Black Island
Friendship
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Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- Camp at established campsites (with restrictions)
- Campfires permitted (guidelines below)
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
Why we Care
A Coastal Escape
Black Island invites exploration with two scenic campsites, a short hiking trail through fern and meadow, and a striking shoreline featuring spectacular coastal views. From gravel beaches to rugged headlands and varied ledges, every corner of the island offers a chance to connect with Casco Bay’s natural beauty.
Features
How to Get There
Black Island is just southwest of Cranberry Island and Friendship Long Island. Small boats can land on the gravel beach on the northwestern shoreline. Larger boats can anchor just north of this beach—taking care to avoid the ledges extending north from the western side of the beach.
There is a paved boat launch in Round Pond, 4.5 miles to the west. Kayaks can launch from the end of Bradford Point Road in Friendship.
Boating conditions can be challenging in Muscongus Bay: More information below.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what Black Island has to offer.
Preserve Details
Property:
Town:
County:
Accessible:
Field Notes
Getting to Know Black Island
The Path to Conservation
MCHT first conserved Black Island in 2005, in partnership with Chewonk. At the same time, MCHT acquired a conservation easement on the island guaranteeing public access and limiting development. In 2015, MCHT purchased the island outright to enhance public access opportunities in the Midcoast.
On the Island
Black Island is ringed with spruce-fir forest that gives way to hay-scented fern meadows. The island’s trail leads from the northwestern campsite and runs southwest to the stunning granite ledges of the south end. A small patch of salt marsh on the northern shore borders a fine gravel beach, and a backdrop of rugosa rose and gooseberry—come in late June and enjoy delicious ripe gooseberries.
Visitors can also see where the rounded, light-colored granite of the Waldoboro Formation gives way abruptly to the dramatic Bucksport Formation, most visible along the island’s eastern shore. The island once supported a lobsterman and his wife who had a homestead where the so-called “Lilac Campsite” is now. The remains of the old house are still visible at the edge of the site.
Stories from the Midcoast
Deepening Our Connections to Nature and One Another
Our stories remind us why we commit ourselves to the work of conservation. Here in Maine, nature is still big and bold enough to remind us that we are part of it. We want to make sure this remains true.
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More Information on Whaleboat Island
Muscongus Bay Boating Conditions
This relatively shallow body of water is exposed to the southwest, and conditions can change rapidly.
What to watch out for:
- White caps: The wind can whip them up quickly on summer afternoons.
- Marine forecasts: Paddlers and small boaters should pay particular attention.
- Natural protection: Look for route options that offer protection—especially in the afternoon.
Kayakers launching from Bradford Point Road can find protection from the wind along either shore of Friendship Long Island.
Camping on the Island
Camping is only permitted at the two established sites on the island and stays are limited to two nights.
The Campsites:
Lilac Site: Just inland from the small landing beach on the northwestern shore.
Eastern Site: About a third of the way down the eastern shore.
Groups larger than 6 and/or commercial use by permit only. Please call 207-729-7366.
Campfires on the Island
Campfires are permitted, but must be smaller than three feet. Check with the town of Friendship for local restrictions
Additional Guidelines:
- Keep all fires below high tide line
- Do not build fire rings
- Do not cut or break tree limbs, dead or alive
- Leave no fire unattended
- Completely extinguish all fires
Help Us Take Care of the Preserve
This preserve belongs to all of us; that’s why it’s important to leave as little trace as possible when you visit.
To do that, please:
- Carry out all trash
- Carry out all pet waste
- Carry out all human waste (including toilet paper)