Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
PEMAQUID POINT LIGHTHOUSE
Pemaquid Point, ME
Image by Rick Berk @ www.rickberk.com
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is a popular spot on Maine's midcoast for photographers, with the lighthouse set atop a rocky shoreline overlooking Muscongus Bay to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The brick tower was built in 1835, replacing the original tower, while the keeper's house was built in 1857. This location is unique for photographers in that you can photograph a full 360º around the lighthouse, making it an excellent location for both sunrise and sunset. While it is a popular spot for photographers, because of the many angles available, there is always plenty of room to work.
The lighthouse is perched 79 feet above sea level on a sloping, rocky promontory that marks the western entrance to Muscongus Bay. Because of its height above the water and being set back on the top of the promontory, it is difficult to get crashing waves in photographs, but the dramatic rock and multitude of available angles to photograph from make this a must-see on Maine's coast.
Photos and location summary by Rick Berk
IMPORTANT NOTE: parts of the bell house was destroyed during a storm in 2023.
Trail Difficulty - Moderate
There are a variety of areas to photograph in the park, ranging from very easy to moderate, depending on where you choose to photograph from. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being hardest, the rocks would be a 2.5, depending on which area of the park you want to work in. The upper area of the park is flat ground with grassy areas while venturing down on the rocks makes things a bit more difficult.
The area near the parking lot, on the same level as the lighthouse, is very easy as it is mostly level, grass-covered ground. From here, you can work three sides of the lighthouse overlooking Muscongus Bay.
There are several paths leading down the rocky slope toward the water. In this area, the trail becomes more moderate. There are no steep drops but a lot of uneven footing where an ankle could be twisted. If you approach the waterline, be aware that rocks may be slick, and footing will be less sure. You should also be aware of the crashing waves. It's easy to be lulled into complacency, but it's best to stay well away from where the waves are crashing.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
79 Ft. Elevation
View In Google earth
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to parking area for Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
From Damariscotta - drive south on ME-129 S/Bristol Rd for 2.2 miles and take. a slight left onto ME-130 S for 11.5 miles and then turn right into the parking area.
From Brunswick - drive on US-1 for 25 miles (through Wiscasset) and take exit toward ME-130 toward Pemaquid. Follow ME-129 S (which becomes ME-130 for 15.0 mi.
Photography Tips
For the image below (photo of the lighthouse reflected in the puddle) you'll want to head down the rocky slope to the west side of the lighthouse. There is one very prominent puddle that makes an excellent foreground. Get very low to the ground, watching for the best position of the reflection. On calmer days, it can appear mirror-like, while on windier days, it may be more blurred. On windy days, a longer shutter speed will help eliminate the ripples.
For the image below (location #2) - there are a few rocky platforms to stand on just below the lighthouse, looking up at it. This is a great spot when you have a dramatic sky filled with clouds or a colorful sunset. I shot this one at 16mm.
For the image below (location #3) - facing the lighthouse from the east and looking west, there are several boulders buried in the earth that make a nice foreground. The sun will be setting to the right of the lighthouse and can sometimes be seen just before it dips below the horizon. This shot was taken at 24mm.
Other Pemaquid Point images
Best Time of Day to Shoot
This is a great location to photograph any time. At sunrise, in the winter, the sun rises out over Muscongus Bay, while in the summer, the sun will rise behind the lighthouse over the land when standing on the west side and facing the lighthouse. The sun will set behind the lighthouse if viewed from the side facing the water or from the east side of the lighthouse. Both sunrise and sunset provide spectacular opportunities to capture the lighthouse in outstanding light.
During the summer, the park is also a fantastic night sky location. The Milky Way rises out over the water, so putting the lighthouse to your back gives you an excellent opportunity to photograph starlit seascapes. While more challenging, including the lighthouse in the photo, adds a special element to any night landscape.
The park is open 24 hours with no gate, so feel free to arrive anytime.
Even if your schedule only allows for a midday stop, this location lends itself to some great photos, no matter the time of day.
Best Time of Year
This is a great spot to photograph all year round. The position of the sunrise changes from behind the lighthouse in the summer to out over the water in the winter. Spring and early summer will see wildflowers in various areas around the park, including beach roses and lupine, and the summer brings Black-eyed Susans. Both spring and summer often see foggy sunrises or sunsets, adding some mystery and mood to photos as well. In the winter, fresh snow transforms the rocky slope into a winter wonderland with lots of possibilities.
In the summer, the park is more crowded, but at sunrise and sunset, the crowds thin out.
The image above was taken on August 19th
Lens(es) Needed
I find wide-angle lenses to be most useful at Pemaquid Point. Standard length lenses up to 100mm can also be useful.
Several puddles on the rocky slope make excellent reflection elements in photos, and the metamorphic rock's strata also make interesting foregrounds. On the grassy areas, several rocky areas can also be used for foregrounds. During the spring, summer, and early fall, gardens near the parking area add colorful elements to images.
The image above was taken with a 24mm lens
Birds-Eye View
Permits
Advertising, commercial photography, and filming require a permit, handled by the Town of Bristol, Maine.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot varies. The main shot above is northeast around 30°.
Equipment Needed
Camera, wide-angle and standard length lenses, tripod, and filters if desired.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
Up to eight on busier days. Keep in mind if you visit at midday, there will be many other visitors who aren't photographers and may not be as courteous to those trying to photograph.
Weather
Cell Service
I have Verizon and service can be in and out when at the park and at best you will have one or two bars.
Lodging & Camping
There are several nice inns, hotels and campgrounds near Pemaquid Point to stay while visiting this special location.
Nearby camping and lodging
Camping - click on the campground below for directions
Pemaquid Point Campground (Seasonal) (1.5 miles)
Sherwood Forest Camp Site (Seasonal) - (7 miles)
The Hotel Pemaquid (Seasonal)
(207) 677-2312
3098 Bristol Road
New Harbor, ME 04554
(207) 677-2105
3063 Bristol Road
New Harbor, Maine 04554
Nearby Restaurants
There are several great seasonal eating establishments around Pemaquid Point.
Nearby Restaurants - click on the restaurant below for yelp review
The Bradley Inn
(207) 677-2105
Shaw’s Wharf Fish & Lobster
(207) 677-2200
Area Guides and Workshops
Rick Berk (25 years as a landscape photographer) - offers private group, 1 on 1 and group workshops (BlueHour Photo Ventures) for the Maine and other northeast US area. Rick lives Freeport, Maine and has traveled and photographed the NE for most of his adult life. His outstanding work can be found at www.rickberk.com
Other Resources
Pemaquid Point - Visit Maine