Built in 1832 along the Nanticoke River in Maryland, Clay Island Light served as a vital navigational aid for vessels traveling the river’s shallow, winding waters. The lighthouse guided commercial traffic hauling timber and oysters from the Eastern Shore’s thriving maritime trade.

Now deactivated, the light is no longer open to the public and cannot be climbed. Its remote riverside setting makes it a compelling subject for photographers, with golden hour and early morning fog offering the most dramatic shots.

Nearby, visitors can explore the Nanticoke River’s scenic kayaking trails, the charming town of Vienna, and the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, one of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier birdwatching destinations.

Explore Nearby

• Devils Island Wildlife Management Area — State Park in Illinois
• Janes Island State Park — State Park in Maryland
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Douglas Point Special Recreation Management Area — Public Land in Maryland