Western Head Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views

In the summer months, the ferry from Stonington, ME stops at the Duck Harbor campground and provides better access to this run. If you're on Isle Au Haut in the off-season, the trail-head can still be reached by running along the Duck Harbor Trail from the town landing and NPS ranger's station.

This run follows the scenic, rocky coastline on the solitary side of Isle Au Haut. It's difficult to follow in places because the trail includes portions of rock-strewn beaches. If you get lost, just follow the coastline until you pick up the trail again. The trail "ends" at Western Head, but you can continue along the Cliff Trail for some more excellent scenery. If you arrive at low tide, it's possible to cross the ocean-floor to explore Western Ear (be careful not to stay too long on Western Ear and get stranded by incoming tide). Just be sure to leave enough time to return before the ferry leaves.

This trail is best done as a loop with the Duck Harbor Mountain Trail, The Goat Trail and the Cliff Trail.

Herring Gull, Common Eider