Bass Harbor Head Light, one of Maine’s most picturesque and frequently photographed lighthouses, is perched on a rocky cliff at the entrance to Bass Harbor in Acadia National Park. First lit in 1858, this historic beacon continues to guide mariners navigating the treacherous waters along Mount Desert Island’s rugged coastline.
History of Bass Harbor Head Light
Constructed in 1858 with a $5,000 Congressional appropriation, the lighthouse was built in response to increased shipping activity in the region. The U.S. Lighthouse Board determined the necessity of a light to mark the harbor entrance and the entrance to Blue Hill Bay, and the station was completed with a 32-foot cylindrical brick tower, a wood-frame keeper’s house, and a covered walkway connecting the two. First keeper John Thurston lit the lamp on September 1, 1858. The original fifth-order Fresnel lens was replaced in 1902 with a larger fourth-order Henry-Lepaute lens, which remains in operation today. The lighthouse was automated in 1974, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, and formally transferred from the U.S. Coast Guard to the National Park Service on July 8, 2020. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the light itself as an active aid to navigation.
Lighthouse Architecture and Design
The lighthouse features a classic cylindrical brick tower standing 32 feet tall, painted white with a black lantern, and rises to a focal plane 56 feet above mean high water. The light produces an occulting red beam (three seconds red, one second dark) visible up to 13 nautical miles. The adjacent one-and-a-half-story wood-frame keeper’s house, also white, is connected to the tower by a covered walkway. The rocky cliffs on which the lighthouse sits create a dramatic contrast, making it a favorite subject for photographers. The station once featured a separate fog bell tower built in 1876 and a 4,000-pound bell housed inside a brick fog signal building added in 1898; both have since been replaced by a modern fog horn.
Location and Surroundings
Bass Harbor Head Light is located on the southwestern side of Mount Desert Island within Acadia National Park. The lighthouse offers stunning views of the Gulf of Maine and is surrounded by forested trails, rugged coastlines, and scenic overlooks. The area is a prime spot for wildlife viewing, including seabirds, seals, and even the occasional whale sighting.
Visiting This Lighthouse
Bass Harbor Head Light is one of Acadia National Park’s most popular attractions, drawing approximately 180,000 visitors each year, making it the fifth most-visited site in the park. Visitors can explore two short, well-maintained trails leading to different viewpoints of the lighthouse and surrounding coastline. The trail to the right of the parking area leads to a paved path right beside the lighthouse base, while the trail to the left descends a stairway down the cliff face to a dramatic ocean-side viewpoint. Sunset is a particularly popular time to visit, as the lighthouse’s silhouette against the colorful sky creates a breathtaking scene.
Getting There
To reach Bass Harbor Head Light, take Route 102A south through the village of Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island, then turn onto Lighthouse Road to the parking area, which has 27 spaces. Due to its popularity, parking can be limited, especially at sunset. Arriving early in the morning or visiting during off-peak hours is recommended. Alternatively, the seasonal Island Explorer shuttle bus drops passengers within a half-mile of the lighthouse. For visitors based in Bar Harbor without a vehicle, the Acadia private island tour with optional Bass Harbor Headlight upgrade includes a stop at the lighthouse along with the major Acadia highlights.
Visiting Hours
The lighthouse grounds are open year-round from sunrise to sunset. While the tower itself is not open to the public, visitors can enjoy the surrounding trails and viewpoints.
Admission
There is no admission fee to visit Bass Harbor Head Light, though visitors must pay the entrance fee for Acadia National Park.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are not available at this lighthouse, but informational plaques provide historical context. Occasionally, park rangers offer interpretive talks about the lighthouse’s history and significance.
Visitor Guidelines
- Stay on designated paths to help preserve the natural landscape.
- Climbing the lighthouse tower is not permitted.
- Parking is limited; carpooling or visiting during non-peak hours is recommended.
- Be mindful of rocky and uneven terrain when walking near the cliffs.
Notable Recognition
Bass Harbor Head Light has earned a place as one of Maine’s most photographed and recognized landmarks:
- America the Beautiful Quarter (2012): Selected to represent Acadia National Park on the U.S. Mint’s quarter dollar.
- NPS Centennial Forever Stamp (2016): Featured on the U.S. Postal Service’s commemorative stamp series celebrating the centennial of the National Park Service.
- 2017 Rand McNally Road Atlas: Featured on the cover, helping cement its status as an icon of New England travel.
- Presidential Visit: In 2010, President Barack Obama visited the lighthouse, becoming the first sitting president to visit Acadia National Park.
- Only Lighthouse on Mount Desert Island: While Mount Desert Island is ringed by smaller islands marked by lighthouses, Bass Harbor Head is the only lighthouse on the main island itself.
Plan Your Visit
A visit to Bass Harbor Head Light offers a stunning blend of history, coastal beauty, and the charm of Acadia National Park. Whether you’re seeking a scenic photo opportunity or a peaceful retreat by the sea, this lighthouse is a must-see destination on Mount Desert Island.