High Island Preserve is located just off the eastern shore of St. George near the confluence of Tenant’s Harbor and Long Cove. After decades of interest and effort, Maine Coast Heritage Trust was finally able to purchase the island in 2016 with the help of a grant from the Land for Maine’s Future program. The island can only be accessed via an easy boat ride; the best launch points are at Tenant’s Harbor Public Landing and Tenant’s Harbor Boat Yard, the latter of which has a small use fee. The island is covered mainly by red spruce trees and has a mile of rugged shoreline that offers some beautiful views of Penobscot Bay.
High Island Preserve houses a half-mile hiking loop that takes visitors around the entire property, with a couple of scenic overlooks included along the way. Near the small boat landing is a day-use area that is a great spot for picnicking. It was formerly the site of the only large human-built structure on the island, a two-story house that was demolished in 2016 due to its poor condition. Also near the small boat landing is a campsite, at which visitors can stay for up to two nights. Those who wish to brave the cold Atlantic waters can swim off a few fine gravel beaches found on the island’s western shore. High Island is home to populations of nesting Great Blue Herons and Ospreys. Ravens that live on a nearby island frequently fly over the Preserve as well. This High Island should not be confused with another High Island that lies about 10 miles to its northeast in Muscle Ridge Channel.
Closest Town
St. George
Activities
Birdwatching, Hiking, Picnicking, Camping, Paddling, Swimming, & Wildlife Watching
Region
Midcoast Maine – Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, Waldo
Acreage
19.7
Directions
The island can only be accessed via an easy boat ride; the best launch points are at Tenant’s Harbor Public Landing and Tenant’s Harbor Boat Yard, the latter of which has a small use fee.
