Isle au Haut

Isle au Haut: Acadia’s Remote Island Treasure

Isle au Haut is one of the most peaceful and least-visited parts of Acadia National Park, offering an experience that feels worlds away from the busier trails of Mount Desert Island. Located about six miles off the coast of Stonington, Maine, this rugged island blends rocky shorelines, dense forests, and quiet lakes with an enduring sense of wilderness. The name means “High Island” in French, a reference to its rugged terrain rising from the Atlantic.

Only about half of the island—about 2,700 acres— is managed by the National Park Service, while the rest remains a small, tight-knit community that welcomes visitors without losing its authenticity. For travelers seeking solitude, inspiration, and an unfiltered connection to nature, Isle au Haut offers one of the most rewarding escapes in Acadia.

Isle au Haut

Isle au Haut

Quick Reference: Isle au Haut

Feature	Details
Location	Off the coast of Maine, part of Acadia National Park, approximately 6 miles south of Stonington
Total Island Size	About 12 square miles
Acadia-Managed Area	Roughly half the island is part of Acadia National Park
Access	Reachable only by ferry from Stonington, Maine
Major Town	Isle au Haut Village (outside the park boundary)
Main Visitor Area	Duck Harbor (primary campground and trail access)
Best Known For	Remoteness, rugged coastline, peaceful forests, quiet hiking trails
Top Activities	Hiking, wildlife watching, photography, biking (limited), backpacking
Popular Trails	Duck Harbor Mountain Trail, Western Head Trail, Cliff Trail, Eben’s Head
Duck Harbor Campground	A small backcountry-style campground with 5 lean-to shelters (reservation required)
Crowd Level	Very low; one of the quietest parts of Acadia National Park
Wildlife	Deer, seabirds, harbor seals, songbirds
Best Time to Visit	Late spring through early fall (ferry operates seasonally)
Unique Characteristic	Offers the most remote and wilderness-rich experience in all of Acadia
Cell Service	Very limited or unavailable
Facilities	Minimal; no restaurants, no major services on the park side
Ideal For	Solo travelers, backpackers, photographers, and nature lovers seeking solitude

Getting to Isle au Haut

Reaching Isle au Haut requires a bit of planning, but the journey is well worth the effort. The most common way to get there is via the Mail Boat Ferry operated by Isle au Haut Boat Services, departing from Stonington Harbor. The ride takes approximately 45–60 minutes.

During summer months, an additional seasonal ferry stops at Duck Harbor. Between mid-June and mid-September, the ferry offers service to Duck Harbor Landing, where visitors can access trails, campgrounds, and the more remote areas of the island. Reservations are highly recommended, especially in the summer months.

Geographic Overview

Isle au Haut spans approximately 12 square miles, making it one of the larger islands in Maine’s complex archipelago. The island is six miles long and two miles wide, characterized by rocky coastlines, lush forests, and dramatic cliffs. The highest point on the island is Mount Champlain, standing at 540 feet. From its summit, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and distant mainland.

Most of Isle au Haut is accessible only by foot, which enhances its appeal for those looking for solitude and immersion in nature. The southern section of the island, which includes Duck Harbor and Mount Champlain, is part of Acadia National Park, while the northern half is privately owned, with a small year-round population.

History and Cultural Heritage

Isle au Haut has a long and diverse history. Native American tribes, including the Penobscot people, were the island’s earliest inhabitants, relying on its natural resources for fishing and gathering. In the 17th century, European explorers, most notably French navigator Samuel de Champlain, arrived and named the island "Isle au Haut," which translates to "high island" in reference to its rugged, elevated terrain.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the island was primarily a fishing and farming community. During this time, it attracted summer visitors, including artists, writers, and wealthy families, many of whom built summer cottages and established a seasonal community that still exists today. In 1943, the U.S. government purchased the southern portion of the island to be included in Acadia National Park, thus preserving its natural beauty and preventing overdevelopment.

Isle au Haut Lighthouse

Isle au Haut Today

Today, Isle au Haut remains sparsely populated, with a permanent population of fewer than 100 residents. The island comes alive in the summer, however, when seasonal residents and tourists flock to its shores. There are no hotels or resorts on the island; instead, visitors can stay in rental homes or camp at Duck Harbor, one of the most remote and scenic campgrounds in Acadia National Park.

Access to the island is limited, as there is no bridge or causeway connecting it to the mainland. The Isle au Haut Ferry, departing from Stonington, Maine, provides daily service to the island during the summer months and a more limited schedule in the off-season.

