Natural Attraction

Satterlee Estate Millstone

Natural Attraction
a round stone sits flat on the ground in the dappled shade of forest trees.

You're looking at a 7-foot grinding millstone—its surface etched with deep grooves engineered to crush grain into flour through sheer mechanical friction. This particular stone is a relic of the Schooner Abbott wreck (December 1896, Baker's Island), one of 160 tons of grindstones salvaged and redistributed to Mount Desert Island estates. The Satterlee family set it into service as a bench, flagpole base, and conversation starter in their coastal garden. Its grooved face is a fossil record of industrial-era milling, preserved here along the Great Head Trail.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
44.329694, -68.180556

Conditions & safety

Permits Required
0

Planning advice

Tips Advice
  • Examine the deep grooves—evidence of mechanical grinding action and 19th-century engineering.
  • Imagine the salvage operations: 160 tons of stone recovered from maritime wreck and redistributed.
  • Time your hike for May–October for most reliable conditions.
  • Rock surfaces can be slippery when wet; exercise caution and use sturdy footwear.
Insider Tips
  • The millstone measures 7 feet × 14 inches—substantial weight testifying to 19th-century stoneworking.
  • Historic newspapers and personal diaries confirm the Abbott wreck salvage story.
  • Used multiple purposes: bench, flagpole base, garden sculpture.
  • Directly on Great Head Trail; impossible to miss.

More details

Park Area
Sand Beach / Great Head area
Family Friendly Notes
Suitable for families with hiking experience. Great Head Trail involves rocky, uneven terrain and elevation gain; children should be supervised. The millstone itself is a safe, stationary stop along the trail.
Attraction Type
Historical Artifact
Accessibility Level
Hiking trail with moderate elevation and rocky footing; no wheelchair access
How To Get There
Located on the Satterlee Estate near Sand Beach along Great Head Trail in Acadia National Park. Coordinates: 44.329694, -68.180556. Standard Acadia entrance fees apply ($35 private vehicle, 7-day pass). Trail accessible year-round; Park Loop Road typically open mid-April through early December.
Entry Fees
$35 — Private Vehicle (7-day pass); $20 per person; $80 annual America the Beautiful pass accepted
Main Features
Large circular grinding millstone (7 ft × 14 in) with deep grooved surface; maritime salvage artifact; coastal location near Sand Beach; 19th-century industrial heritage; estate garden setting
What Youll See
Large circular grinding stone with prominent grooves; Atlantic Ocean and coastal vistas; rocky shoreline; forest backdrop; Sand Beach area landmarks
Safety Considerations
Stone sits on rocky, uneven coastal terrain. Great Head Trail features exposure, elevation changes, and slippery rocks—especially after rain. No immediate cliff hazards at the millstone, but coastal Maine weather can be severe. Wear sturdy footwear and check conditions before hiking.
Photo Opportunities
Rocky coastal landscape, millstone grooved details, Atlantic Ocean backdrop, combined views with Sand Beach and forest framing
Interpretive Signs
1
Trailheads Here
Great Head Trail
Best Visit Times
May through October for optimal weather and trail conditions; Park Loop Road access mid-April through early December

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this really from a shipwreck?

Yes. Historic newspaper accounts and personal diary entries document the December 1896 wreck of the Schooner Abbott on Baker's Island, carrying 160 tons of grindstones. Many were salvaged and distributed to Mount Desert Island mills and estates.

Can I touch or photograph it?

Yes. The millstone is accessible along Great Head Trail, open to the public. Photography is encouraged; the grooved surface and coastal setting make for compelling images.

Is Great Head Trail difficult?

Moderate difficulty. The trail involves elevation gain and rocky, exposed sections. Sturdy footwear is essential. The millstone is a worthwhile stop along the hike.

When is the best time to visit?

May through October offers the most reliable weather and full trail accessibility. Winter hiking is possible but requires caution on icy sections.

Do I need a permit?

No permit required. Only the standard Acadia entrance fee applies ($35 for a vehicle, 7-day pass). The park is open year-round.

What else is nearby?

Sand Beach (swimming, tidepooling), Beehive Overlook, Ocean Path Trail, and other historic sites on the Satterlee Estate grounds are all accessible via the eastern section of Park Loop Road.

Sargent Mountain Pond

Granite bowl pond high on Sargent Mountain; alpenglow lights the surrounding peaks.

Little Harbor Brook

Shallow brook beside a mossy trail; formed by glacial erosion and meltwater through Ellsworth Schist.

Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake — glacially carved freshwater lake with clear, deep water in Acadia NP

Cadillac Mountain

Granite crown; first light on the U.S. coast; sculpted by ancient glaciers.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.