Birch Island: Quiet Beauty, Rich History

Discover scenic trails, quiet beaches, and a rich past on this Maine Island Trail stop, perfect for day trips and overnights.

Birch Island is Casco Bay at its most peaceful — a quiet blend of forest, field, and shoreline perfect for low-key adventures. Just a short cruise from Brunswick or Harpswell, this island feels like a world away, with no crowds, no roads, and plenty of space to explore.

On the eastern shore, the Helen and Walter Norton Preserve is part of the Maine Island Trail and open to the public for hiking, picnicking, and camping. A small, gently sloping beach offers all-tide access for small boats, and a newly built loop trail leads through wildflower meadows and hardwood forest. It’s ideal for stretching your legs, spotting birds, or capturing coastal photos.

Whether you’re tossing a line in from the rocks, scouting for sea glass, or pitching a tent under the stars, Birch Island is a reminder of how simple — and soul-filling — a day on the bay can be. Its rich history includes Native American summer camps, 19th-century shipyards, and mid-century boys’ camps, adding a quiet depth to each visit. For DIY boaters looking to unplug and unwind, Birch Island is a favorite stop — easy to get to, hard to leave.

A little girls stand on a beach looking at the ocean on Birch Island.
A secluded beach at low tide on Birch Island.
A sea kayak is pulled up on to the rocky beach on Birch Island.
A photo take during a summer afternoon shows a beach at low tide on Birch Island.
A photo of a wooden path through the nature preserve on Birch Island.

Things to Do

  • Explore the Norton Preserve
    The eastern side of the island is home to the Helen and Walter Norton Preserve, part of the Maine Island Trail. It’s open to the public for hiking, camping, and day use.

  • Hike the Loop Trail
    A well-maintained trail winds through a mix of meadow and hardwood forest. It’s short, scenic, and great for a relaxing nature walk or quiet photography.

  • Swim and Relax
    Enjoy Middle Bay views from a small, gently sloping beach. The cove is perfect for wading, swimming, or just soaking in the sun with a picnic.

  • Uncover a Layered History
    From Native American use to shipbuilding, summer colonies, and youth camps, Birch Island has hosted many generations. While little remains of the built history, you’ll feel the past in the landscape.

  • Camp Under the Stars
    The island offers a quiet, first-come, first-served campsite on a grassy rise. There's a picnic table and a small shelter for foul weather.

Where to Anchor

  • Landing Site
    The main gravel beach on the eastern side provides all-tide landing access for dinghies, kayaks, or small boats. It’s the best option for accessing the preserve and campsites.

  • Protected from the West
    The landing faces east, offering shelter from prevailing westerly winds. Keep an eye on the tide, but in most conditions, it’s an easy and reliable shore access point.

Know Before You Go

  • Access: Only accessible by boat. No ferry service or public transport.

  • Camping: First-come, first-served. No fires allowed. Pack out all trash. Dogs must be leashed during nesting season (April 15–July 31).

  • Facilities: Basic amenities only—a picnic table and a small storm shelter. No potable water or restrooms.

  • Conservation: The Norton Preserve is part of the Maine Island Trail. Help preserve this site by following Leave No Trace principles.