Can you name this wild island?
If a development plan had come to fruition 40 years ago, you probably wouldn’t be looking at this sunrise. This rugged shore would be the exclusive domain of a few, complete with million-dollar cottages and an airfield. But a recession dashed the developers’ dream, and later a conservation organization permanently protected the island for public access. At 985 acres, it’s one of the East Coast’s largest conserved wild islands, located about 10 miles from the mainland and roughly midway between two year-round island communities, whose residents like to picnic and look for sand dollars on its sandy beaches. Ten miles of trails follow the island’s perimeter and cross its wooded interior. There are three campsites, and orange skies like this one are the reward for those willing to roust themselves from their tents at dawn.
Sponsored by Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Like what you see? This spot is one of dozens of pristine coastal havens conserved for you by MCHT, Maine’s coast-wide land trust. All 130-plus MCHT preserves are free and open to the public. Find one near you.
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