Rat

Nestled in quiet, calm Beals Cove, Rat is a very small island gem. It is rocky and inaccessible on all sides except the southeast corner, where you will find an intertidal landing and a gentle sloping rock to welcome you. Goldenrod, sea heather, lichen and moss dot the miniature island; please watch your step. Because the island is so tiny, it is best to confine your activity to the ledges. These near vertical ledges are made of a metamorphic rock called schist. They exemplify the power of tectonic plates forcing rocks from horizontal to vertical. Varying metamorphic rocks are visible up and down the coast of Maine.

Beals Cove has a neighborhood feel, with houses and docks dotting the shoreline. The cove is great for swimming on a hot summer day, and the head of the cove is fun to explore from a small boat on the top half of the tide. There are public beaches across Harpswell Sound in Harpswell harbor. From the north end of Rat there is a beautiful view of Harpswell Sound. Rat Island is inaccessible within one hour of low tide.