Arriving at Peddocks Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Peddocks is one of four islands within Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area that is serviced by the Boston Harbor Cruises ferry. The operating season runs from mid-June through Labor Day Weekend, with six boats arriving at the island each day from the Hingham Shipyard. Depending on departure time, day trippers have anywhere from an hour to eight hours on the island. Get the latest schedule and ticket prices on the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park web page.
Private boaters can always drop off passengers and gear at the dock, then anchor offshore. There may be a public dinghy for use so that the captain can get back to shore, otherwise you’ll need your own. Moorings (71 of them) are available and can be reserved in advance for a fee. See the Dockwa reservation web page. The moorings are only available during the standard tourist season of mid-June through Labor Day Weekend. You can also anchor off shore for free, but at your own risk.
Activities on Peddocks Island include hiking, camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, touring an old military fort, and visiting an eclectic collection of private cottages. It is definitely one of the more interesting islands within the park. If your plan is simply to hike and explore, you’ll spend about four hours before running out of things to do.
See the following web pages for more information:
Peddocks Island map (click to enlarge)
Peddocks Island is shaped like a dumbbell, with small hills on each end and in the middle. The east end of the island, known as East Head, is where Fort Andrews is located. This is not a masonry fortress like Fort Warren on Georges Island. It is a more modern idea of a fort that is comprised of barracks, officer housing, support buildings, and artillery batteries.
Fort Andrews barracks at the East Head section of Peddocks Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
The small hill in the central section of the island, Middle Head, is home to a small community of summer cottage owners. The houses are still privately owned, but the land is not, so visitors are welcome to walk through the area. All leases end when the current owners die.
Cottages at the Middle Head section of Peddocks Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
The west end of the island, West Head, is forested. The same trail that leads through the village leads to West Head. There is a hill, but the trail runs along the base and eventually ends at the tip of the island.
Shore of the West Head section of Peddocks Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
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Last updated on January 17, 2024
