Prior to becoming a park, the site served as a World War II coastal defense installation with remnants of that use visible today including an observation tower and several bunkers within the park. Along the trail, there are picnic tables and grills, many on the edge of the ocean available to the park visitor. A popular destination for Maine residents and many other visitors, Two Lights State Park allows visitors to enjoy the state's legendary rocky coast. Opened in 1961, the park encompasses 41-acres of rocky headlands. Standing high above the rocky coast and rolling surf, visitors have sweeping views of Casco Bay and the open Atlantic.
Picnic tables situated on the hills facing the ocean afford visitors spectacular views of the ocean while enjoying an afternoon barbecue or clambake. Strollers and hikers can enjoy the refreshing sea breezes along shoreline trails and watch ships sailing into and out of Portland Harbor. A shelter and sites for groups are also available by reservation for a fee. There is also a playground for children and an ice skating pond located at the park which is open year-round. Crescent Beach State Park and Kettle Cove State Park are only a half-mile away.
Visit the Two Lights State Park page on BPL's website.
Although the park's name originated from the twin lighthouses located nearby at the end of Two Lights Road, there are no lighthouses located at the park. Built in 1828, these lighthouses were the first twin lighthouses on the coast of Maine. Although not open to the public, the eastern light is an active, automated light station, visible 17 miles at sea. The western light ceased operation in 1924 and is now a private home. One of these towers was the subject of Edward Hopper's famous painting "Lighthouse at Two Lights."
Remember, ocean breezes can cool off a summer afternoon, so bring warm clothing to ensure your enjoyable visit. When walking along the rocks by the ocean, stand at least 20 feet back from the surf and keep a close eye on children who are in your care especially during ocean storms where rogue waves can easily sweep a visitor off from the rocky shore.
Visit Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands online for more information or contact:
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Cape ElizabethFrom North and South: From I-295 take Exit 6A and follow signs for ME-77 South. If coming from the north, this can be confusing; after merging onto US-302/Forest Avenue stay in the lane farthest right (this will not make you get back on I-295) and stay to the right of the dividing barrier and follow signs for ME-77 South. Continue straight on ME-77/State Street through downtown Portland and over the Casco Bay Bridge into South Portland. After the bridge, continue continue straight through the first light, and at the second light turn right to continue on ME-77/Ocean Street. Continue to follow ME-77 for 4.6 miles. Take a slight left onto Two Lights Road and continue for another mile until you reach Tower Lane. Take a slight right onto Tower Lane and follow it to the parking lot and trail head just beyond control station. There will also be signs directing to the State Park from ME-77.
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