Quoddy Head State Park
Easternmost point of the U.S. mainland, featuring a striped lighthouse, dramatic cliffs, and unique arctic bog trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
First light on the mainland
Quoddy Head State Park
Best Time
First light on the mainland
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Easternmost point of the U.S. mainland, featuring a striped lighthouse, dramatic cliffs, and unique arctic bog trails.
"Absolutely gorgeous! The park has beautiful trails and breathtaking views that make it worth a longer visit."
🌅 Arrive Early for Sunrise
Beat the crowds and get the best sunrise views at the easternmost point of the USA!
💰 Bring Cash for Donations
Entry is by honor system. Your donation helps maintain this beautiful park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
Coastal cliffs
Iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse, the easternmost beacon in the U.S. A must-see landmark.
Quoddy Head Coastal Trail
Park-wide
Dramatic cliffside trails offering panoramic ocean views and access to Green Point. Easy to moderate difficulty.
Arctic Bog Boardwalk
Northern section of the park
A unique mile-long loop through a rare arctic tundra bog, offering an otherworldly experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Light
Honor System & Donations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Arrive Early for Sunrise
Beat the crowds and get the best sunrise views at the easternmost point of the USA!
💰 Bring Cash for Donations
Entry is by honor system. Your donation helps maintain this beautiful park.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven, especially along the coast.
📱 Expect Spotty Service
Phones may switch to Canadian networks. Embrace the disconnect!
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Arrive Early for Sunrise
Beat the crowds and get the best sunrise views at the easternmost point of the USA!
💰 Bring Cash for Donations
Entry is by honor system. Your donation helps maintain this beautiful park.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven, especially along the coast.
📱 Expect Spotty Service
Phones may switch to Canadian networks. Embrace the disconnect!
🚫 No Drone Zone
Respect the park's regulations and leave your drones at home.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Quoddy Head State Park for its breathtaking coastal scenery, the iconic West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, and unique natural features like the Arctic Bog. The easternmost location offers a special sunrise experience. Some note the unpaved parking and occasional spotty cell service, but overall, it's considered a must-visit gem on the Maine coast.
"West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and State Park is absolutely gorgeous! We only stopped briefly to see the lighthouse and snap a photo at the easternmost point of the United States, but it’s clear this spot deserves much more time. The park has beautiful trails and breathtaking views that make it worth a longer visit. Highly recommend adding it to your Maine trip!"
Serena Cassidy
"A beautiful lighthouse at the end of the United States. A beautiful little park that you pay on the honor system. They have a bathroom located about 100 yards from the lighthouse. The lighthouse is handicap accessible, and there is parking closer to it. This lighthouse is a must visit if you’re on the east coast of northern Maine with great views of the Bay of Fundy and Canada across the way. This is a great place to enjoy and there are small hikes. This is a no drone zone. If you’re coming here, don’t forget to bring a few dollars with you so you can make a donation to get in. If you’re parking, there’s plenty of parking spots, but it is not paved just in case you like your fancy car."
Abner Bonilla
"My mom and I visited Quoddy Head State Park on Monday, September 29th. The building was closed because of the head lighthouse was the need of more painting but we spent a good time to look at the lighthouse, the surroundings, and the ocean! Also, we went out for a walk on Inland Trail and saw the Sail Rock and Grand Manal Channel of Canada. It was another great state park to see. It was very quiet being there but we saw a bunch of people there. Also, there’s a lack of WiFi connection because our phones thought we were in the Canada. We surprisingly didn’t know this state park is also at the easternmost point of the United States of America!"
Cody Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Quoddy Head State Park is located in Lubec, Maine, at the easternmost point of the continental United States. The drive itself is scenic, winding through coastal towns. Be prepared for potentially limited cell service as you approach the park.
Public transportation options are very limited in this remote Downeast Maine region. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle to reach Quoddy Head State Park and explore the surrounding areas.
