Pond Island
Frenchboro
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Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- Camp at established campsite (with restrictions)
- Campfires permitted (with restrictions)
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
- Do not remove archaeological artifacts
Why we Care
An Island Escape
Venture onto Pond Island and experience why it’s worth protecting. Stroll the shoreline ledges and cobble beaches, then follow the short path from the southern shore to an open meadow and the old homestead site with sweeping views. After finding a perfect picnic spot, settle in for a quiet evening at the campsite on the east side of the island, with a nearby 1000-foot long beach to explore.
Features
How to Get There
Pond Island is only accessible by private boat. The nearest mainland launch sites, all within Blue Hill Bay, include Bass Harbor and Seal Cove on the eastern side, Blue Hill Harbor and East Blue Hill Falls on the northern side, and Naskeag Point on the western side. Once at the island, you’ll find numerous good spots for anchoring—look for spots in the lee.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what Pond Island has to offer.
Preserve Details
Property:
Town:
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Accessible:
Field Notes
Getting to Know Pond Island
On the Island
The 241-acre Pond Island Preserve was generously donated to MCHT in 2014. The preserve, which is the most northern island of an archipelago in the southwest corner of Blue Hill Bay, consists of Black, Opechee, Sheep, Eagle, and Johns Islands, all on Casco Passage.
Most of Pond Island is covered by a spruce-fir forest, with open meadows on the south end and marshes on the north end. However, the island’s expansive beaches are its most alluring feature. The preserve also includes the diminutive Lamp Island, but due to its fragile nature, please stay off and enjoy it from a distance.
Tips From an MCHT Land Steward
Be sure to pack along your bug repellent while exploring this preserve. The walk up to the old homestead from the southern beach meanders through a meadow home to White-tailed Deer, Monarch Butterflies, and a healthy population of hungry flies.
Many Have Walked Here Before
Pond Island has been a popular destination for centuries and was once home to year-round residents. Today, the only remnants of earlier human habitation that still exist are the foundations of an old barn and house on the south end of the island.
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 Pond Island
Camping on the Island
- Camping is only permitted at the established campsite.
- Limit stay to two nights.
- Commercial use by permit only. Please call 207-729-7366.
Campfires on the Island
Campfires are permitted, but must be smaller than three feet.
Additional restrictions:
- 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)