Frenchboro Preserve
Frenchboro
Jump to
Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- No camping permitted
- No fires permitted
- Stay on established trails
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
- Respect privacy of preserve neighbors
Why we Care
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
Escape the summer crowds of Acadia National Park and head to Frenchboro Long Island. Keep an eye out for marine mammals and sea ducks on the way. Once ashore, explore 13.5 miles of hiking trails—some of the most remote routes on the Maine coast. The rugged shoreline, distant views of Acadia’s highest summits, and abundant wildlife, including migratory songbirds, nesting bald eagles, and resident mink provide endless photographic opportunities.
Features
How to Get There
Frenchboro Preserve is located on Frenchboro Long Island. You can access it by private boat, with moorings available for rent in the harbor, or you can take the ferry. More information on the ferry is available below.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what Frenchboro Preserve has to offer.
Preserve Details
Property:
Town:
County:
Accessible:
Field Notes
Getting to Know Frenchboro Preserve
The Path to Conservation
In 1999, most of the land that now comprises MCHT’s Frenchboro Long Island preserve went on the market for $3 million. Members of the Frenchboro Long Island community asked MCHT for help conserving the land and the way of life enjoyed by the people who live there.
Realizing the need to integrate land protection and community development, the town invited MCHT, the Island Institute, and Maine Sea Coast Mission to help devise a solution. Through a collective effort, a plan emerged to protect the property in question from large-scale subdivision and development; keep its wild shores open to town residents and visitors; allow for future village growth; and compensate the town for lost property tax revenues.
With support from The Island Institute and the Maine Sea Coast Mission, MCHT raised the funds to purchase the property in less than a year. A second parcel, including Rich’s Head, was added in 2011 through a generous donation.
On the Preserve
Located on Frenchboro Long Island, this 1,159-acre preserve includes 8.2 miles of shoreline, hundreds of acres of spruce forests, and dozens of forested and open wetlands, headlands, and beaches. While the interior provides intact habitat for forest and wetland wildlife, the preserve’s rocky shoreline is home to rare plants such as mare’s tail and beachhead iris. Beaver and deer were introduced in the 1900s and have left a mark with ponds and little hardwood understory. Frenchboro Long Island is also home to nesting bald eagles and is a popular stopping point for migratory birds.
Tips From the MCHT Land Steward
Be sure to check out the Frenchboro Library (open 24/7, 365) and the Historical Society Museum (open July to Labor Day), which features exhibits on the town’s 200-year history. You can also browse the gift shop for handmade crafts, books, and more.
“Leave room for an ice cream cone from Lunt’s Dockside Deli after your hike!”
Need help with an itinerary? See details
Stories from Mount Desert Island
How We’re Restoring Marshes
Many tidal marshes in Maine aren’t working the way they’re supposed to, but through restoration we can improve chances of successful marsh migration as sea levels rise in the decades to come.
Be part of the movement
Contribute to a future with
healthy, open lands & waters
Donate Now
Give your time to help
care for the coast
Volunteer Now
Be a champion
for conservation
Spread the Word
More Information on Frenchboro Preserve
Traveling by Ferry
There are two ferry options for travel, both departing from Bass Harbor.
- Wednesday Ferry: This same-day, roundtrip service typically runs two Wednesdays each month, departing the harbor at 9:00 am and leaving Frenchboro at 3:00 pm.
- Friday Ferry: This passenger-only service runs each Friday from early spring to late fall. This ferry departs at 8:00 am and leaves Frenchboro at 6:00 pm (5:00 pm in November).
Be sure to arrive in plenty of time to secure a parking space, as spots can be limited at the terminal during the summer. And don’t miss the ferry back in the afternoon; there are no last-minute accommodations available on the island.
Information above is subject to change: double check that the ferry is running at maine.gov.
Sharing the Island
Many of the paths on the island extend from MCHT land onto private property. Neighboring landowners have generously continued the island tradition of allowing the public to cross their properties, but please respect their privacy by staying far away from any structures and leaving no trace of your visit.
These generous landowners are part of the approximately 30 year-round residents who primarily make their living primarily from lobster fishing. The village itself is clustered around Lunt Harbor, and includes a schoolhouse, post office, church, museum, library, firehouse, and dockside deli.
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)
Wednesday Half-Day Hike
Leaving Bass Harbor at 9:00 am, the 50-minute ferry ride will arrive on Frenchboro Long Island just before 10 am. Head up to the main road and turn right. Near the southern tip of the harbor, turn left and ascend the hill to the building housing the island’s museum and library. The preserve entrance is located out back near the small kiosk.
From here you can complete a loop hike along the island’s southern shore before swinging back inland. Follow the trail south to Big Beach, then continue east to Deep Cove, Bluff Head, and West Cove. The main trail then heads west across the center of the island, swings right through a sand pit area before reaching a town road. Bluff Head is the most dramatic viewpoint along this route, but there are many other scenic vistas.
Allow at least an hour to get from West Cove to the ferry terminal to make the 3:00 pm ferry departure. There are no last-minute overnight accommodations available, so you don’t want to miss it. If necessary, you can shorten the hike by following routes inland from Deep Cove or Bluff Head.
Friday Full-Day Hike
Leaving Bass Harbor at 8:00 am, the 50-minute ferry ride will arrive on Frenchboro Long Island just before 10 am. Head up to the main road and turn right. Near the southern tip of the harbor, turn left and ascend the hill to the building housing the island’s museum and library. The preserve entrance is located out back near the small kiosk.
Follow the Wednesday Half-Day Hike itinerary above to reach West Cove around the middle of the day. From here there are two options: complete the loop around Rich’s Head, the island’s most remote corner, or follow the shore trail north to Yellow Head, Eastern Beach, and Northwest Point. The isthmus that connects the main island to Rich’s Head is a wonderful picnic spot with incredible views of Mount Desert Island.
If time permits, explore both trails before returning to the town dock to meet the 6:00 pm ferry departure. Check the map for more direct options back to the town, should time become an issue. With no last-minute overnight accommodations available, you don’t want to miss the evening ferry.