From mid-May to mid-October, Hermit Island is accessible only to registered campers using Hermit Island Campground, and pets are not allowed. In the winter months, however, the trails and beaches on this beautiful island are open for day-use to respectful visitors who clean up after themselves and their dogs (no winter facilities are available). An added winter bonus appears to be the absence of mosquitoes and flies, which appear to be fairly aggressive in the summertime, based upon comments. We explored this quiet space on a chilly but sunny Black Friday, navigating using the AllTrails app, and a printed version of the campsite map on the Hermit Island Campground site.
We hiked using the campground roads and trails for a moderate clockwise loop that was about 3.8 miles, taking about an hour and a half. Parking is available at the Kelp Shed at Hermit Island Campground, reached by crossing the rutted sand causeway behind Head Beach, effectively at the end of Route 216 in Phippsburg. A quick duck under a gate, and head uphill past a massive anchor at the campground entrance. Almost immediately, a walkway leads to the left, opening upon Head Beach. The camp roads are wide and flat, easy for walking, and bounded by grasses and ornamental berries, with fresh deer prints crossing at intervals.
Hiking in Maine 