Nestled in Tremont, Maine, at the southwest corner of Mount Desert Island, the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse stands tall, marking the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay.

As one of the few lighthouses accessible by vehicle among the approximately 80 lighthouses in Maine, this iconic beacon is managed by Acadia National Park and holds significant historical and cultural value.

Acadia National Park proudly manages three lighthouses within its boundaries, with the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse being the most readily accessible by visitors via a quarter-mile entrance road leading to a parking lot with 27 spaces.

This 32-foot lighthouse, built in 1858, has been guiding mariners safely through the southwestern end of Mount Desert Island and Blue Hill Bay. In 2020, the National Park Service officially acquired the lighthouse from the U.S. Coast Guard, adding six buildings and a 32-foot light tower to the park's inventory of historic sites.

As a demonstration of its allure, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse attracts around 180,000 visitors annually, making it the most visited place on the west side of Mount Desert Island and the fifth most popular destination in Acadia National Park.

Due to the limited parking space with only 27 spots, visitors often face sunset gridlock and parking shortages, necessitating careful planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Visitors eager to explore this historic site can reach it by car via Route 102A from Bass Harbor or Seawall, followed by a short drive on Lighthouse Road. It is essential to note that buses, trailers, and RVs are not permitted due to the narrow road and small parking lot.

Additionally, public transportation to the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is not available, as the fare-free Island Explorer does not service this part of the island.

Despite these transportation challenges, the park maintains a parking lot, restrooms, and a short boardwalk trail leading to a scenic shoreline viewpoint.

Steeped in history, the Bass Harbor Head Light has been an essential aid to navigation for mariners for over a century. The original lighthouse lens, a Fifth Order Fresnel, was replaced by a Fourth Order Fresnel in 1901, extending its range to 13 nautical miles.

Today, visitors can still view the lighthouse's exterior through a paved walkway, but access to the interior is restricted.

Apart from the lighthouse itself, the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse offers breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and distant islands.

A marked path on the right side of the buildings leads to a tower and lighthouse viewing area, while a path on the left side takes adventurous visitors through a tree canopy to a stairway leading down the front face of the cliff.

Caution is advised, as the rugged Maine coast poses challenges and potential hazards.

The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Maine's Acadia National Park. Plan your visit carefully, and enjoy an unforgettable adventure at the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.