Cross

For many years, Cross Island was owned by the Cabot family who donated a 20 acre portion that included a former Coast Guard station to Outward Bound School. The Cabots donated the balance of the 1500 acre island to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages it as part of the [Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/maine_coastal_islands/) today. A trail network is maintained that crisscrosses the island and can be accessed from the camping area. There are several pocket beaches on the north side and dramatic high cliffs on the south. Tucked into the south side is a sea cave, 80-90 feet deep, accessible at low tide.

A lifesaving station operated on the eastern point of Cross just opposite Scotch Island from 1874 to 1928. To view the remnants, take the trail from the Outward Bound landing site past the outhouse, and turn left.

Cross Island Narrows contains very strong tidal currents. Your best landing option is at Outhouse Beach on the northeast corner in a small cove. Camping is allowed on the grounds outside the staff house. While the buildings are open, visitors are discouraged from staying inside overnight due to suspected high levels of contamination from chipping lead paint. A concrete dug well with bucket can be found in the woods behind the house.