Gilley Beach

Gilley Beach likely won't be the ideal place to take your dog during a trip to the Cranberry Islands off the coast of Acadia National Park's Mount Desert Island, but we'll give the details and point you in the right direction.

Getting to Gilley Beach

First, you'll need to leave Mount Desert Island to get here. One of the main attractions here is the Islesford Historical Museum. The National Park Service offers tours, but check with the rangers office for that schedule.

The Town of Cranberry Isles is where Gilley Beach is, and since the town's website was acting up, we're sharing information directly from there.

Winter Service

The Miss Lizzie, operated by Downeast Windjammers (207-546-2927) provides two round trips per day between Northeast Harbor and Cranberry Isles. This service operates on weekdays from October 15 through April 30. One-way fare is $9.00 per passenger. Tickets can be purchased on the boat. Leashed pets are welcome.

Summer Service

The Elizabeth T, operated by Sail Acadia (207-266-5210), offers an early morning trip only and originates in Southwest Harbor. This service operates on weekdays from May 1 through October 14. Dogs are only allowed on private charters.

Ferry Services

Please check with your preferred vendor about dog-friendly availability.

Northeast Harbor: Beal & Bunker, Inc (207) 244-3575

Southwest Harbor & Manset: Cranberry Cove Ferry (207) 546-2927

Water Taxi Services

Cadillac Water Taxi: Blair Colby (207) 801-1898

Delight Water Taxi: John Dwelley (207) 244-5724 (seasonal)

Bill Dowling: (207) 479-3327

Gilley Beach Dog-Friendly Details

Dogs are required to be on a leash everywhere on this island. There are no land trusts or preserves that have separate rules here. Unless you are on a roadway, you should assume you are on private land, even at Gilley Beach.

The influx of tourists to Acadia, and thus the islands, has created a bit of a riff between property owners who want privacy and tourists who want access to the beach. Along some parts of Gilley Beach, it's clear when you're on an extension of a residential area. Other parts aren't so clear.

We strongly recommend calling town officials to ask about access to Gilley Beach and any updated dog rules. You can also interact with community members or look for rentals on the Facebook Group page.

Pick up all pet waste while you're there and carry it with you in a bag until you reach a public trash can. You won't find any amenities at this beach. It's made up of smooth rocks.

MORE: Here's a list of links from the Town of Cranberry Isles to check everything from weather to tide reports to amenities on the island.

Is Gilley Beach Safe for Dogs?

Since dogs are on a leash, you'll have much more control over them and prevent some of the main safety concerns. Don't let pets near wildlife or nesting birds.

Bring all of your own supplies, including drinking water. Saltwater is never an option for dogs due to the health issues it creates when digested.

What's Near Gilley Beach?

You can look at the Maine Coast Heritage Trust options on nearby islands. These locations are very pet-friendly, with the only restriction being that dogs are "under control." At low tide, you can (at your own discretion) walk to Baker Island, but it's safer to take one of the NPS Acadia tour boats. You'll need to ask about dog-friendly access to those tours.

Gilley Beach Dog-Friendly Beach Rating: C