Friends of Sears Island, Maine

The mission of the Friends of Sears Island (FOSI) is to support permanent protection of Sears Island’s environmental and cultural resources; preserve its marine, shoreland, and forest ecosystems; and encourage educational and low-impact recreational uses of the island. Sears Island offers visitors . . .

• Easy access by causeway with parking
• Miles of quiet, wild shoreline
and several easy-to-moderate trails to explore
• Wildlife watching and historic sites

• Dogs permitted; horseback riding on roads
• Abundant botanical and geological features
• Outdoor activities all year long, such as
picnicking, kayaking, and snowshoeing

Guide to Walking on Sears Island

Click to download a JPG file that you can view on your mobile device or print.

There are many places to walk on Sears Island. The island is about 2 miles north to south and about 1 mile east to west. Trail distances are approximate. Always be aware of the tides if you plan to walk along the shore.

Shoreline Trail – To walk the shore around the entire island is about 5 miles. Some places are impassable when the tide is high because of steep banks, so please consider the tide before you start.
Jetty Road – About 1.5 miles, most of which is paved, that leads to a jetty. For a lovely view down the bay, walk up the rise on the left at the end of the road, to a space next to some birches.
Cell Tower Road – This gravel road branches left off the Jetty Road and leads to a cell tower at the south end of the island. It is about 2 miles from the gate to the cell tower.
Homestead Trail – About 0.7 miles in length—with some roots, rocks, and bog bridges—this trail begins at the apple tree on the northeast beach, or you can enter by the Jetty Road if the tide is too high. Note stone walls and some very large “legacy” trees along the way. Just before a field opens up ahead, look to the left for remains of the old farmhouse cellar. After the bench in the field, follow the trail out to Cell Tower Road
Western Shore Trail (formerly Green Trail) – About 0.6 mile from the gate on the Jetty Road, this trail heads to the western shore, crossing a stream onto the Transportation Parcel. If you continue to the west shore, it is about 0.6 miles total. You can walk back to the gate along the shore at half tide or lower.
Eastern Ledges Trail – From the gate, walk up Jetty Road and turn to left on Cell Tower Road. Turn east (left) off Cell Tower Rd about a mile from the gate. It’s a beautiful walk about 0.4 mile from Cell Tower Road to the ledges on the eastern shore, through the forest and a few beautiful fern fields. Follow the trail north above the shore about 0.35 miles to reach the shore, where you can continue walking a little less than a mile north back to the gate. Be careful of steep drop-offs at the ledges and along the trail above the shore, and watch the tide if you plan to walk the beach.
Loop Trail – About 0.4 mi., the Loop Trail begins and ends at Cell Tower Road. Balsam fir branches arching overhead are charming in winter snow and peaceful any time of year. Flat terrain.
Southern Shore Trail (formerly Blue Trail) – About 0.35 mi., the trail begins beyond Loop Trail off Cell Tower Road and leads down to a mostly rocky beach with views to the east and a nice spot for lunch.
Sears Summer Homestead Loop – Just past the Southern Shore Trail on Cell Tower Road is a short loop trail on the right that takes you past the site where the Sears family had their summer homestead. You will find rough piles of foundation stones where the summer home and outbuildings used to be. Be careful around the open well.
Scenic Lookout Trail – Just before you reach the cell tower, turn left onto this .25-mile easy trail to the southernmost tip of Sears Island, where you will enjoy an expansive view of Penobscot Bay from about 50’ above the shore. There is no access to the shore here.

Enjoy Sears Island’s trails at your own risk and please follow these guidelines, so others may enjoy them too:

Fires are not permitted anywhere on Sears Island.
Control your pets. Pick up animal waste and dispose of in trash container near entrance.
Ride horses only on paved and unpaved roads. Remove waste from roads.
Leave no trace from your visit.
Use only non-motorized vehicles.
Carry in, carry out any trash.

Camping and overnight parking are not allowed.

Note: Hunting is permitted on Sears Island October 1-December 31. Please be mindful of this.