Length: .4 mi (.6 km)
Elevation Gain: 62 ft (18.9 m)
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
The Bass Harbor Head Light Station is one of the more iconic views in Acadia National Park. As such, it can get super congested and crowded at sunset, so plan accordingly. The Bass Harbor Head Light Station “is one of three lights managed by Acadia National Park, including two others on Baker Island and Bear Island. It appeared on the America the Beautiful quarter in 2012, the NPS centennial postage stamp in 2016, and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.” (NPS) If you are lucky enough to visit, it is beautiful and worth a stop.
Accessing the Bass Harbor Head Light Station in Acadia National Park
Starting Location: Bass Harbor Lighthouse Trail, Bass Harbor, ME
GPS (DD): 44.22257, -68.33733
According to the National Park Service, the Bass Harbor Head Light Station is “the most visited place on the west side of Mount Desert Island and the fifth busiest destination in the entire park, behind only Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole.” In order to access the popular view of the Bass Harbor Lighthouse, you will want to take the Bass Harbor Lighthouse Trail that leads down toward the ocean. When looking out at the sea from the parking lot, you will want to take the trail to your left as the trail to your right leads directly to the lighthouse.
Be Kind and Courteous to Other Photographers
There is limited space for tripods along the slippery ocean rocks. Please remember that everyone who travels there wants to have a chance to see and photograph this beautiful location. It is important to be kind to others and to share your space when possible. I’ve rubbed shoulders on more than one occasion with a fellow photographer so that we could both get our photo.
I also recommend arriving at the location well before sunset as there is only one road (Lighthouse Road) in and out of the small parking lot. When we visited the Bass Harbor Head Light Station in October 2023, we were stuck in heavy traffic. Desperate to catch the sunset, I grabbed my camera and tripod, hopped out of the car with my sister, and ran down to the parking lot and trailhead. It was a bit of a distance and I was pretty winded by the time I got there. Thankfully I was able to find a place to set things up just in time for the sunset. My brother-in-law, who was driving, joined us later after he found a parking spot. There is no parking along Lighthouse Road. In hindsight, I would’ve brought my dinner with me and had a picnic by the ocean.
Find Your Favorite Location
No matter where you stop, Acadia National Park provides amazing landscape photography opportunities. Be sure to take your time and find your favorite location along the way. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife! Don’t forget to add detailed macro shots, change your perspective, and most importantly have fun.
Before making your trip, consider checking the official Acadia National Park website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area. If you are able to go, I hope you enjoy your time photographing the Bass Harbor Head Light Station!
Happy Travels!
Juventa, Co-Owner, National Park Photographer
Want to learn more about Acadia National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Best Easy Day Hiking Guide and Trail Map Bundle: Acadia National Park
- Carriage Roads of Acadia: A Pocket Guide
- Moon Acadia National Park: Seaside Towns, Fall Foliage, Cycling & Paddling (Travel Guide)
- Acadia National Park: The Complete Guide (Color Travel Guide)
- Historic Acadia National Park: The Stories Behind One of America’s Great Treasures
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