ENTop activities in Portland
Top Portland landmarks
Top Portland landmarks tickets
Top Portland categories
Explore Portland and beyond
Nearby Portland tours
Popular tours in USA
People also visited
Trip Inspiration
Close
Explore Portland
Portland Tours
Art & Culture
Close
Back to main
Portland Tours
Art & Culture Classes
Close
Back to main
Art & Culture
All Art & Culture Classes
Art Classes
Painting Classes
Arts & Design
Close
Back to main
Art & Culture
All Arts & Design
Art Tours
Culture
Close
Back to main
Art & Culture
All Culture
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Pop Culture
Close
Back to main
Art & Culture
All Pop Culture
Crime Tours
Classes & Workshops
Close
Back to main
Portland Tours
Art & Culture Classes
Close
Back to main
Classes & Workshops
All Art & Culture Classes
Art Classes
Painting Classes
Food & Drink
Close
Back to main
Portland Tours
Dining Experiences
Close
Back to main
Food & Drink
All Dining Experiences
Restaurants
Wine, Beer & Spirits
Close
Back to main
Food & Drink
All Wine, Beer & Spirits
Beer & Brewery Tours
Outdoor Activities
Close
Back to main
Portland Tours
Fun & Games
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Close
Back to main
Outdoor Activities
All Nature and Wildlife Tours
Eco Tours
Nature Walks
On the Ground
Close
Back to main
Outdoor Activities
All On the Ground
Mountain Bike Tours
Scavenger Hunts
On the Water
Close
Back to main
Outdoor Activities
All On the Water
Boat Rentals
Kayaking Tours
Sailing
Sightseeing Cruises
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Water Equipment Rentals
Seasonal & Special Occasions
Close
Back to main
Portland Tours
Holidays
Close
Back to main
Seasonal & Special Occasions
All Holidays
Halloween
Spring Break
Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
Close
Back to main
Portland Tours
Cruises & Sailing
Close
Back to main
Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
All Cruises & Sailing
Day Cruises
Ports of Call Tours
Sailing
Shore Excursions
Sightseeing Cruises
Sunset Cruises
How to Get Around
Close
Back to main
Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
All How to Get Around
Bike Tours
Bus Tours
Car Tours
Classic Car Tours
Mountain Bike Tours
Rentals
Self-guided Tours
Trolley Tours
Walking Tours
Water Tours
Private and Luxury
Sightseeing Tours
Close
Back to main
Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
All Sightseeing Tours
Adventure Tours
City Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing Cruises
Tours by Duration
Close
Back to main
Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
All Tours by Duration
Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Half-day Tours
Attractions
Recommendations
Fort Gorges
Free admission
Best visited during daylight hours
Hog Island Ledge, Portland, Maine
The basics
Most travelers catch sight of Fort Gorges on Casco Bay cruises that also pass some of Maine’s historic lighthouses, or on a driving tour of Portland’s historic waterfront. To set foot inside the fort, paddle over on a kayak, book a private boat charter, or join a guided tour hosted by the Friends of Fort Gorges—a group that aims to conserve and restore the site. The fort itself appears much as it did in the 19th century, with long-abandoned stone halls encircling a central grassy courtyard.
Great experience in Portland
The sunset, the view, and having great hosts!! We met couples from all around the USA wanting the same experience!!
Michelle_F, Oct 2022
Why you are seeing this
Things to know before you go
- There are no food, restroom, or trash facilities on the island, so pack in and out everything you need for the day.
- The historic fort structure is not maintained; enter at your own risk and watch for debris and unstable sections.
- Bring a flashlight to explore some of the darker rooms and halls of the fort.
- Overnight camping is not permitted.
- If kayaking, be sure to go pull your boat well ashore on the beach, as water levels can erase much of the landing.
How to get there
Fort Gorges is located on Hog Island Ledge in Portland Harbor. The only way to access the island is by boat, either on a private charter or by kayak. The most common kayak launch points are Bug Light Park and East End Beach; the one-way trip takes about 45 minutes.
When to get there
For safety, Fort Gorges should only be explored during daylight hours. If kayaking, go during calm harbor conditions and try to arrive around low tide for the best beach access.