Fort Foster
4.7(707)google
4.8(13)yelp
HistoryMilitaryCoastBeachFamilyOutdoor
Overview
Fort Foster may refer to:
Practical Info
Every day10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeMay through October is the peak timeframe for vehicle access. The optimal slot is a clear day from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Beyond its rugged WWII concrete coastal artillery bunkers, the park boasts an exceptionally long wooden pedestrian deep-water pier stretching out into the ocean; walking to its edge places you directly opposite the waves crashing against the lone Whaleback Lighthouse.
Getting ThereTucked away on Gerrish Island in Kittery Point. Drive along ME-103 East into Kittery Point, make a right turn over the Chauncey Creek bridge onto Pocahontas Road, and follow this narrow, residential coastal lane straight to the park toll gate at the ocean end; expansive gravel parking rings the beaches. No public mass transit connects to this isolated coastal military reserve.
Travel Tips
- Accessed via a narrow single-lane bridge onto Gerrish Island, this municipal preserve levies high daily vehicle access fees from May through September; the iron main gates lock ruthlessly at 19:55 daily, stranding overnight violators under penalty fees.
- The long wooden maritime pier exhibits active structural weathering and timber fatigue; local public safety bylaws absolute ban scaling pier framework, shaking safety handrails, or jumping from the high deck into volatile deep channels.
- The terrain holds abandoned WWII reinforced-concrete artillery bunkers and dark subterranean lookouts; interior steps suffer heavy water logging and exposed rusted rebar, requiring high-lumen flashlights and puncture-resistant footwear.
Reviews
Positive
- An unparalleled coastal park! It combines WWII military bunker ruins, three calm pebble beaches, and lush pine woods into a rich, raw landscape.
- A long, historic wooden pier extends deep into the ocean, offering a fantastic spot for strolling, fishing, and lighthouse-watching with great water fun.
- The park features massive picnic lawns fully equipped with grills, trash bins, and benches. Well-maintained facilities are perfect for a family day trip.
- Extremely dog-friendly, allowing pets to run off-leash on dedicated beach zones during low tide. Truly a natural pet paradise with a relaxing vibe.
Heads up
- The day-use vehicle vehicle fee for out-of-towners is relatively expensive, making it low-value if you just want a quick 20-minute photo-stop.