West Quoddy Head Lighthouse: Visitor Guide to the Easternmost Point

West Quoddy Head Light is the candy-striped lighthouse at the far eastern edge of Maine, and it is the easternmost lighthouse in the contiguous United States. We think it is one of the most rewarding, and least crowded, stops on the Maine coast, though it is a long drive from almost anywhere.

This guide covers what is open and closed right now, the trails in Quoddy Head State Park, when to go, and how to plan a day around Things to Do in Lubec. Details change, so please confirm hours, fees and access before you go.

Why West Quoddy Head Is the “Easternmost” Place in the U.S.

The lighthouse sits on the easternmost edge of the lower 48 states. To be precise, the lighthouse is the easternmost building, while the true easternmost point is on rocks just east of the shore. Either way, standing here you are as far east as you can get without leaving the contiguous U.S.

The first light here was completed in 1808. The current 49-foot tower, painted in red and white horizontal stripes, dates to 1858. The light was automated in 1988, and the station is on the National Register of Historic Places.

What Is Open (and Closed) Right Now

As of late 2026, the official lighthouse keepers’ association says the tower is closed to the public and no tower tours are scheduled for 2026. The visitor center and museum in the former keeper’s house are closed for restoration, with a reopening expected in 2027. You can still walk the grounds and photograph the tower from the park.

• Tower: closed; tours have usually been limited to special events
• Visitor center and museum: closed for restoration, expected back in 2027
• Pop-up shop: 32 Water Street in downtown Lubec, with limited days and hours posted by the keepers’ association
• Grounds and trails: open during park season

Park season is reported differently by different sources: one lists mid-May to mid-October and another lists April 1 to November 1. Off-season, visitors have been able to park outside the gate and walk in. An entrance fee applies in season, but we could not confirm the amount, so check before you go.

Quoddy Head State Park Trails

The lighthouse is the headline, but the 541-acre park around it is the reason to stay a while. Trail lengths below come from Maine Trail Finder.

• Inland Trail: 0.75-mile easy loop through conifer woods to High Ledge and Gulliver’s Hole
• Bog Trail: 0.2 mile of boardwalk through a bog with rare sub-arctic plants. Please stay on the boardwalk
• Thompson Trail: 1.1 miles, easy, to the sandy beach at Carrying Place Cove
• Coastal Trail: 1.3 miles, moderate, with steep rocky sections and the best ocean views
• Coast Guard Trail: 0.9 mile, easy to moderate; the western half is the more accessible part

Clifftop sections can be hazardous when wet or foggy, the weather changes quickly, and cell service is spotty. Wear real shoes and tell someone your plan.

Best Time to Visit

Summer and early fall are the easiest seasons for access and for wildlife. The point is often described as one of the first places in the country to see the morning sun for much of the year, which makes sunrise a popular reason to come. Fog is common on this coast, so build in a flexible day.

Whales, Birds and Wildlife

Whales are sometimes seen offshore in summer, and the park is known for sea ducks, gannets, kittiwakes and purple sandpipers, plus shorebirds during spring and fall migration. Bald eagles are frequent in winter. Bring binoculars. On a clear day, you may also be able to see across the water toward Canada.

Getting There and Planning Your Day

The park address is 973 South Lubec Road, Lubec, Maine 04652, and the park phone is (207) 733-0911. Lubec is a long way from the interstate, so most visitors make it part of a Down East trip rather than a quick detour. Plan to eat and fuel up in town before you drive out, and pair the lighthouse with a walk in the park.

Nearby Guides

Planning more lighthouse stops? See Things to Do in Lubec, Nubble Lighthouse, Marshall Point Lighthouse, Portland Head Light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is West Quoddy Head Light the easternmost point in the U.S.?

It is the easternmost lighthouse and building in the contiguous United States. The exact easternmost point is on rocks just east of the shore.

Can you go inside the lighthouse?

Not at the moment. The tower is closed and no tours were scheduled for 2026. The visitor center and museum are expected to reopen in 2027.

Is there a fee to visit?

A park entrance fee applies in season. We could not confirm the current amount, so check with the park before you go.

Can you visit in the off-season?

Reports say you can park outside the gate and walk in, but confirm current access and conditions first.

Our details come from Wikipedia, the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse Keepers Association, Maine Trail Finder and Visit Maine.