Barred Island

For dining near Barred Island, Aragosta at Goose Cove stands out as a premier choice. Known for its exquisite coastal cuisine, Aragosta offers bespoke à la carte options, a prix fixe menu, and a celebrated tasting menu, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's romantic setting and upscale atmosphere make it ideal for special occasions.

Another nearby option is the Harbor Cafe, though it is currently closed. This seafood and breakfast restaurant was popular for its comfort food and cozy atmosphere. For those looking for more variety, a short drive to nearby towns like Stonington offers additional dining options.

For accommodations near Barred Island, the Inn on the Harbor in Stonington is a highly recommended choice. This charming 19th-century inn offers comfortable rooms with water views, some featuring wood-burning fireplaces. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and explore the nearby harbor and local attractions. The inn's location provides easy access to the island while offering a relaxing retreat with picturesque views.

Barred Island Preserve itself does not offer extensive amenities like restrooms or showers, as it is primarily a day-use nature preserve. However, visitors can enjoy the scenic trails, bird watching, and photography opportunities. For more amenities, nearby towns like Deer Isle and Stonington provide basic services and facilities.

For those staying at nearby hotels like the Inn on the Harbor, amenities such as free Wi-Fi, parking, and continental breakfast are available.

Barred Island Preserve is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The main activities include hiking through the mossy coastal forest, swimming at the beach, and bird watching. The preserve's unique ecosystem supports a variety of bird species, making it a delight for birders. Visitors can also enjoy photography and simply taking in the stunning views of Penobscot Bay.

The island itself, accessible at low tide, offers a chance to explore a small, undeveloped wild island with granite shoreline views.

While Barred Island Preserve offers beautiful natural trails, it may present challenges for visitors with mobility issues due to its rugged terrain and lack of specific accessibility features. The trails are rated as moderate and include roots and rocks, making them difficult for wheelchairs. However, nearby accommodations like the Inn on the Harbor may offer more accessible options for lodging.

Parking for Barred Island Preserve is limited and available only at the designated parking area near the trailhead. The parking lot is small, and visitors are advised to arrive early or return another time if it is full. No parking is allowed along the road to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment. This policy helps maintain the preserve's tranquility and protects its fragile ecosystem.

Barred Island has a fascinating history, having once been owned by Frederick Law Olmsted, the famous landscape architect behind New York's Central Park. The island was donated to The Nature Conservancy by Carolyn Olmsted in 1969, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today, it remains a tranquil and untouched natural sanctuary, offering a glimpse into Maine's unspoiled coastal beauty.

The island's unique ecosystem supports a variety of flora and fauna, including mosses, lichens, and diverse bird species.

One of the main attractions near Barred Island is the preserve itself, with its beautiful trails and access to the island at low tide. Additionally, the surrounding area offers stunning coastal views and opportunities to explore Deer Isle and nearby Stonington. For those interested in more extensive outdoor adventures, Acadia National Park is within driving distance, providing a wealth of hiking trails and scenic drives.