High Island
St. George
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Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
- Camp at established campsite (with restrictions)
- Campfires permitted (guidelines below)
Why we Care
A Coastal Haven
High Island invites exploration—from the half-mile loop trail with sweeping views of Penobscot Bay to a relaxing campsite just south of the landing beach. Even novice paddlers in fair conditions can reach the island, where sun-warmed ledges, a pocket salt marsh, and gravel beaches await. It’s a place for adventure and a reminder of the value of protecting Maine’s coast.
Features
How to Get There
High Island is just north of Tenants Harbor where it meets with Long Cove. Small boats and paddle craft can land at the head of a northeast-facing cove on the northwestern shore. Larger boats can anchor just west of the island. There are two part-tide boat launches in Tenant’s Harbor.
Keep an eye out:
- Motorized vessels approach carefully: Significant ledges extend north of the northwestern shore.
- Tenants Harbor is a busy commercial fishing port: watch for fishing vessels.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what High Island has to offer.
Preserve Details
Property:
Town:
County:
Accessible:
Field Notes
Getting to Know High Island
The Path to Conservation
MCHT first became interested in conserving High Island in the 1980s, when staff wrote a letter out of the blue to the island’s former owners. In 2014, MCHT started working with the town of St. George and Blueberry Cove 4-H Camp, whose campers have enjoyed overnights on High Island for many years. MCHT purchased the island through a generous bargain sale in June of 2016.
On the Island
Mature red spruce covers most of High Island, and hiking the loop trail will lead you through a peaceful, open forest with extensive moss and lichen cover on the forest floor. Ospreys nest on the southeastern shore, their cries ringing through spring and summer, while ravens often soar overhead from a nearby nesting island. The westernmost point of the island, once the site of a run-down two-story house, is now a pleasant picnic area. MCHT used its granite foundation to create a fire ring.
Note: A portion of the trail may be closed April 1st-August 1st to protect nesting great blue hero.
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.
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 High Island
Camping on the Island
Camping is only permitted at the established campsite just south of the main landing beach. Stays are limited to two nights.
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 St. George for local restrictions
Guidelines:
- Keep all fires below high tide line (or in designated fire pit)
- Do not cut or break tree limbs, dead or alive
- Leave no fire unattended
- Completely extinguish all fires
Tenants Harbor Boat Launches
The two nearest boat launches are both part-tide.
- Tenants Harbor: Public launch with limited parking located at the end of Commercial Street.
- Tenants Harbor Boatyard: Off Barter’s Point Road, launching and parking available for a small fee.
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)