The Maine Island Trail begins in Cape Porpoise Harbor, near the picturesque village of Kennebunkport, Maine. More than a dozen islands populate this tight archipelago, with substantial fishing traffic during the summer months. There is much to explore on day trips, and three lovely islands allow camping. These islands have a very different character and feeling than other islands further down east.

The islands in the Cape Porpoise archipelago were first identified by Europeans in 1604 by Samuel de Champlain while on an exploration for the French government. Champlain called the region Island Harbor, but because the French didn’t settle there an Englishman named Captain John Smith renamed it Cape Porpoise after a school of porpoises he saw in the area. Today Cape Porpoise is a thriving community split between traditional lobster fishing and tourism. For more information on the islands in this region see The History of Cape Porpoise, (1955) by Melville C. Freeman.

The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust (KCT) has acquired many of the islands in Cape Porpoise harbor along with a number of other sensitive parcels of land in the community. Their goal is “to preserve land in its natural state so that future generations will be able to enjoy it as we do.” Founded in 1969, KCT has protected more than 50 islands and parcels of land. They have an active island stewardship program, and you may see their small Lund skiff on the bay or doing a cleanup on one of the islands. To learn more about joining or supporting KCT, call the office at 207-967-3465 or visit them at www.thekennebunkportconservationtrust.org.

Parking is extremely limited in Kennebunkport. There is a small public lot at the end of Pier road in Cape Porpoise however, this site gets heavy local use by working fishermen and visitors from away are not appreciated during peak summer months. Please yield to fishermen while driving, parking, and boating.

Navigation hazards - A narrow channel lies between Goat and Folly islands and extends from the sea to Porpoise Cove. Outside this limited channel are numerous opportunities to run aground or otherwise encounter navigational challenges. There are also strong tidal rips in the local waters. Pick your route with care.

Local residents have a long history of visiting these islands. You may see other boaters camping on islands restricted to day use, and you may see larger groups than the recommended size. The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust owns these islands and has offered them to MITA members to use and enjoy. The guidelines listed here are intended to keep the islands in a wild condition, free from litter and overuse. Please respect the wishes of the owners by following the guidelines.

Thanks to volunters, stewards monitor the Trust's harbor islands. Their overseeing is a great aid to maintaining the beauty and quiet nature of the harbor.

Protecting and Maintaining Cape Porpoise Harbor

Camping Capacity/Guideline: Grove, 12 people; Cobble Cove, 4 people; North Beach, 6 people.

Considerations/Restrictions: Campers must obtain a camping permit (free) at the Police Station in Kennebunkport (101 Main St., Kennebunkport, ME. 207-967-2454 between 8 am and 5 pm). Fires allowed with permit from police station. Please remember to carry off all evidence of your visit, including human waste. Please kindle fires only in established fire pits.

Campsite Location: See map on following page.

Vaughn Island is the largest of the group at 46 acres, and is accessible by foot at low tide from Turbats Creek. Because of this it is occasionally the site of large groups and evening parties. There are three campsites, each with an established fire pit. The Grove is the largest and southernmost site and there is a history of group use. Cobble Cove is located 50 yards north of the Grove and has a nice sandy beach at low tide. North Beach is located at the northern end of the island in a grassy area above the beach.

Camping Capacity/Guideline: NW Point, 4 people; East Point, 4 people; Pine Grove, 6 people.

Considerations/Restrictions: Campers must obtain a camping permit (free) at the Police Station in Kennebunkport (101 Main St., Kennebunkport, ME. 207-967-2454 between 8 am and 5 pm). Fires allowed with permit from police station. Please remember to carry off all evidence of your visit, including human waste. Please kindle fires only in established fire pits.

Campsite Location: See map on following page.

Trott Island is the second largest island at 43 acres. It is forested with spruce and fir, and there are many nice views of the neighboring islands and the open ocean. There are three campsites, each accessible from a small beach. Trails are available that wind through the mature pine forests.

