Head Harbor

One of the largest islands in the Great Wass Archipelago, Head Harbor Island offers visitors a protected anchorage, spectacular views, and a sheltered campsite which provides groups an excellent option for setting up a basecamp to explore the region.

The MITA site is located on the southern shore of the Northwest arm of the island, just west of Hatchet Harbor and directly north of Middle Hardwood Island. The water here has several submerged shoals, so use caution when approaching the shoreline. The campsite is located on a grassy point of land that extends slightly into the cove with a large spruce tree in the middle. The best approach is just to the west of the shoal bank where a narrow inlet leads to a small sandy beach at mid tide. Just ashore is a cleared area where one can set up a few small tents. The landowners are in the process of re-opening several roads and walking trails along the island and welcome visitors to explore the island via these systems. There are several other private landowners with small shoreside holdings on Head Harbor Island; we ask that you please respect their privacy and avoid any buildings you encounter while exploring the island by foot. Additionally, the large arm of land stretching east and south of the “Cow Yards” cove is privately held and we ask that you please limit your use to the northern and western portions of the island.

First visited and stewarded by ancestors to the Passamaquoddy people, Head Harbor Island was a place of food abundance and a site for summer gatherings for these communities for thousands of years. After first contact, the island became host to European colonists who settled in the area. This settlement grew until, at its peak, it was home to over a dozen families, had its own post office and school house and was known locally as the village of Sealand. While the homes and buildings built during this period have largely disappeared, dozens of stone foundations on the island remain and many Beals and Jonesport area inhabitants can trace their lineage back to Sealand families. Please practice leave no trace principles during your visit and remove no artifacts from the island.