Perched on barren Mount Desert Rock, 26 miles off the Maine coast, Mount Desert Light has guided mariners since 1830. This remote granite tower stands as one of the most isolated lighthouses on the Atlantic seaboard, surrounded by nothing but ocean and sky.

The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Unfortunately, it is not open to public visitation due to its extreme offshore location and lack of landing facilities.

Photographers prize this lighthouse for its dramatic solitude—best captured during summer boat excursions when calmer seas allow closer approaches. Morning light offers stunning eastward views.

Nearby attractions include Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor’s charming waterfront, and whale-watching tours departing from surrounding coastal villages.

Explore Nearby

• Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park — State Park in Maine
• Whaleback Shell Midden — State Park in Maine
• St. John Valley Cultural Byway/Fish River Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Maine
• Schoodic Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Maine
• Watson Settlement Bridge — Covered Bridge in Maine