rockland breakwater light

Don't get in too much of a hurry to get to the lighthouse. The path to this lighthouse is like no other.

Maine, for many visitors, means lobster and moose and pine woods and lighthouses. Rockland Breakwater Light is at the end of a one-mile breakwater, right in the middle of Rockland Harbor. You park near the Samoset Resort (signage to get you there is good), walk a mile on the breakwater to the light, and you're in the middle of Penobscot Bay - Rockland on one side, the Bay on the other, Owls Head Light dead ahead. On your walk you see ships and boats (including day-tripping schooners and ferries) passing close by, fisherfolk angling off the breakwater, and lots of sky to accompany the water. Be aware of an uneven rock walking surface, and avoid heels or flip-flops. No bathrooms at the light, which is not always open but with a walkway all around it. We go here (less than a half hour from home) sometimes just to get a sense of a boat trip without needing a boat.

The granite pier is 7/8 of a mile long of uneven boulders with gaps in between. Some of the gaps can easily swallow a leg. It makes for an interesting walk, with the destination being the lighthouse at the end. Along the way there are lobster boats, and the Vinylhaven ferry to observe, as well as sea gulls, eiders, loons and other wildlife. There is no access to the lighthouse, but some benches to sit on. A fun, healthy activity. The uneven surface makes this a great exercise, but also means it is tricky for those with balance issues. I'm not sure a wheelchair could get across. On this day the snowy section on shore was the trickiest place to walk, later in winter that might not be the case.

On a nice day with a little breeze you get to see a variety of boats up close and personal. Be careful with little children as many of the stones are uneven with considerable cracks - DON'T LET THEM RUN!

It was suggested by a family member that we go to the Breakwater Lighthouse, so we did. High tide is amazing as you walk the 3/4 mile walk along the stone wall to get to the lighthouse with the waves crashing all around you. It is truly a sight to see. The lighthouse was closed and we couldn't see inside the windows, but it was a great walk and a beautiful way to get closer to the ocean.

We didn't actually walk to the breakwater, but enjoyed the view. That's after we finally found it. Surprised that such an attraction wasn't more prominently signed. And visitor center wasn't that easy to find or helpful either. Nevertheless, if you're in Rockland, you should visit the harbor and the breakwater north of town.

Spent Oct 8 thru 13 in New England; mostly Maine, some New Hampshire, White Mtns. Walked the Rockland Breakwater on a beautiful morning. Would absolutely walk it again next time in the area. Be prepared for some cool winds. I had a light-jacket with a hood and also brought a scarf. Very scenic walk!

The Rockland Breakwater and Lighthouse is a good choice and different walk The breakwater is just 7/8 mile long and is a beautiful and scenic walk on sunny days. However, it could ber very windy, When crossing the Rockland Breakwater to the Lighthouse, there is no running water at the lighthouse, which means no bathrooms.You need to bring water for yourself and your pets just like a hike. Wear appropriate shoes. There are also some gaps between the blocks that can trip you up if you are not paying attention. Dress for cooler weather, it's cooler and windy at the lighthouse. The view is fantastic, nice place for photo. You will find the path to the Rockland Breakwater and Lighthouse at the turn of the Samoset Resort.

Took a walk out to the lighthouse during a dreary, damp foggy day...it was quite eerie, but all the more exciting! The walk was refreshing and a must do in any weather! Just be careful!

My husband and I took our two small children, it was fun, educating and the staff at the lighthouse were very friendly. It's a shame that they don't have more refreshments there, but understand that it's difficult with a listed building. I hope people continue to support and visit the centre. AND thank you to the staff who left our daughters mermaid at the bottom of the breakwater as we found her the next morning without the long (but fun) walk back again.

To get a flavor for Rockland's lobstering community, walk along the breakwater past Samoset resort to the lighthouse. You'll see lobstermen hauling lobsters from their traps, measuring and keeping/returning their catch. It's a nice, level walk as well, across massive granite blocks which form the breakwater.

This is really something is my view. You can walk nearly a mile out into the bay over the massive granite slab path. Remember to look up as you walk and not just at your feet like I did for the first bit! It's really windy so maybe take a scarf or a hoodie to cover your ears as the wind can really numb them. I think high tide in the wind could be interesting- we went a couple of hours before high tide and it was fine.

While In Maine, We took a ferry ride right by it to take a picture. I could live there. it is so pretty. Built just like a home but on the water.

We knew we were in Maine just by looking out over the water to see hundreds of Lobsta buoys. The walk is nice in the morning, just don't forget the coffee.

It was too rough a walk for my Husband but I did it. I watched many younger people sailing right along but for me the very uneven path often with bits of metal or rebar sticking up and some wide gaps between stones was somewhat disconcerting and I had to proceed carefully. However I was very pleased when I successfully negotiated my way to the light and back. It certainly is an impressive view at the end.