About The Isles of Shoals

The Isles of Shoals are a group of nine small, rocky islands layered with history. They are situated approximately 6 miles (10 km) off the East Coast of the United States. The islands are divided by the border of Maine and New Hampshire. Appledore, Smuttynose, Malaga, Duck and Cedar are in Maine and Star, Lunging, White and Seavey are in New Hampshire.

Long before fishermen and tourists began arriving, Native Americans were on the Shoals, fishing and hunting. Archaeological excavations suggest landfall between 800 and 1200. 

The Isles were occupied more than 400 years ago by fishing communities in the 1600s and 1700s, then as a summer resort in the 1800s and 1900s. Four of the islands - Star, Cedar, Smuttynose and Malaga are situated such that they create a small harbor, known as Gosport Harbor.

Scroll down to learn about each island below.

Accessibility note: Star Island is the only one of the Isles accessible by wheelchair, and that accessibility is limited. For more information, go to https://starisland.org/info/accessibility/.