and Carina's well stocked convenience store where you can get picnic provisions.
Surprisingly there is cell phone reception on Monhegan Island, but you come here to get away from technology and hike around the 17 miles of foot paths that bring you to the 1824 Monhegan Lighthouse in the center of the isle, and to the dramatic rugged cliffs of White Head and Black Head, and the shipwreck on the southern shores near Fish Beach and Swim Beach. Bring your camera and wear sneakers or hiking shoes for the sometimes rugged rigorous hiking paths (all marked on the Monhegan trail map available for $1 as of 2011), nothing is paved, cars and bikes are not allowed on the passenger ferry.
The Monhegan Island Association publishes a simple but satisfactory trail map to guide you to Monhegan Island Lighthouse, around the rocky cliffs and cathedral pine trails, to the highest point of Black Head, which towers 160 feet above the sea with stunning views out to see and off the great granite cliffs on island. The Monhegan guide warns you of poison ivy on Monhegan- which is managed by the association and kept off the maintained pathways, but wander off the trails at your own risk and watch out for steep cliffs, and crashing waves on the oceanfront rocks that could sweep visitors out to sea with no guard rails, fences or warning signs. Monhegan is very natural and rugged.
After exploring Monhegan Island's trail system and the Monhegan Island Light and museum, head to the village for some fresh seafood lunch and relax looking out at Manana Island and the comings and goings of the ferries and yachts.
To quote Rachel Field, If once you have slept on an island. You'll never quite be the same.
Be sure to visit Monhegan Island in this lifetime. Boats depart daily in season from Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor and Pemaquid Point.
Monhegan Island Area
Island Inn, Monhegan - 207-596-0371
Monhegan House, Monhegan Island - 207-594-7983
Shining Sails Apt. & Cottages, Monhegan
Trailing Yew, Monhegan Island - 207-596-0440
Hardy Boat Cruises - Monhegan Island Ferry, Puffin Watch, Seal Watch and Lighthouse Cruise. 132 State Route 32, New Harbor, Maine. 800-278-3346
Bailey-Five Islands-Sebasco l Bath-Brunswick l Wiscassett-Edgecomb l Boothbay Harbor l Damariscotta-Pemaquid Point l Monhegan Island l Rockland-Rockport l Camden-Lincolnville l Belfast-Searsport l Castine
