Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse Hike (Maine)

Visiting Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse in Maine is a lot different than any other lighthouse I have visited. All the other lighthouses were on land – not a mile or so offshore.

That’s one of the interesting things about this Maine lighthouse – you walk almost a mile on the breakwater made of granite rocks.

I did the Rockland Breakwater hike a couple of times while staying in beautiful Belfast Maine just a short drive north of Rockland.

Let me tell you what I learned on my visits and what you need to know before you go to the Rockland Breakwater.

My first visit to hike to the Rockland lighthouse the weather did not cooperate. Foggy skies rolled in and blocked the views of Penobscot Bay, and the lighthouse.

I could barely see the lighthouse from shore and as I started to walk the breakwater the fog added a curtain over the seascape.

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On my first visit the fog obstructed any sign of the trees behind the lighthouse

It was a bit eerie walking alone on the big granite stones that make up the breakwater.

You must watch your step because there are some big gaps between the stones.

The waves wash over the breakwater sometimes. I started to envision giant waves crashing down on me, but they remained gentle.

Luckily, I did not get soaked, not even my feet.

Benches at Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

You can sit down and enjoy the view from the Rockland lighthouse

A week later, on my second visit to Rockland to hike the breakwater I enjoyed a beautiful clear day in early October. Since it was my second time walking the breakwater and visibility was excellent it was more fun than the first visit.

Fall is a great time to visit Maine – check out the Maine fall foliage!

Rockland Maine Breakwater Lighthouse Autumn

Autumn is a beautiful time of year to go to Maine and visit the Breakwater Lighthouse

Rockland Breakwater Hike Info

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip
Type of hike: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed: Yes, dogs on leash are allowed

There are no bathrooms and no trash or recycling bins at the lighthouse. Please pack out everything that you bring with you to the lighthouse.

You will be walking on uneven surfaces with gaps between the rocks.

Waves wash over the Rockland Breakwater with the lighthouse in the distance

Your feet could get a little wet if you’re not careful – waves often wash over the breakwater

Breakwater Info

Over 4,000 ft (1,200 m) long
Completed in 1899
Built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers
700,000 tons of locally quarried granite
Total cost $700,000
Listed on the National List of Historic Places in 2003
The underwater base is much wider than the area exposed above water

Rockland breakwater looking towards lighthouse.

On a clear day the lighthouse is merely a dot in the distance – just under a mile away

Rockland Breakwater plaque

Lighthouse Info

Constructed in 1902 – after the breakwater was built
Lighthouse height is 25 ft (7.6 m) from the base
Automated in 1964

The City of Rockland owns the lighthouse, but the Friends of the Rockland Harbor Lights leased the lighthouse and take care of restoration and upkeep – Get more info at RocklandHarborLights.org.

Constructed in 1902 the lighthouse was fully automated in 1964

Stairs to Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

To get to the lighthouse walk up the stairs on the right side

What is the Breakwater and Why is it in Rockland?

In the mid 1800’s several big storms caused damage to the town of Rockland and ships in the harbor.

The breakwater does the job of breaking the waves and reducing damage to the shoreline, boats, and buildings along the coast.

Watch for the marine birds near the breakwater

Construction began in 1881– and completed in late 1899. In 1900 storms rolled in and over the breakwater, so the height was increased another 4 feet in 1901.

At the same time a base for the lighthouse was created out of the same local granite used for the breakwater.

Until the lighthouse was constructed in 1902, a beacon light was added at the end of the breakwater.

You can walk out on the dock by the lighthouse to get another angle

Getting to Rockland Breakwater

North of Rockland

Take Hwy US-1 south of Camden and Rockport.
Turn left on Warrenton Street in Rockland
Continue onto Waldo Avenue
Turn left onto Samoset Road
Parking is on the left at the end of Samoset

Portland area (southwest of Rockland)

Take Hwy US-1 north to Rockland
Turn left on Main Street in Rockland
Continue onto Camden Street
Turn right on Waldo Avenue
Turn right on Samoset Road
Parking on the left at the end of Samoset

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You may see this tall ship sailing around Rockland Maine

What to Wear

You want to wear good hiking shoes, sneakers, or walking shoes with excellent grip. The rocks have uneven surfaces and can be slippery so make sure you have good footwear.

On sunny days bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. A windbreaker jacket is also useful because it can get breezy – especially closer to the lighthouse.

Bring a small backpack to pack any extra clothing, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.

Sail boating is popular at Penobscot Bay in Maine

Weather at Rockland Breakwater

The weather can change quickly on the coast.

Do NOT walk the breakwater during thunder and lightning storms – people have died from lightning strikes at the breakwater.

And remember that lightning can strike even if the storm is a few miles away. According to a National Geographic article – lightning can strike as far as 5 – 10 miles (8 – 16 km) from the storm.

Fog can make the lighthouse disappear! You can’t see too much when it’s foggy on the coast of Rockland. Although, the first time I walked the breakwater it was foggy and I’m glad I did the hike. It’s just better during clear skies.

Check the weather in Rockland before you drive out to the breakwater. You can also check the webcam to see what the weather looks like at the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. The webcam is offline from 8 pm to 5 am EST

Have FUN walking the Rockland Breakwater.