Perched on a remote granite ledge in Machias Bay, Maine, Avery Rock Light has guided mariners through treacherous waters since 1875. This squat, conical tower—constructed of cast iron lined with brick—replaced an earlier beacon that proved inadequate for the bay’s challenging conditions.

What makes Avery Rock notable is its extreme isolation; the lighthouse sits on a tiny rock outcropping accessible only by boat. Now decommissioned and privately owned, the tower is not open to the public and cannot be climbed.

For photographers, calm summer mornings offer the best conditions for boat-based shots. Nearby attractions include Machias Seal Island’s puffin colony, the Bold Coast hiking trails, and the charming downtown of Machias with its historic buildings.

Explore Nearby

• Machias River Corridor — State Park in Maine
• Fort O’Brien State Historic Site — State Park in Maine
• Bold Coast Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Maine
• Salt Missions Trail Byway — Scenic Byway in New Mexico