A very lonely lighthouse The Squirrel Point Lighthouse was built in 1898 and was a one of several lights on the Kennebec River that helped ships negotiate the twisty river and fierce currants. With the Bath Iron Works and several other major ship builders on the river the Kennebec was loaded with ship traffic at the time. The light stands 25 feet tall and originally had a small 5th order Fresnel Lens. The light was automated in 1979 and the lens now is in the Portland Head Lighthouse Museum. The lighthouse is not easy to reach. Although it can be seen from the Kennebec River to get to it by land requires several miles of hiking through some poorly marked and overgrown woods and marsh. You drive to the end of Bald Head Road, then follow the dirt road as far as you can and then start hoofing it. The trails are confusing at times but if you just keep the river in sight you will eventually get to the lighthouse. The light is cool but is in desperate need of some TLC. The old keepers house as well as several other old buildings are still standing but also in need of some repair. I have heard that money and plans for restoration are being developed and perhaps in the near future work will begin. That would be great because this is a very cool and isolated lighthouse that few people get to see up close.
