Two Lights State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Two Lights State Park, located in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, offers visitors a beautiful coastal experience with stunning views, interesting historical features, and a variety of recreational activities.


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Summary

Here is a summary based on information from multiple reliable sources.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: Two Lights State Park is known for its breathtaking coastal views. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the rocky shoreline, the Atlantic Ocean, and nearby islands. The park's natural beauty provides numerous opportunities for photography and peaceful contemplation.
2. Historical Significance: The park is named after two historic lighthouses, known as the "Two Lights." These iconic structures, built in 1828, served as a navigational aid for sailors. Today, visitors can explore the lighthouses and learn about their fascinating history.
3. Recreation: Two Lights State Park offers a range of recreational activities. Visitors can picnic, hike along the park's trails, or explore the rocky shorelines. Fishing is also allowed in designated areas, providing opportunities for anglers.

Points of Interest:
1. Two Lights Lighthouses: The park's main attraction is the twin lighthouses, which offer a glimpse into Maine's maritime heritage. One of the lighthouses is still active and can be visited, while the other is privately owned but visible from the park.
2. Picnic Areas: Two Lights State Park provides picturesque picnic areas with tables and grills. These spots are perfect for enjoying a meal with family and friends while taking in the stunning coastal scenery.
3. Coastal Trails: The park features several trails that allow visitors to explore the rocky shoreline, providing opportunities for wildlife spotting, birdwatching, and peaceful walks.

Interesting Facts:
1. The two lighthouses at Two Lights State Park were originally built of rubblestone, but one was replaced with a cast-iron tower in the late 19th century.
2. The park was acquired by the state of Maine in 1961 and has been a popular destination for locals and tourists ever since.
3. Artists and writers have found inspiration in the scenic beauty of Two Lights State Park over the years, making it a beloved spot for the creative community.

Best Time to Visit:
The optimal time to visit Two Lights State Park is during the summer and early fall months, from June to September. During this period, the weather is generally mild, offering pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. However, visiting during the offseason can also provide a unique and peaceful experience, particularly for those seeking solitude and a chance to explore the park without crowds.

Remember to check official sources or contact the park directly for the most up-to-date information on park amenities, hours, and any additional regulations or restrictions before planning your visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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