Great Head Trail
Hike Great Head Trail 1.9 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up
2-4 Hours · dogs allowed
Start Great Head/Sand Beach
This hike on Great Head Trail is a wonderful mix of ocean views, rocky scrambles, and hidden history. Near the top of the granite steps at the beginning of the hike, a large millstone (6'10" in diameter) can be found to the left. In the early 1900's, the Satterlee family owned this area. They built a stone tower on the highest point that included a tea room and an observatory. The ruins of this tower still remain. Along the trail you can also find a bronze monument for David Phillips McKinney, who died in this location in 1969.
Distance: 1.9 miles round trip. There is a way to shorten the hike to 1.3 miles (see description below).
Terrain and Safety: The trail is rocky with uneven footing. Good foot wear is recommended. Rocky granite, short steep sections. Steep drops into the ocean. Keep children away from the edge.
Hike Description
The trail begins at the far end of Sand Beach with granite steps. A right at the top of the steps leads to an open ledge ascent that provide excellent views of Sand Beach and The Beehive.
The trail continues along the headland with dramatic views of the coastline and ocean. It is a gradual grade to reach the highest point at 145 feet above sea level. At this point the ruins of a 1915 tea house can be seen. You can also see a plaque dedicated to David Phillips McKinney who died in this location in 1969.
The trail turns away from the shore and descends through the forest. A cedar post marks a junction in the trail.
For a shorter loop (1.3 miles) , take the trail to the left. It climbs steeply before leveling out and leading back to Sand Beach.
For a longer loop (1.9 miles) continue straight.
The trail angles back toward the ocean with occasional views.
At the next junction, turn left for a easy walk back to the top of the steps where the hike began. Descend the steps to Sand Beach.
Check out our Great Head Photo Hike for step by step photographs and more detailed descriptions.
Accessibility The Great Head Trail is not wheelchair accessible. The trail has uneven footing and a few places where scrambling over rocks is required. There is accessible parking at the Sand Beach parking areas as well as accessible restrooms.
Hike Great Head with Island Explorer Bus 1.3 mi loop · the Park Service's write-up
1-2 Hours · dogs allowed · Spring, Summer, Fall
Start Great Head Trail
Great Head rises above Newport Cove and Sand Beach. Standing just 145 feet above the ocean, this huge rock offers amazing views of the ocean and mountains behind the beach. A longer loop of 1.9 miles is available, as well as a shorter loop of 1.3 miles.
Before starting the climb up the rock scramble clean off your hiking boots or shoes the best you can. This will make your footwear have better grip. Along the trail there will be numerous spots to stop and have great views of the ocean, sand beach and the cove. Take extra care to watch where you are stepping as this trail is very rocky. The 1.3-mile loop does not have as many views of the ocean but does include remnants of the old tea house.
Great Head rises above Newport Cove with dramatic view of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Smell the salty air and feel the cool breeze blowing off the ocean. This trail also includes remnants of a cool tea house. Enjoy swimming at Sand Beach in the summer and watching for shore birds along the way.
Accessibility This trail is not accessible since it starts from Sand Beach, which is only accessible by stairs. Due to its uneven surface, this trail cannot be accessed from the small parking lot on Schooner Head Road.