The Easternmost Point of Mainland USA | West Quoddy Head

If you’re staying at Acadia National Park, you’ll need to drive about 2 hours to get to West Quoddy Head—and let’s be real, that’s a long haul 🚗, especially when the main draw here is just one lighthouse ⚓. So, is it worth the trip? That depends on how much you love unique geographic landmarks and quiet coastal vibes—let’s break it down! First, let’s talk about the drive: 2 hours each way means it’ll eat up a big chunk of your day. The route winds through small Maine towns and rural areas—they’re cute, with little farm stands and coastal cottages 🏡, but not exactly packed with must-see stops along the way. If you’re on a tight schedule (say, you only have 1-2 days in Acadia) and lighthouses aren’t a total passion of yours, you might leave feeling like it’s more time spent than joy gained 😕. But if you do decide to make the trip? There’s a quiet charm here that’s hard to find in busier spots. The lighthouse itself is iconic—painted in bold red-and-white stripes, it pops against the blue ocean and green coastal grass, making for postcard-perfect photos 📸. Plus, standing at the “easternmost point of mainland USA” feels like a fun little “geographic win”—you can say you’ve been to the spot where the sun rises first over mainland America (if you’re up early enough to catch that glow 🌅!). The area around the lighthouse is also super peaceful: there are short, easy trails along the shore where you can listen to the waves crash 🌊, spot seagulls gliding overhead 🐦, and breathe in that crisp, salty Maine sea air. It’s a great place to slow down, away from the crowds of Acadia’s more popular spots like Cadillac Mountain or Sand Beach. So, to sum it up: West Quoddy Head is a “nice-to-have” stop, not a “must-have.” If you have extra time, love lighthouses, or want to check a unique U.S. geographic spot off your list—go for it! But if you’re crunched for time or just here for Acadia’s main highlights? You can absolutely skip it without missing out on the best of Maine. #Maine #Acadia #Lighthouse #EasternmostUS