Maine Island Trail

Casco Bay to Machias, Maine

Contact:

Maine Island Trail Association (MITA)

PO Box 333

Damariscotta, ME 04543

Phone: 207-563-1393

Email: dra@maine.edu

 

Description

The Maine Island Trail is a 325-mile-long coastal waterway extending from Casco Bay to Machias. It was organized to give experienced paddlers and boaters an opportunity to enjoy the wilderness and solitude of Maine's coast. Islands are continuously being added and removed to the list, but there are usually about 75 islands available for visiting. Some islands can be camped on, while others are only available for day-use.

 

The islands are fragile and some get heavy use. It is important that everyone do their part to care for the islands thelves. This includes carry-in, carry-out or Leave No Trace practices. Fires are not allowed on many islands and MITA suggests no fires should be used on the islands because of the risk to the island itself. The islands that allow fires require a fire permit from the Maine Warden Service. Even with a permit, fires are allowed only in designated fire rings.

 

According to the MITA website, the most popular islands are Jewell, Little Snow on Quahog Bay, and Crow and Thief on Muscongus Bay.

 

Water and facilities are not available on all islands. Remember, these are carry-in, carry-out areas. So, if you just can't bring yourself to carry out what you carried in, you should plan to visit Jewell island, Warren island, Fort island or Eagle island. All four islands have privies. Potable water is only available on Jewell and Warren islands.

 

For more information, please contact MITA.

 

Fees

Access to private islands is only available to MITA members. Membership is $45 for individuals and families.