Knox County Regional Airport

Witherspoons Airport-ME41 occupies a small airstrip at the intersection of Pulpit Harbor Road, Crabtree Point Road, and School Road on North Haven, an island in Penobscot Bay, Maine. The runway measures just 1,045 feet, is not lit, and is suitable only for light aircraft such as the Cessna 180 or 206. Most published maps show the airport in the wrong location, so pilots relying solely on GPS may have difficulty finding it. Despite its size and lack of commercial service, the airstrip serves as a vital link for residents and visitors who fly their own planes to this quiet island community. The airport does not operate daily; its schedule is limited, and pilots should check conditions before attempting a landing.

Getting There

North Haven is accessible only by air or sea. For those not flying in, the nearest mainland city is Rockland, Maine, about 12 miles across the water. From Rockland, take the Maine State Ferry Service from the terminal at the end of Main Street to North Haven. The ferry ride lasts about one hour and fifteen minutes, with multiple daily departures during summer and reduced service in winter. Once on the island, the airport is roughly two miles from the ferry landing – a short drive or bicycle ride along quiet roads. Taxi service is extremely limited; most visitors bring bikes or arrange a rental car on the mainland in advance.

For pilots, the nearest commercial airport is Knox County Regional Airport (RKD) in Owls Head, about 10 miles from Rockland. RKD offers flights from Boston via Cape Air and other regional carriers. From there, a rental car or taxi can reach the ferry. Those flying their own aircraft to Witherspoons must be prepared for a short, unlit, unpaved strip (likely grass or gravel) with no services. There are no fueling stations, no hangars, and no support. The airport is not staffed; pilots self-announce on the common traffic frequency. Approach is strictly visual, and given the island's frequent fog, check weather thoroughly before departure.

The runway orientation is approximately 15/33. The correct location is at the Y-intersection of Pulpit Harbor Road, Crabtree Point Road, and School Road – on the right-hand side when traveling northwest. Satellite imagery confirms this location; GPS databases often place it elsewhere. Use satellite maps for navigation.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Witherspoons Airport is best described as basic. A small one-room building provides shelter, a bench, and a simple information board. There are no restrooms inside (though a portable toilet may be present seasonally), no food, no vending machines, and no Wi-Fi. Passengers should treat the airport as a drop-off point rather than a waiting area. Parking is informal – cars sit on the grass or along the road.

There is no security screening, no baggage claim, and no airline counters. Upon arrival, you simply walk from the aircraft to the building. For departures, you wait outside or in the shelter until your plane arrives. The airport is not open every day, so travelers cannot rely on it being staffed or accessible at all times. The busiest times are Monday 8 pm, Tuesday 12 pm, Wednesday 12 pm, and Thursday 9 am – likely corresponding to scheduled charter flights or regular traffic. Outside these windows, the field may be completely quiet with no activity.

Given the lack of amenities, come prepared: bring your own water, snacks, and anything you need for the wait. The terminal building is unheated in winter, so dress for the weather. If you need a restroom, the nearest facilities are at the ferry terminal or in the village of North Haven, about two miles away.

Witherspoons Airport and North Haven

North Haven is one of the larger islands in Penobscot Bay, with a year-round population of around 350 that swells to several thousand during summer. The island's economy has traditionally relied on fishing, lobstering, and boatbuilding, but today tourism and seasonal residents drive much of the activity. Visitors come for the unspoiled coastline, quiet gravel roads, and classic Maine island atmosphere. The island has a small grocery store, a post office, a library, and a handful of seasonal restaurants and galleries. There are no large hotels; accommodations are mostly rented cottages or bed-and-breakfasts. Bicycles are the main mode of transport – the roads are flat and traffic is light.

North Haven has a rich history. In the early 20th century, it attracted a summer colony of artists and writers, including the painter Rockwell Kent and the poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. The North Haven Historical Society operates a small museum in the village, housed in a former schoolhouse. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore hiking trails, coves, and beaches. The island is also a popular stop for sailors and kayakers exploring Penobscot Bay.

The airport, despite its obscurity, is a critical asset for the community. It allows residents and emergency services to reach the mainland quickly when the ferry is not running – which happens frequently in winter due to weather or reduced schedules. For pilots, landing at Witherspoons is a challenge: a short, narrow strip surrounded by trees, often with tricky winds. But those who succeed gain access to a uniquely quiet corner of the Maine coast. The airstrip sits near the island's western shore, offering views of the bay and nearby islands. It is not uncommon to see deer or other wildlife near the runway.

For visitors who arrive by ferry, the airport is worth a visit even if you don't fly – the intersection where it lies is a scenic spot, and the simple terminal is a snapshot of the island's self-reliant character. North Haven rewards those who slow down: the roads are for walking and cycling, the pace is unhurried, and the absence of commercial development preserves the landscape that drew artists here a century ago.

Practical Information

Witherspoons Airport is not open every day; schedule varies. Call +1 207-594-0269 for current conditions and hours. There is no website. No fuel, no services. Aircraft warning lights are present near the runway, but the strip itself has no lighting – do not attempt night landings. The runway is 1,045 feet long, suitable for Cessna 180 or 206 only. Heavier or faster aircraft should not use this field.

The correct location: at the intersection of Pulpit Harbor Road, Crabtree Point Road, and School Road, on the right side when traveling northwest. Printed charts and GPS databases often show the airport incorrectly – verify with satellite imagery before arrival. The nearest hospital is Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockland; air ambulance response time is longer than on the mainland.

For visitors arriving by boat, the airstrip is near the northeast shore. For those driving from the ferry, turn left onto Main Street, then left onto Pulpit Harbor Road and follow it for about two miles. The airstrip appears on the right. One concrete piece of advice: if you plan to fly in, call ahead to confirm the field is open and check the wind direction – crosswinds can exceed the capabilities of even the recommended aircraft.