Walk a Mile Out to Sea in Maine

Almost a mile anyway, and many have done so since 1902. If you have been to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, then you know exactly what I am talking about. If you have never been, I emphatically recommend putting this lighthouse on your itinerary. Out of the ten lighthouses that I have visited in Maine via land and boat, this one immediately conquered the #1 spot.

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What Makes Maine's Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse so Special?

I feel as if the answer to that question is glaringly obvious. The lighthouse was completed in 1902 to steer ships away from the almost mile-long breakwater which was completed in 1899. The breakwater was developed to block dangerous weather from the shore and the ships docked nearby.

You can walk the 7/8 of a mile out to this historical lighthouse. Where else can you get exercise while walking on the sea? Not many other places than Rockland, Maine, and the views are spectacular. The ships and boats going by you as you hike to the lighthouse at your pace make this experience extremely unique.

Parking and Other Specifics When walking the Breakwater to This Maine Lighthouse

Parking is free and the lot was pretty full when we arrived in late August but found a spot fairly quickly with the metaphorical revolving door of visitors. For bathrooms, there is a porta-potty. There are no bathrooms at the lighthouse for the public even when it is open (it was closed during our visit).

The walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse and back is over 2 miles and you are going over a rough surface made of stone with lots of gaps. I wore street shoes, but wish I had sneakers on. There is a sign at the entrance that warns of walking the breakwater in bad weather as the stones can become slippery and people can and have been struck by lightning on the breakwater and died. With all of that in mind, make your way to Rockland and spend a couple house on the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. You won't be disappointed. Check out more photos below before you go!