Bass Harbor Head Light


There is only one lighthouse on Mount Desert Island; it sits in the somnolent village of Bass Harbor in the far southwest corner of the park. Built in 1858, the 36ft lighthouse still has a Fresnel lens from 1902. It's in a beautiful location that's a favorite of photographers. From the parking lot, take the short walk down wooden steps to granite boulders – this spot provides a great view of the harbor side of the lighthouse.

The lighthouse is about 5 miles southwest of Southwest Harbor.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Whistler Cove

3.61 MILES

This pretty stretch of rocky shoreline backed by pine forest is reached by a short trail (one-mile round-trip) that starts near the Great Cranberry Island…

3. Wendell Gilley Museum

4.31 MILES

For rainy-day amusement, pay a visit to this handsomely designed museum, which displays the exquisite wooden carvings of Wendell Gilley, one of the world…

4. Islesford Historical Museum

5.59 MILES

Run by the National Park Service, this appealing little museum gives the lowdown on all things Cranberry Isles–related. Exhibits cover everything from…

5. Thuya Garden

6.17 MILES

Some of the most beautiful gardens on the island lie hidden atop a forest-backed bluff overlooking the east side of the harbor. Flowers bursting with…

6. Asticou Azalea Garden

6.31 MILES

Created in 1957, this lovely 2.3-acre garden is laced with paths, little shelters and ornamental Japanese-style bridges. Azaleas and rhododendrons bloom…

7. Echo Lake

7.24 MILES

Ringed with lush forests and nestled between the slopes of two mountains, Echo Lake makes for a lovely escape from the crowds on the busier eastern side…

8. Somes Sound

7.44 MILES

This fjord-like embayment is one of the most striking natural features in Acadia. It was formed by glaciers and makes for a picturesque backdrop to a…