There are more than 4,600 islands located off the coast of Maine. Some of these are inhabited year-round, some offer wonderful tourist activities and others are tiny and often overlooked. Each one adds to the character of Maine’s craggy coastline and, even those that cannot be visited easily, are important to our geography.
While these coastal islands feel so very Maine, many people forget about our inland islands (those located in lakes and rivers) and the ones that might not actually be islands at all. These are the ones that might feel like an island, but are actually connected by a small strip of land making them easily visited and totally worth the trip. One of our favorites is Georgetown in Sagadahoc County.
To get to beautiful Georgeotown, cross the Sagadahoc Bridge in Bath.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr When you get off the bridge, you’ll be in Woolwich where you’ll make a right at the end. Head South on Route 127, cross a few bridges and you’re almost at the islands of Arrowsic and Georgetown. You’ll be surrounded by the Kennebec River, the Sasanoa River and the Back Rivers.
Ted Kerwin / Flickr
The island was originally purchased in 1649 by John Parker, from England, for a hogshead of rum and some pumpkins from Chief Mowhotiwormet.
beglen / Flickr In 1714, the town of Newtown-on-Arrowsic was built on Arrowsic Island. It was incorporated in 1716 as Georgetown-on-Arrowsic, named after Fort St. George.
Georgetown includes the villages of Five Islands, Georgetown, Bay Point, Marrtown, West Georgetown and Robinhood.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr All are beautiful, but many people spend their time in the town of Robinhood, where this photo comes from.
The island is comprised of about 82 miles of coastline, which includes beaches, coves, harbors and marshes. Those looking forr wildlife spotting will be treated to osprey, harbor seals, bald eagles, deer and moose. Those who prefer human interaction will appreciate that Georgetown is home to about 1,000 people.
Just after arriving in Georgetown, you’ll see Robinhood Road.
stephen o’grady / Flickr This is the road that will take you to one of the most lovely areas of the island - Robinhood Cove. home to the Osprey Restaurant. Enjoy the great views of sailboats and power boats cruising in and out of the cove, and enjoy fresh seafood, or savor a cocktail at the neighboring Tavern at Riggs Cove.
Robinhood Cove is home to The Osprey Restaurant.
The Osprey Restaurant / Facebook Once you arrive in town, we recommend stopping in for a drink and lunch. You’ll be treated to views of all the boats coming in and out of Robinhood Cove. But, head there quickly! This is their last weekend open for the season. They’re hosting an end-of-season party that kicks off at 4pm on Sunday 10/9 with live music.
After lunch, head further South down Route 127 for the Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr The area includes forest and coastline where you’ll have the chance to hike through two miles of trails for lovely views of the area. Keep an eye out for local birds!
Continue south for a few miles on to find Seguinland Road, leading to Reid State Park.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr The park features about a mile and a half of wonderful sandy beach, juxtaposed with untamed-feeling forests. You’ll find calm dunes and salt marshes as well as granite ledges with rough waves.
Dana Moos / Flickr
This is an aerial view of the Little River that empties into Sheepscot Bay at Half Mile Beach in Reid State Park.
Mike Timberlake / Flickr
This area, at the mouth of the Kennebec River, is home to The Seguin Island Lighthouse.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr Some say this lighthouse is haunted by the ghost of a former keeper’s wife. To combat loneliness, the keeper bought his wife a piano. She played it over and over again, ultimately driving the keeper to murder.
Continuing on Route 127, you’ll come to the end of the island where you’ll find one of the most beautiful spots in Maine, Five Islands Harbor.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr
This spot is also home to the famous “Five Island Lobster Company.”
Rob Kleine / Flickr In this vicinity you’ll also find Five Islands Farm, a farm stand featuring local Maine specialty foods, along with wine and cheese.
Soon after the road will end at the Five Islands wharf.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr This is a wonderful place to take in the view, while enjoying some snacks from the farm stand.
Head back the way you came, passing once more through Robinhood.
Jim Pennucci / Flickr Take in a few more gorgeous views before heading home, knowing you’ve seen one of the most accessible, but remote-feeling islands in Maine.
beglen / Flickr
If you’re looking for more places in Maine to explore this fall, check out our fall foliage road trip to see Maine like never before.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr
When you get off the bridge, you’ll be in Woolwich where you’ll make a right at the end. Head South on Route 127, cross a few bridges and you’re almost at the islands of Arrowsic and Georgetown. You’ll be surrounded by the Kennebec River, the Sasanoa River and the Back Rivers.
Ted Kerwin / Flickr
beglen / Flickr
In 1714, the town of Newtown-on-Arrowsic was built on Arrowsic Island. It was incorporated in 1716 as Georgetown-on-Arrowsic, named after Fort St. George.
All are beautiful, but many people spend their time in the town of Robinhood, where this photo comes from.
The island is comprised of about 82 miles of coastline, which includes beaches, coves, harbors and marshes. Those looking forr wildlife spotting will be treated to osprey, harbor seals, bald eagles, deer and moose. Those who prefer human interaction will appreciate that Georgetown is home to about 1,000 people.
stephen o’grady / Flickr
This is the road that will take you to one of the most lovely areas of the island - Robinhood Cove. home to the Osprey Restaurant. Enjoy the great views of sailboats and power boats cruising in and out of the cove, and enjoy fresh seafood, or savor a cocktail at the neighboring Tavern at Riggs Cove.
The Osprey Restaurant / Facebook
Once you arrive in town, we recommend stopping in for a drink and lunch. You’ll be treated to views of all the boats coming in and out of Robinhood Cove. But, head there quickly! This is their last weekend open for the season. They’re hosting an end-of-season party that kicks off at 4pm on Sunday 10/9 with live music.
The area includes forest and coastline where you’ll have the chance to hike through two miles of trails for lovely views of the area. Keep an eye out for local birds!
The park features about a mile and a half of wonderful sandy beach, juxtaposed with untamed-feeling forests. You’ll find calm dunes and salt marshes as well as granite ledges with rough waves.
Dana Moos / Flickr
Mike Timberlake / Flickr
Some say this lighthouse is haunted by the ghost of a former keeper’s wife. To combat loneliness, the keeper bought his wife a piano. She played it over and over again, ultimately driving the keeper to murder.
Rob Kleine / Flickr
In this vicinity you’ll also find Five Islands Farm, a farm stand featuring local Maine specialty foods, along with wine and cheese.
This is a wonderful place to take in the view, while enjoying some snacks from the farm stand.
Jim Pennucci / Flickr
Take in a few more gorgeous views before heading home, knowing you’ve seen one of the most accessible, but remote-feeling islands in Maine.
Thanks to Debby Fowles for providing background information included in this article.
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