🌲 Wild Beauty Off the Maine Coast: Your Guide to Visiting Monhegan Island

🌲 Wild Beauty Off the Maine Coast: Your Guide to Visiting Monhegan Island 🛶

Twelve miles off the coast of Maine lies Monhegan Island, a rugged, magical outpost that feels like it was plucked from a storybook and placed gently in the Atlantic. With soaring cliffs, cathedral-like forests, and a deep artistic spirit, Monhegan has long drawn hikers, artists, birdwatchers, and travelers in search of something more than the everyday. We hope wihile you are staying at our properties you will have a chance to visit this amazing island.

The Monhegan boatline, a 30 minute drive from our hotel, is the closest and best way to visit the island.

Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying awhile, here’s everything you need to know to experience this truly wild island.

🚢 Getting There: The Adventure Begins by Boat

There are no bridges, no airports, and no cars for visitors on Monhegan. Your journey starts with a ferry ride—an adventure in itself.

Two ferry services will get you there:

Monhegan Boat Line from Port Clyde
Hardy Boat Cruises from New Harbor

Hardy Boat Cruises offers:

Two round trips daily from mid-May to mid-October
Puffin Watches with Audubon naturalists (mid-May to mid-August)
Maine Coast Seal & Nature Cruises (mid-August to mid-October)

💡 Pro tip: Book in advance! Space fills quickly, especially in summer.

🌲 Hit the Trails: Hiking the Wildlands

Monhegan’s greatest treasure? Its 12 miles of hiking trails, threading through dense spruce-fir forests and over some of the highest ocean cliffs in Maine. It’s not a walk in the park—some trails are steep, rugged, and rocky—but the rewards are breathtaking.

You’ll encounter:

Quiet forest paths, soft with moss and pine needles
Wind-swept ledges with 360° ocean views
Cathedral-like tree canopies and rare island flora

Know before you go:

Grab a trail map from a shop or kiosk—this is essential! Many trails are unmarked beyond small numbered signs and cairns.
Trails range in difficulty; plan according to your abilities.
Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and dress for weather, bugs, and poison ivy.
No bikes or strollers allowed on trails.

❗ Remember: Cell service is spotty. Emergency services are limited and weather-dependent. Hike smart and respectfully.

🌼 Respect the Wild Beauty

Monhegan is home to rare and endangered plants—some of which exist only because the island is so remote. While it may be tempting to pluck a wildflower for a souvenir, please don’t. Admire, photograph, or sketch, but leave the wild where it belongs.

Also:

Leave no trace. Carry out your trash, including tissues and wrappers.
Dogs must be leashed and are not allowed in inns (but are welcome on the ferry for a small fee).

🏛 Culture & History: Beyond Nature

Monhegan isn’t just cliffs and quiet. It has a rich cultural life, too:

The Monhegan Museum of Art & History, housed in the island’s lighthouse, tells stories of the island’s artists, fishermen, and shipwrecks.
The D.T. Sheridan shipwreck, still visible on the rocks, is an easy hike and a haunting reminder of life at sea.
Tug boat D.T. Sheridan washed on Monhegan Island Maine

Art galleries dot the village, showcasing work from the island’s famed artistic colony.

🐚 Quick Beach Breaks

Fish Beach: Hunt for sea glass and relax by the harbor.
Swim Beach: A cold-water dip spot, but with no facilities—pack light and plan ahead.

🍴 Island Eats & Practical Tips

There are several great spots for lunch, dinner, or picnic supplies, but hours vary—especially off-season.
No banks or public phones, but there’s an ATM at the Barnacle Café.
Cell coverage can be unreliable. Download maps and confirmations in advance.
No public trash bins or toilets—use boat facilities before arrival and carry out your waste.

🌙 Planning Your Stay

No cars, no streetlights, and no paved roads—so bring a flashlight and walk carefully at night.
If staying overnight, book lodging early. Most inns fill quickly in summer.
Dress for island life: layers, sturdy footwear, and a windbreaker are essential. Forget the heels and leave the resort wear at home.

⚓ Monhegan is raw and real.

So pack light, lace up your boots, and take a step into Maine’s wild heart. You’ll leave Monhegan with muddy shoes, full lungs, and something a little softer inside you.