Acadia National Park on Isle au Haut

The portion of Isle au Haut managed by Acadia National Park offers some of the most remote and scenic hiking trails in the park. Unlike the bustling areas of Acadia on Mount Desert Island, Isle au Haut’s parkland sees far fewer visitors, providing a more serene experience.

The Duck Harbor Mountain Trail is one of the most popular hikes on the island, offering a moderate climb through forests of spruce and fir to the rocky summit of Mount Champlain. The views from the top are unparalleled, with sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding islands. The trail also passes through coastal meadows and granite outcrops, showcasing the island’s diverse landscape.

Another popular hike is the Western Head Trail, which skirts the island’s southern coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean and rugged cliffs. The trail winds through dense woods and along rocky shorelines, leading to picturesque beaches and secluded coves.

For those seeking a longer adventure, the Isle au Haut Loop offers an opportunity to explore much of the parkland in a single day. This 7-mile loop traverses the island’s varied terrain, from coastal cliffs to tranquil forests, providing hikers with a comprehensive view of Isle au Haut’s beauty.

Duck Harbor: The Gateway to Adventure

Duck Harbor is the heart of Acadia’s presence on Isle au Haut. It’s where many camping adventures begin, as the island’s small, rustic campground sits nearby. The area offers access to some of the most dramatic coastline on the island, with trails leading to granite cliffs, secluded coves, and windswept headlands.

What makes Duck Harbor special is its isolation. With no crowds and no distractions, hiking from Duck Harbor feels like stepping into a protected world where nature sets the pace and every trail feels purposeful.

Hiking and Exploring Isle au Haut’s Trails

Hiking is the best way to experience Isle au Haut. The island has roughly 18 miles of trails, many of them weaving through forest groves and hugging rugged shorelines.

The Goat Trail is one of the island’s most spectacular routes, known for its sweeping ocean views and narrow cliffside paths. Along the trail, hikers can feel the raw power of the Atlantic as waves crash against the rocky walls below.

The Cliff Trail and Western Head Trail offer similar drama, with long stretches of granite ledges overlooking open sea. Inland, the Eben’s Head and Duck Harbor Mountain trails reveal quieter forest landscapes, offering moments of solitude beneath the shade of spruce trees.

What stands out is that these trails, unlike the busier paths on Mount Desert Island, are often nearly empty. It’s not uncommon to walk for hours without seeing another person, making Isle au Haut perfect for those seeking deep immersion in nature.

Wildlife and Nature

Isle au Haut’s isolation and protected status have made it a sanctuary for wildlife. The island is home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, osprey, and peregrine falcons. Its coastal habitats provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons. Along the shoreline, visitors can often spot harbor seals lounging on rocks or playing in the surf.

The island’s forests are primarily composed of spruce, fir, and pine, creating a habitat for deer, foxes, and other small mammals. The abundance of tidal pools along the rocky shores also supports a vibrant marine ecosystem, teeming with crabs, sea stars, and other creatures.

Camping and Staying on Isle au Haut

For those looking to spend a night on the island, Duck Harbor Campground is the ideal destination. This primitive campground is located in a remote part of the island and offers five lean-to shelters, each with spectacular views of the ocean. The campground is open from mid-May through mid-October and requires reservations, which can be made through Acadia National Park’s website. With no electricity or potable water, campers must come prepared for a rustic experience, bringing their own supplies and being mindful of Leave No Trace principles.

Camping at Duck Harbor is an experience unlike any other in Acadia National Park, offering unparalleled stargazing, the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore, and complete immersion in the island’s natural beauty.

Planning a Visit to Isle au Haut

Visiting Isle au Haut requires careful planning. Due to the island’s limited services and accommodations, day trips are common, but those looking to explore its trails more thoroughly or camp at Duck Harbor should plan ahead, especially in the busy summer months.

There are no stores or restaurants on the island, so visitors must bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and camping gear. The ferry service from Stonington operates seasonally, with tickets often selling out quickly, especially in the summer. Visitors should also be aware that cell phone service is spotty at best, adding to the sense of remoteness that makes Isle au Haut so appealing.

Best Time to Visit Isle au Haut

Late spring through early autumn is the ideal time to explore Isle au Haut. During this period, ferries operate regularly, trails are dry, and the weather is pleasant for hiking. Summer offers longer days, but early fall brings vibrant colors without the heat. Winter visits are possible but extremely challenging, as ferry service is limited and trails can be icy.