AMC Outdoors, June 2007
An island is a tiny self-contained universe. The world shrinks to fit inside the ocean’s boundaries. Time slows down and mainland bustle drifts away. Only the tides come and go with any regularity. Come escape to one of these seven island outposts and enjoy a tranquil haven of outdoor adventure.
Great Wass Island
Beals, Maine
The ocean crashes in vain against the granite headlands of Great Wass Island. Bulging south from the coast of far eastern Maine, the erosion-resistant plug of Great Wass sits at a nexus of ecological diversity. Rain, fog, and cool temperatures combine to nourish a spongy maritime forest of Atlantic cedar. A major ocean flyway passes overhead; sightings of rare migratory species are common. The Nature Conservancy protects most of the island in 1,540-acre Great Wass Island Preserve, where a network of rugged day-hiking trails explores the forest and rocky headlands.
Info: TNC Maine chapter, 207-729-5181; www.virtualBirder.com/vBirder
Getting There: Connected by bridge to Jonesport and Route 187
Matinicus Island
Matinicus, Maine
It is the farthest offshore archipelago in Maine, a lonely outpost of lobstermen, puffins, peace, and quiet. Matinicus Island is the chain’s largest chunk of rock, three miles long, a mile across, and surrounded by the deep Atlantic. Trails ring the shore and inland forest—there’s even a white sand beach at the island’s southern tip. Fewer than 100 year-round residents call Matinicus home, though rental cottages and a few small inns dot the coves and inlets. No camping is allowed. Boat tours head out to visit nearby islets, where healthy puffin colonies cling to rocky cliffs.
Info: www.matinicus.info
Getting There: State ferries run 2–3 times per month, 207-596-2202; A private ferry service is also available, 207-691-9030
Peddocks Island
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Less than eight miles from downtown, Peddocks Island quietly rests in the middle of Boston Harbor. One of the 30 islands that speckle the bay, Peddocks is among the largest, featuring a view-rich network of paths and a series of summer campsites ideal for an overnight visit. Ferries run regularly to Georges Island, where free water shuttles connect to Peddocks and other island destinations. If possible, join one of the tours to lighthouse-studded Little Brewster Island—the most picturesque of the lot.
Info: 617-223-8666, www.bostonislands.org
Getting There: Ferries to Georges depart several times per day from Boston, Quincy, and Hull ($10–$12), 617-223-8666. For Little Brewster tours, 800-979-3370
Monomoy Island
Monomoy NWR, Mass.
Monomoy Island extends south from the elbow of Cape Cod, an eight-mile-long strip of sand constantly rearranged by the wind, weather, and waves. A 1958 blizzard separated Monomoy from the Cape. Twenty years later, the ocean split the island in two. A November 2006 tempest reattached the southern portion to the mainland and now you can walk all the way from South Beach in Chatham to the lighthouse at Monomoy’s southern tip. Access is otherwise by private boat only. Camping is prohibited.
Info: 508-945-0594, http://Monomoy.fws.gov
Getting There: Refuge headquarters is located on road-accessible marsh in Chatham.
Prudence Island
Narragansett Bay, RI
In the middle of Narragansett Bay, a short 25-minute ferry ride from shore, lies a sleepy island enclave. The friendly community of Prudence (year-round population: 150) sits near the center of the island, while most of the rest, nearly 60 percent of the island’s total area, lies within the boundaries of the Narragansett Bay reserve. Easy-cruising bike rides are possible throughout the island, or you can take advantage of the 12 miles of trail that explore the reserve’s coves, beaches, and inland forests.
Info: www.nerrs.noaa.gov/NarragansettBay, Discover Rhode Island (AMC Books)
Getting There: Ferries run several times daily from Bristol, RI. ($6 round-trip)
Valcour Island
Lake Champlain, NY
Lake Champlain has the feel of a vast inland sea, speckled with an enticing mosaic of islands, history, and freshwater scenery. Valcour Island, Champlain’s fourth largest, nestles in the lake’s southeast corner and was the site of pitched naval battles between American and British troops during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. Today it is entirely protected within New York’s Adirondack Park. Quiet paths circle the two-mile-long island, winding past sandy beaches, accessible Bluff Point Lighthouse, and a series of paddle-in campsites.
Info: www.apa.state.ny.us
Getting There: Valcour is located a mile offshore from Peru Dock in Peru, NY. Accessible by private boat only.
Assateague Island
Assateague National Seashore, MD
A huge sandy sliver of adventure, Assateague Island traces an 18-mile arc just offshore from the Maryland-Virginia border. Drive-up access is possible at the island’s southern and northern ends; in between lies a 10-mile wild beach where only foot travel is permitted. A series of backcountry sites, both hike- and paddle-in, dot the ocean and bay sides of the island—Pope Bay, State Line, and Green Run campsites are the most remote. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a view of wild ponies galloping across the dunes. A substantial herd calls the island its home.
Info: 410-641-1441, Camping info 410-641-3030, www.nps.gov/asis
Getting There: Accessible by car via Route 611 (Maryland) and 175 (Virginia)
Contributors
Heather Clish; Brant Collins; Brenda Conaway; Christie Matheson, Author, Discover Rhode Island; Jeff Moag; Kurt Navratit, Marty Plante
- Matt Heid is Senior Editor at AMC Outdoors.
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