Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Located within Acadia National Park, Bass Harbor Head Light Station (lighthouse) is an iconic landmark along the Maine coast. It’s a fantastic place to stop off, admire the scenery, and learn more about the importance of lighthouses in modern times. Visitors can stop by from dawn to dusk, and exploring the lighthouse doesn’t take very long.

Bass Harbor Head Light Station Lighthouse Acadian National Park Mount Desert Island Maine Phtoographed by Annie Fairfax

Portland Head Lighthouse

Location: Bass Harbor, ME
Address: 116 Lighthouse Rd
Admission: National Park Pass Required
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Year Opened: 1858
Operational: Yes
Interior Access: No
Height: 32’
Parking: Free

Path to Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse in Acadia National Park Mount Desert Island near Bar Harbor Maine Written and Photographed by Luxury Travel Writer Annie Fairfax

Bass Harbor Head Light Station Lighthouse Acadian National Park Mount Desert Island Maine Photographed by Annie Fairfax

The lighthouse is the only one on Mount Desert Island, and it’s the second-largest lighthouse on the United States’ East Coast (the only larger lighthouse is on Long Island, NY). It’s free to park, and getting there will take a few stairs, pictured above. Park rangers are available to answer questions about the lighthouse, and visitors are free to take photos, of course.

Visit in late May or early June to see an abundance of Beach Rose in bloom near the lighthouse.

There are some hiking trails (clearly marked) near the lighthouse. They close seasonally, so take the weather into account during a visit and respect the signs.