On Swans Island, you can explore coastal scenery, nature trails, and island history from different perspectives. A forest trail in Back Cove, the glacial cobble field at Noah’s Ballast, and two beaches at Hockamock Head highlight the distinct features of these destinations. The Swan’s Island Lobster and Marine Museum complements the natural attractions with local fishing history.
Getting There by Ferry
The Swan’s Island Ferry operates between Bass Harbor and Swans Island. The crossing is six miles long and takes 40 minutes. Schedules and fares may change, so check the latest information before planning your trip. The crossing time is one concrete element of your journey, while the current schedule determines the departures for your travel date.
Forest Trail and Cobble Landscape
The Back Cove preserve offers a one-mile trail through a peaceful forest landscape. Its clearly stated length makes this a well-defined option for adding a woodland walk to your stay.
At the southeastern tip of Swans Island lies Noah’s Ballast, a ten-acre preserve with an extensive cobble field deposited during the last glaciation. A 1.5-mile hiking trail leads to picturesque Goose Pond, offers ocean views, and reaches an old cobble beach at its highest point. This beach formed after the last glaciation, so the cobble field and the beach belong to different chapters in the landscape’s history.
In terms of length, the trail in Back Cove, at one mile, is shorter than the 1.5-mile trail at Noah’s Ballast. The landscapes also distinguish the two destinations: a peaceful forest setting in one, and cobbles, a pond, ocean views, and an old beach in the other.
Two Beaches at Hockamock Head
The trails around Hockamock Head offer scenic views and access to two beaches. The Long Point Beach Trail lies on the ocean-facing side of Hockamock Head and includes a pebble beach. The Burying Point Trail is on the harbor side and leads to a sandy beach. The two trails therefore differ both in location and in the surface at their respective destinations: pebbles on the ocean-facing route and sand on the harbor-side route.
This comparison is helpful if you want to choose your outings by coastline and beach type. One beach is on the ocean-facing side, along the Long Point Beach Trail; the other is reached via the Burying Point Trail on the harbor side. Together, the trails offer two different coastal views around Hockamock Head.
Lighthouse and Island History
Tours of the Burnt Coat Lighthouse tower go up to the lantern room. There is no charge to visit the buildings of the Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station, explore its trails, or spend time at the park beaches. Check current access information before your visit.
The Swan’s Island Lobster and Marine Museum has a unique collection of local artifacts that tells the story of fishing on Swan’s Island. The collection grounds this subject in the island and adds a cultural and historical focus alongside the natural and coastal destinations. Together, the attractions offer a range of interests to consider when planning: geology and trails at Noah’s Ballast, forest scenery in Back Cove, beaches at Hockamock Head, and fishing history and a lighthouse.
Discover more destinations: Brooklin, Orland, Castine, Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert, Gouldsboro, Ellsworth, Dedham
For the broader travel overview: Hancock.