The park is relatively compact, with the main attractions clustered around the lighthouse. Well-marked trails, including the Quoddy Head Coastal Trail and the Arctic Bog Boardwalk, make exploration straightforward.
Lubec is the closest town, offering basic amenities. Nearby attractions include Cobscook Bay State Park and opportunities for whale watching.
Yes, there is parking available near the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse. The parking lot is unpaved, and it's a short walk to the lighthouse itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Quoddy Head State Park operates on an honor system. Visitors are encouraged to make a donation to support park maintenance. Bring cash for this purpose.
The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, specific hours can vary, and it's always a good idea to check the official Maine State Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
There is no set entrance fee, but a donation is requested. The amount is up to the visitor, but contributions help keep the park beautiful and accessible.
The lighthouse interior is typically not open to the public for tours, as it is an active aid to navigation. However, you can admire its exterior and learn about its history.
While there isn't a formal visitor center, there are informational signs and staff present during peak seasons. Restrooms are available near the lighthouse.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Quoddy Head Coastal Trail offers stunning ocean views along dramatic cliffs. The Arctic Bog Boardwalk provides a unique experience through a rare ecosystem. The Inland Trail also offers scenic walks.
Visitors can spot marine wildlife like seals and seabirds along the coast. Keep an eye out for porcupines and other forest creatures on the trails.
Yes, the park has easy trails like the Arctic Bog Boardwalk, which is a mile round-trip and engaging for kids. The coastal trails offer beautiful views, but supervision is needed due to cliffs.
No, Quoddy Head State Park is a designated no-drone zone. Please respect this regulation to preserve the natural environment and visitor experience.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Bay of Fundy, and on clear days, Canada across the water. The dramatic cliffs add to the scenic beauty.
📸 📸 Photography
The West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is a prime subject, especially during sunrise or sunset. The coastal trails offer dramatic cliffside shots, and the Arctic Bog Boardwalk provides unique, atmospheric perspectives. 
Sunrise is particularly special here as it's the easternmost point of the U.S. mainland, offering the first light. However, sunset can also provide beautiful colors over the ocean.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes and the lighthouse. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant marine life. Consider a tripod for low-light sunrise shots.
Drones are prohibited in the park. Otherwise, photographers are encouraged to capture the beauty responsibly, staying on marked trails.
Summer offers lush greenery and clearer skies. Autumn brings vibrant fall colors. Even winter can be stunning, especially with snow, offering a unique perspective on the landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
The coastal trails provide beautiful views, but parents should keep a close eye on children due to the cliff edges. 📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
+1 The rugged coastline and unique bog offer diverse photographic opportunities. However, drones are prohibited in the park, so leave them at home. 🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
The park's remote location means fewer crowds, allowing for a more peaceful immersion in nature. Wear sturdy footwear as trails can be rocky. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
+1Visitors can get up close to the lighthouse and learn about its history through interpretive signs. While the interior is not typically open to the public, the surrounding grounds provide excellent vantage points for photos and appreciating its unique architecture. The lighthouse's location at the easternmost point of the continental United States adds a special significance, making it one of the first places to see the sunrise in the country.
Exploring Quoddy Head's Unique Ecosystems
+1Beyond the bog, the park's coastal trails wind through a landscape shaped by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy. You'll encounter dwarf trees, sculpted by the wind and salt spray, and a variety of coastal vegetation. The park's location also means it's a haven for diverse wildlife, including numerous seabirds and marine mammals visible from the shore. Exploring these varied habitats offers a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of the Downeast coast.
+1Sunrise at the Easternmost Point
+1However, it's important to be prepared for potential fog. The coastal Maine weather can be unpredictable, and fog is common, especially in the mornings. While fog can obscure distant views, it also lends a mystical and atmospheric quality to the landscape, creating unique photographic opportunities. Even if the sun isn't fully visible, the soft, diffused light can be incredibly beautiful.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit