Langlee Island

view from the water of an island dense with trees and shrubs.

NPS Photo

With grassy patches under shaded maple, cedar, and birch trees, visitors can enjoy camping and hiking on the island.

Langlee Island hosts beautiful views of nearby islands, Hingham, and Worlds End. Managed by the Town of Hingham, visitors can make reservations to moor and camp on the island.

 

General Information

This island of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is managed by the Town of Hingham.

 

Visitor Facilities & Services

Hours:
 Sunrise to Sunset
Piers/Docks:
 No
Visitor season:
 0
Boat slips:
 0
Visitor staff:
 No
Moorings:
 0
Guided tours:
 No
Park boats:
 None
Lifeguards:
 No
Car access:
 No
Flush toilets:
 No
Campsites:
 0 (capacity ea: 0)
Composting toilets:
 No
Group campsites:
 0 (capacity ea: 0)
Picnic areas:
 No
Camping capacity:
 0
Refreshments:
 No
Cooking grills:
 0
Drinking water:
 No
Walking trails:

No

On-island Circulation: There are several informal footpaths that traverse the island to views on ledges. Much of the island is impenetrable due to poison ivy and brambles.

Visitor Cautions: Potentially dangerous approach due to rocks.

 

Short History

In the 1893 publication The History of Hingham, author Bouve described Langlee as

a beautiful spot. Steep ledges surround it, except for small intervals, where there are gravelly beaches, upon one of which stands a fine linden. Shrubs abound upon the uplands. It will be, in a few years, more beautiful than now, thanks to the enlightened taste of the gentleman who owns it. He has planted many small trees, which will eventually cover it with forest growth, as was originally the case when the country was settled, and restore it to the condition in which all the islands of Boston harbor should be. Had they been kept so for the past two centuries, the forces of erosion would not have succeeded in practically sweeping some of them from the face of the earth, and destroying the contour of all.
 

Natural History Overview

Vegetation

The island contains several remarkable trees, including oak, maple, cedar, and birch. Most notable is an enormous oak in the center of the island that has become part of a camping area. The abundant shrubs described by Bouve in 1893 have likely been eliminated by these large shade trees. Groupings of huckleberry and viburnum appear to have self-seeded and are mixed with greenbriar, dewberry, sumac, and poison ivy. Several grassy areas under large trees appear to be popular camping spots.

Wildlife

Please see Animals page for more information.

Geology

Masses of Roxbury Puddingstone conglomerate rise from the shoreline to a high point of 40 feet, creating a dramatic viewpoint and steep cliffs on the northern shore. Steep ledges surround most of the island several small sandy beaches and a tidal mudflat on the east side. The center of the island contains glacial till that supports tree and shrub cover.

Water Features

No constructed water features visible.

Views and Vistas

From the forty-foot cliff on the northern side of the island, one can see Boston, Peddocks, and Bumpkin. Views from other points on Langlee are of the surrounding islands and mainland areas including Ragged and Sarah Islands, Worlds End and Hingham Harbor.

 

Structures

  • None

  • None

  • None

Last updated: November 30, 2023

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

15 State Street
4th Floor
Boston, MA 02109

Phone:

617 223-8666

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