Fort Gorges in
New Portland Township (ME)

We viewed it from the Peaks Island Ferry. That's a good way to see the outside

Great kayak trip to explore an abandoned fort!

Only accessible by water taxi, kayak tour or private kayak/boat. Sits in the center of the harbor so there's great views all around. It's relatively well maintained with minimal vandalism and areas that are in disrepair/dangerous are roped off.

The fort is amazing but the city could do a better job mowing and maintaining

You can only get to the island by tour, water taxi, or private kayak / boat, so plan accordingly. Can be explored at your own risk, but no camping allowed. But the place is open and free to explore, but beware, the inside is only partially maintained with no staff onsite. No electricity or facilities in the fort either. I went via the Kayak tour from Portland Paddle, highly recommend!

Fort Gorges is a very fascinating historical landmark to visit. We toured the fort on a sea kayaking trip with Portland Paddle and our guide Alonzo was very knowledgeable in his information and facts about the fort. We spotted some seals and ospreys on our journey as well. It's definitely worth checking out if you're interested in history and urban exploring.

Good paddle out to the island but we'll worth it!

A very cool fort. Fort Gorges was built in 1858 on Hogs Island. It is open to the public but if you visit I suggest not going into the officers quarters which are mostly wood and falling away. It is very dangerous. The Gun Casements though are in okay shape and safe to enter. The spiral staircases for the Gun Casements are the only safe ways to get up to the other levels again for own safety do not go into the officers quarters. No restoration or stabilization work has been completed which is leaving the dilapidated building still falling apart today. Still very cool though.

Pretty cool looking spot, only boat accessible but heard there are tours to this island. Definitely a great spot for photos and multiple lighthouses are in the area to keep the trip moving. Definitely planning to come back and do some more exploration of this area. The spring point lighthouse gives you a pretty close view of the island to get a idea of how massive it is. A lot of history in the area worth checking out so Definitely take your time out there!

Kayaking with "Portland Paddle" to Fort Gorges was hands down the most exciting thing we did in Portland. The journey across the Casco Bay is beautiful and the Fort is an awesome ruin with lots of rooms, nooks, and crannies to explore. When we went we were the only ones there and had the whole place to ourselves! So if you want a little mini adventure on your visit to Portland I definitely recommend it!

It was an incredible place to see. I've been wanting to go for years but was never able. It exceeded all expectations.

Lovely place to have yoga, especially after a nice kayak ride out. No dock on the island, you land on one of two small beaches.

"Enter at your own risk" it reads as you walk in. What reveals inside is an exciting place to poke around in the various old rooms and corridors. Would recommend bringing a flash light as there are areas with no daylight.

Great place to visit and be respectful. Vandals have taken a toll. I'm handicapped and this not the place to be if you have mobility issues. Bring a flashlight and good shoes. Secure your boat well and be mindful of the rapidly changing tides. Watched a small sailboat end up on the rocks the collide with the fort itself.

A must see! The stonework is impressive and the views are great! Can be seen from the Casco Bay ferry for those people unable to boat there.

Thanks to Friends of Fort Gorges, we had an amazing tour today. To see this historic landmark with expert guidance and information makes the visit and place come to life. Hoping the City of Portland can find ways to support the vision and plans for improving public access and safety.

We kayaked out to Fort Gorges on a beautiful day and had a picnic and explored. We left from Eastern Promenade and it took about 20 minutes to paddle out to the fort. I know many people see this beautiful fort in Casco Bay and wonder what's on the inside. Don't be afraid to hop in kayak on a nice day and see it for yourself. Bring a flashlight and some comfortable shoes. The Fort is maintained but there are some obstacles which will need to be avoided.

I just explored Fort Gorges with Paul, from the Friends of Fort Gorges. What a wonderful and exciting experience. The fort is an important part of our history. The architecture and intricate design, the materials used and the craftsmen who forged through our changing Maine weather, the soldiers who worked and lived in this fortress. The fort gives you a peak into our history as well as spectacular views of Casco Bay, the islands, the city of Portland and three light houses. Paul is very knowledgeable and passionate about Fort Gorges, he provides an outstanding tour. A must see tour. Pam

Very nice fort in good condition and the area is remote we did a kayak tour there with Portland Paddle company it was pretty cool and there was seals hanging out around there too

You can only get here by swimming or boat. If by boat, pay attention to tides charts, we had a good drag of a heavy boat back to the water when we were done. Added to that, watch carefully for submerged rocks. As for the fort, its like having Fort Sumter all to yourself. That's going to change soon. The history is everywhere. The biggest drawback as there isn't any park staff is a risk to injury and very little in regards to historical info, you have to find that either by internet or shoreside references.

Visited fort with awesome luck to meet friend of fort, 3rd system historian, and fort Adams Newport board member for super guided tour with flashlights. Things are looking bright for making tours here go smoothly and safely. Gorges was gorgeous and who knew Maine belonged to Spain?

Such a amazing spot! There are no bathrooms which was kind of expected. It is very hard to get to by boat. I would recommend renting a kayak to go across. It certainly brings you back into time. Being able to climb the stairs to the highest point of the fort is very nice as well. A lot of dark areas to explore so be sure to bring a flashlight! Also stay hydrated! Bring a water and maybe some food to enjoy your little adventure around the fort!

Nice place to visit. The kayak guys (Portland Paddle) took us there and it was well worth it. What an interesting little spot. I'd recommend the trip if you have a free morning.

Had a great time with Portland Paddle on the Fort Gorges tour. Very glad to see that there is work going on to save this piece of history.

Did a 2.4 mile paddle from the public dock and it's a paddle with a strong wind and current with heavy boat traffic. Was fun and a surprising challenge. Be careful and check the tide chart and wind conditions if kayaking out. Also watch for fog.

The best place in Portland hands down! So great to go and explore and spend an afternoon, especially with your dog. Should also check out the organization "Friends of Fort Gorges".

Great place to visit by boat. Bring flashlights and comfortable shoes. The magazines are pitch dark and loaded with rubble. You can visit the top of the fort if you can tolerate heights.