This Enchanting Maine Island Might Actually Be Haunted

Jewell Island is located just a few miles off the coast of Portland, but when you're there it truly feels like a world away.

Accessible only by private boat, water taxi or your own kayak (we recommend this option), the island offers miles of trails.

It also offers endless exploration of its many abandoned forts and WWII-era buildings.

If you arrive by kayak, head to Cocktail Cove. Then, make sure to take a dip in Punchbowl Cover. Once you've pulled your kayak up, it's time to explore the eerie side of things.

During WWII, the island was home to the Jewell Island Military Reservation. This included three coastal artillery gun batteries, as well as a firehouse, recreation hall, post office, and an Army station with two large towers. Today, this is completely abandoned and anyone who lived here (it was inhabited when the Army was building it) is now long gone. Many of the buildings have been left to crumble and be overtaken by the forest, but access is relatively unrestricted which means you can explore throughout.

The island is said to be deeply haunted by the ghosts of both soldiers and bootleggers.

If you choose to do an overnight trip, keep your eyes and ears open. Ghosts of soldiers are reported to be found in the Army area, while bootleggers known for their beachy hidden treasure can be found along the shore.

For a more visceral look at the island, check out this video in which a visitor creates a feeling of being stuck on the island. And, if you don't believe in any of this ghost stuff, you'll probably enjoy the views that have been captured so beautifully.

Thank you to William DeSena who shared this beautiful video on Vimeo.