Owls Head Lighthouse State Park: a Beautiful (easy) Maine Hike

When you have such grand lighthouses as the Portland Head or such quirky light houses as the West Quoddy, small picturesque lighthouses like the Owl’s Head Light might not seem that cool. In MidCost Maine you will find all kinds of different things to do and quite a few lighthouses you can visit. The Owl’s Head lighthouse is unique and that it is perched high on a cliff and is not grand at all, but it’s actually still pretty awesome.

Located within a state park, the Owl’s Head Lighthouse provides a nice afternoon activity and a good little workout. Are you heading to Rockland or planning some time exploring MidCoast Maine? If so, make sure the Owls Head Lighthouse is on your list of stops. We’ve got the full scoop on what you can expect here and a couple other activities you can add to your visit. I love this part of the state, so if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment or send us a note so we can help you plan a wonderful time exploring Maine.

Highlights of Visiting the Owl’s Head Lighthouse

Visiting the Owl’s Head Lighthouse is a part of every visit to the Rockland area for us because it’s such a beautiful state park. When you arrive, you have just a short walk, not even a hike, to the lighthouse keeper’s quarters, which is now a museum, and then the lighthouse is just beyond. Although there are so many lighthouses in Maine, most don’t have museum areas or exhibits talking about either the specific light station you’re visiting or the nautical history of the area. The museum at Owl’s Head State Park is great to learning a little something and they have some great artifacts, including a beautiful lens.

The Owl’s Head Lighthouse was built in 1852 so you can see the years of paint maintenance on it, but it’s still just as beautiful as any vintage light station in Maine. The trek up to the actual Owl’s Head Lighthouse is a bit more of a challenge if you’re not a stair person, as the final stretch from the parking area to the tower is a bit staircase. Once you’re at the top, you can see the small tower and lantern quite well.

The view from Owl’s Head is beautiful and a great place for both birdwatching and looking for whales in Penobscot Bay. While you’re up here, keep an eye out for Maine State Ferries as they go by. One of my favorite views I’ve had of the Owl’s Head Lighthouse was from the ferry to Matinicus Island. Beautiful!

Tips for Visiting Owl’s Head State Park

When you’re planning your visit to Owl’s Head Lighthouse and the surrounding area, plan to tree it like a hiking day. True, the walk to the keeper’s quarters and then up the stairs to the lighthouse isn’t too bad or difficult, but there are other places to visit in the area, include trails down to the beach on the south side of Owl’s Head. If it’s not raining and slippery, you’ll see the trail by the picnic tables and from here you can head down to the beach area and tidepools below. Pay attention to posted signs and be safe, but it’s a fun little jaunt down.

And yes, I did say picnic tables. You can bring a nice snack or lunch and enjoy picnicking here at Owl’s Head State Park. It doesn’t get too busy here unless it’s a beautiful weekend day in the summer, so you shouldn’t have any trouble setting up a picnic. After you’ve visited the Owl’s Head Lighthouse, on your way back out stop at the two small lobstering harbors on the left. Lobster Lane and Richard Carver Harbor Park at the end of Main Street are both great places to take in the views and check out the lobstering boats that are anchored. This is a good photography spot if you’re looking to capture that nautical/lobster vibe of MidCoast Maine.

Since Owl’s Head State Park and the lighthouse won’t take you all day, you can easily visit more of the Rockland area or the St George Peninsula while you’re here. Yes, Owl’s Head is at the northern end of the St George Peninsula which then stretches down to Marshall Point and Port Clyde. You’ll have lots to explore.

Being Prepared for Owl’s Head Lighthouse

Wear sensible shoes when you come to the Owl’s Head Lighthouse. No part of the experience from the parking area to the peak of Owl’s Head itself is paved, so be smart about your shoe choice. Also, bring a jacket because it can be a little windy and cold some days, even in the summer when it’s warm in town. If you’re lucky and it’s a mildly foggy day, you’ll need a jacket then for sure.

And speaking of fog, if there’s a nice layer of fog but it’s not too crazy, the view from Owl’s Head is awesome for taking photos of Penobscot back and Rockland Harbor. A low lying fog makes for some of the most moody photographs in the early morning hours, so if you know that’s what the weather is doing, head up here before the fog lifts or burns off. And since you’re hear to get some cool photos, keep your eyes peeled for interesting birds too. Eagles, owls, hawks and jays are all beautiful species to watch for and if you’re lucky, you might even find an owl feather to bring home.

Parking at Owl’s Head State Park

Parking for the Owl’s Head Lighthouse is NOT near the lighthouse itself. It’s about a ten minute walk on a gravel path. You’ll have a small downhill and small uphill to the keeper’s quarters museum, and then a large staircase up the hill to the light tower itself. This is not an accessible experience from start to finish, but the trail from the parking are to the lighthouse viewing point below it near the museum is accessible and level (gentle slopes).

More Things to do on the St George Peninsula

There are lots of fun things to do in the area around the Owl’s Head Lighthouse, including the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum, exploring the town of Rockland, enjoying time hanging out at Crescent Beach very nearby, visiting Thomaston, and even heading a bit further to Port Clyde. If you’re going over to Port Clyde, you’ll be able to visit the Marshall Point Lighthouse too, which was made famous in the movie Forrest Gump. Also, my favorite boat tour in MidCoast Maine, the Mongehan Boat Lines Lobstering/Puffin Cruise, leaves from Port Clyde. So much to do when you’re visiting!