The Northwest Point campsite is perched among trees above the beach. The East Point campsite is located in the grass above the small pocket beach opposite Cape Island. Pine Grove campsite is located back in the woods above the beach and near the Northwest Point. Please use the fire ring on the beach.

Camping Capacity/Guideline: West Point, 6 people; North site, 6 people; Bay View, 6 people.

Considerations/Restrictions: Campers must obtain a camping permit (free) at the Police Station in Kennebunkport (101 Main St., Kennebunkport, ME. 207-967-2454 between 8 am and 5 pm). Fires allowed with permit from police station. Please remember to carry off all evidence of your visit, including human waste. Caution: this is a difficult island to approach and make land fall. Please kindle fires only in established fire pits.

Campsite Location: See map on following page.

Cape Island is a rugged island of 14 acres with a split personality: the West side, which faces the Harbor and Trott Island, is protected and relatively tranquil, while the seaward side is wild and exposed. There are three camping spots on Cape, all facing the harbor. The Western Point site faces Goat and Trott Islands and has a monumental fire pit. The North site is in a wooded grove and the Bay View site, which is west of the North site, is nestled in the trees. Landing is tricky at all locations.

Considerations/Restrictions: Day use only. No fires. Please remember to carry off all evidence of your visit, including human waste. Beware of poison ivy!

Stage Island was historically the site of the earliest habitation by Europeans on these islands. Fish were cured for storage on Stage, and it afforded settlers some protection from Indian attacks. There is a beautiful sand beach along the southwestern shore, and it is a desirable destination for picnics. Because of its open exposure the environment is fragile. The NE side of the islands is a seal rookery in the spring, so please give this side a wide berth. Although there has been some history of heavy use and camping by local residents, the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust asks that Stage Island be limited to day use only.

Considerations/Restrictions: Day use only. No fires. Please remember to carry off all evidence of your visit, including human waste. Beware of poison ivy!

This small island lies just southeast of Stage island and is separated from its larger sister at high tide. There is a small building on Fort which can be used as a shelter in case of emergency.

Considerations/Restrictions: Day use only. No fires. Please remember to carry off all evidence of your visit, including human waste. Beware of poison ivy!

This small island lies directly opposite and in full view of the pier. Please watch for local traffic.

Considerations/Restrictions: Day use only. No fires. Please remember to carry off all evidence of your visit, including human waste. Beware of poison ivy!

Goat Island is the home of Goat Island Lighthouse. First established in 1833, Goat Island Light was created to guide fisherman home safely through the treacherous shoal waters of Cape Porpoise. It was automated in 1990. The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust has placed a caretaker on the island during summer months. The lighthouse is open to the public but please respect the privacy of the keepers quarters. More information on the island can be gained by visiting http://www.lighthouse.cc/goat/history.html.

Considerations/Restrictions: Day use only. No fires. Please remember to carry off all evidence of your visit, including human waste. Beware of poison ivy!

Redin Island is covered with low brush and poison ivy. Surrounded by mud flats at low tide, you may well have this island to yourself for a brief walk. There is a sandy beach on the south side at low tide.

Considerations/Restrictions: Day use only. No fires. Please remember to carry off all evidence of your visit, including human waste. Beware of poison ivy!

Green Island is also known as President Bush Island and is located between Vaughn and Folly. Please note that Folly island is not open to MITA visitors.

Considerations/Restrictions: Day use only. No fires. Please remember to carry off all evidence of your visit, including human waste. Beware of poison ivy!

Milk Island once was the site of a two story house, wharf, barn, fish house, and other improvements. They stood on a granite base, and when the owner wished to sell them in 1835 the new owners demolished the buildings and quarried the granite, leaving the remains to be washed away. Today there is little left. You may land and explore the remains at your own risk.

Considerations/Restrictions: Day use only. No fires. Please remember to carry off all evidence of your visit, including human waste. Beware of poison ivy!

This small island lies just east of the red nun marking the channel.

Considerations/Restrictions: Day use only. No fires Please remember to carry off all evidence of your visit, including human waste. Beware of poison ivy!

Bass Island is located between Vaughn and Trott Island. There are interesting rocks exposed on the shore.