Great Gott
Tremont
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Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- No camping permitted
- No fires permitted
- Foot traffic only (not suitable for wheeled vehicles)
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
- Respect privacy of preserve neighbors
- Do not remove archaeological artifacts
Why we Care
A Quiet Island Escape
Step onto Great Gott Island and enjoy a relaxing picnic with sweeping views of Acadia National Park in the distance. From there, explore the island’s gentle trails where abundant wildlife thrive amid the serene forested landscape. Protecting this island preserve means its beauty and habitat will endure for generations to come.
Features
How to Get There
You’ll need a private boat to access Great Gott. The closest mainland launch is in Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island. A public dock is also available in the small harbor in Great Gott, which is accessible three hours before and three hours after high tide. You can land on or anchor off the beach on the eastern side of the preserve.
Explore the Map
View this preserve’s trails and features on the interactive map or download a printable copy above.
Preserve Details
Property:
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Accessible:
Field Notes
Getting to Know Great Gott
On the Preserve
You’ll find the preserve on the northeastern corner of Great Gott Island, just south of the Bass Harbor Lighthouse and near the entrance to scenic Blue Bill Bay. Its picturesque shoreline features a mix of granite ledge, cobble and sand beaches, and mudflats to explore.
A Novel History
Great Gott Island was made famous by Ruth Moore (1903-89), a native of the island, and author of novels including The Weir, Spoonhandle, and Speak to the Winds.
Stories from Mount Desert Island
World Fish Migration Day
Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) will join partners and communities across the state on May 23, 2026 for a series of locally led events to celebrate migratory fish, river restoration, and the partnerships driving this conservation work forward. World Fish Migration Day activities will take place from York County to eastern Washington County on the Mousam, Bagaduce, Sheepscot, Orange, and Narraguagus Rivers, all part of MCHT’s multi‑year Rivers Initiative.
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More Information on Great Gott
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)