Whaleback Light, perched on a ledge at the mouth of the Piscataqua River in Kittery, Maine, has guided mariners since 1820. This distinctive granite tower—named for the whale-shaped rock formation it crowns—marks the treacherous boundary between Maine and New Hampshire waters. The current structure, rebuilt in 1872, withstands powerful nor’easters and dramatic tidal currents.

While the lighthouse remains closed to the public with no climbing access, photographers capture stunning images from Fort Foster Park or by boat tour. Golden hour and stormy weather create particularly dramatic shots. Nearby attractions include the Portsmouth Harbor Trail, historic Fort McClary, and the charming shops of downtown Kittery and Portsmouth, just minutes away.

Explore Nearby

• Fort Stark State Historic Site — State Park in New Hampshire
• Fort Constitution State Historic Site — State Park in New Hampshire
• Kancamagus Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine
• White Mountain Trail — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire