Maine Guide

You can only access Monhegan Island via ferry. This is a great idea for someone looking to get away from the crowds. It can be a good day trip or a retreat for several days. There's plenty of scenery, hiking and photo opportunites. The only caveat about Monhegan Island is that urban dwellers might find it a bit rugged.

The island is 10 miles off the Maine coast and feels a world away. A visitor can get there on a boat -- several ferries daily -- from Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor, or Port Clyde.

Before leaving, make sure to book accomodations if you are planning to spend the night. The island has limited beds and during the summer it books up weeks in advance.

Once on the island, prepare to do a lot of walking and hiking if you want to see the most celebrated scenes. Rough dirt roads will give way to paths, wooded escapes, wildflowers, rocky climbs, dramatic cliffs, coves and cobble beaches.

For instance, the easiest walk, but still rewarding, would be towards Lobster Cove. The road through 'town' gives way to a muddy track down through a meadow and low brush to Lobster Cove. The cove consists of a rock beach, tidal pools and the wreckage of the tugboat D.T. Sheridan.

Monhegan Island features some dramatic cliffs on the far side of the island. The highest point on the island is Black Head, which towers 160 feet above the ocean surf. Often seals can be seen int he surf below. The shortest trip to Black Head is through the center of the island. If you choose to walk this way, don't be surprised to find 'Fairy houses,' tiny structures built from the twigs fallen from the pine trees, bark, rocks and moss. The houses are built by the island's children.

For a quick introduction to the island, visit www.monheganassociates.org.