Mistake

Mistake Island is home to Moose Peak Light, an iconic Maine lighthouse operating since 1826. The lighthouse and 7 acres of the surrounding grounds are owned privately. The remaining 20 acres is also privately owned by [The Nature Conservancy (TNC)](https://www.nature.org/en-us/) who manages it as a sanctuary for rare and threatened plants and natural communities. The public is welcome to visit Mistake Island for day use anytime. Use of the island is restricted to the boat ramp on the northwest point, the boardwalk, and the privately-owned land in the vicinity of the lighthouse. Due to the rare and exceptional ecology of the island, visitors are asked to remain on the boardwalk when passing through TNC land. The boundary between TNC’s preserve and the lighthouse lot is approximately aligned with the southeastern point of Knight Island. A small platform and picnic table near the eastern end of the boardwalk provides a great lunch spot.

The light tower, the fog signal building and the boathouse are all that remain of the former Moose Peak Light Station, which at one time included a spacious dwelling and a covered wooden trestle bridge. The light itself has been rebuilt or reinforced several times over the years. The current owners are undertaking further restoration efforts to ensure the longevity of the structures. Follow the restoration progress on Instagram (@moose_peak_lighthouse), visit the Moose Peak Lighthouse [GoFundMe page](https://www.gofundme.com/f/moose-peak-lighthouse-restoration), or reach out to the owners Jeremey and Miriam by [email](mailto:moosepeaklighthouse@gmail.com) to learn more about their efforts or to get involved. The owners of Moose Peak Light visit the island frequently, and visitors may be greeted by unleashed dogs upon arrival.

The easiest approach to the island is from the northwest. The harbor created by Knight, Mistake and Water Island is a gathering spot for cruising vessels and it is not uncommon for several to be at anchor here. Although the low tide bar connecting Knight and Mistake Island offers an easy landing spot, there is no access to the island from the bar. Attempting to access the island from the sandbar is strictly prohibited as it can damage the delicate vegetation on the island and contribute to erosion. The boathouse ramp is the best landing option for those looking to visit the southeastern side of the island. Use caution when traversing the ramp as it is steep and covered by slippery seaweed in places. If the conditions make it prohibitively difficult to access the ramp, MITA users have permission to land small boats at a narrow beach just south of the northwestern corner of the island. From this beach follow the short spur trail to the boathouse. The unique boardwalk path, the majestic lighthouse, and the dramatic views make Mistake Island a truly exceptional place to visit. But the island has also been dubbed one of the foggiest spots in the United States with more than 1600 hours of fog recorded annually. Try to time your visit wisely!