The Ship Harbor Nature Trail In Maine Said To Be Haunted By The Ghosts Of Those Who Perished Here
By Michelle|Published October 29, 2020
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
We’re huge fans of getting outside in Maine. If you’ve been a longtime reader you’ll know that we often extol the benefits of getting fresh air through the state’s network of beautiful trails. And while we will always believe that enjoying the outdoors is one of the best ways to find some peace and quiet, we do know of one trail that might do the opposite. This one is said to be haunted and it’s a terrifyingly creepy story!
The 1.3-mile Ship Harbor Nature Trail in Southwest Harbor near Acadia National Park is one of the best routes in the area for a leisurely way to enjoy the landscape and sea breeze.
In fact, with its boardwalks and well-groomed pathways, this might be the best way to wind down. And while you can count on plenty of fresh air and peace here, there's another side to this trail that might take away some of the pleasure.
In October of 1739, there was a shipwreck just off the coast of Ship Harbor. This wasn't uncommon back then. A lack of lighthouses and that craggy Maine coast took down quite a few ships.
The crew swam to shore in what must have been frigid water. When they arrived they were dismayed to find that the area was uninhabited. They didn't have a lot of options and many died within just a few days. They were buried right here, presumably surrounding where this trail is today.
It's an eerie story, but it doesn't take away from the beauty of the trail. So, give it a shot and if you come face-to-face with any spirits let them know that not a lot has changed. October is still cold, there aren't a lot of people on the trail and the cold wind of the Maine coast is probably still worth howling about.
The Ship Harbor Nature Trail in Southwest Harbor is a great way to enjoy a day outside whether you believe in ghosts or not! You can learn more about it by visiting the trail’s page on alltrails.com or Maine Trail Finder. It’s open year-round and we love that dogs are allowed. Just be sure to keep them on a leash.
