Bridge End Park
The first pull-off after you cross the Deer Isle Bridge — a small park on Little Deer Isle with a historical marker explaining the six-year community effort that built the span overhead. Good for a photo, better for reading about what the bridge actually meant.
Bridge End Park sits at the base of the Deer Isle Suspension Bridge on the Little Deer Isle side, immediately after the bridge deck ends. It's a pull-off more than a park — a grassy spot with views back up at the bridge's cable geometry and across Eggemoggin Reach.
The historical marker here tells the story of the bridge's construction: the six years between the first proposals in 1933 and the June 19, 1939 opening, the Depression-era PWA and WPA funding that made it possible, and the community's three-to-one vote for the project in statewide referendum. The bridge replaced a ferry that had been crossing at roughly this same spot since 1792.
For anyone arriving on Deer Isle for the first time and wanting to understand what they just crossed, this is the place to stop. The view back at the 1,088-foot main span — especially with fog on the water — is the best available without going out on the water.
Hours
| Monday | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
7:00 AM–10:00 PM daily
What Visitors Say
"Cute little park with great views of the water, tons of shells, and great views of the bridge! I’m sure when the neighboring lobster restaurant is open that this is a great spot to eat! There are a few picnic tables here and a small changing stall/bathroom available."
"Took a jog off the road to visit a "geocache"in the park. This was a nice quiet spot to visit and have lunch."
"There is tons of parking here. There is a boat launch. A wonderful view of Little Deer Island bridge. A really nice sandy beach is here as well."
Local Tips
- Cross the bridge first, pull over immediately on the right — the park entrance is right there.
- The historical marker faces the bridge, so you can read about it while looking at it.
- Morning fog on Eggemoggin Reach makes for good photography of the bridge.
- Limited space — a few cars maximum. Not a destination, but worth five minutes on any first visit.
Connected To
- Historic Deer Isle Suspension Bridge — the 1939 bridge you just crossed; 1,088-foot main span, designed by David B. Steinman
- Pine Hill Preserve — just up Eggemoggin Road from the bridge, short trail up a geological rarity
- Scott's Landing Preserve — 1.8 miles south on Route 15, shingle beach on Eggemoggin Reach with bridge views