Island Getaways
Ed Woodsum Preserve, Marshall Island
When you think of the Maine coast, you think of islands. Right?
Maine Coast Heritage Trust has protected over 300 islands over the past 50 years, many of which are now public preserves, open to you.
There’s nothing quite like passing an afternoon—or an overnight—on a Maine island. These are some of our favorites.
Ed Woodsum Preserve on Marshall Island – Unorganized Territories, Maine
Comprising nearly 1,000 acres of wild coast—including vast forests and sand beaches—this preserve off Mount Desert Island is truly epic. Yes, you’ll need a boat to get there. And yes, you’ll want to spend the night at one of the coastal campsites.
Green Island Preserve – Stonington, Maine
The waters off Stonington are known as some of the best cruising grounds, mostly for the numerous publicly accessible islands. MCHT alone has ten island preserves open to the public in the area. One of our favorites (and one of the easier islands to get to!) is Green Island Preserve, known for its spectacular swimming hole in an old quarry.
Hog Island Preserve – Brooklin, Maine
Relatively easy to get to (Naskeag Point is a good launching place), Hog Island is a delightful place to pass a summer afternoon or night. The shoreline is varied and includes steep cliffs, fringing salt marsh, and tidally exposed bedrock ledges. And literature buffs will be interested to know it was once owned by E.B. White!
Treat Island Preserve – Eastport, Maine
On the edge of the country, in the deep waters of Passamaquoddy and Cobscook bays, Treat Island is a beautiful and fascinating island retreat. Explore the reserve’s 1.2-mile network of trails and stop by the monument where American Revolutionary War Col. John Allan is buried.