Machiasport MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Machiasport, Maine.
1. Long Point Preserve
SCENIC PENINSULA HIKE
Long Point Preserve offers over three miles of picturesque hiking trails on a rugged peninsula with sweeping views of Machias Bay and its outer islands. The 180-acre preserve features cobblestone beaches, dramatic rocky overlooks, beautiful forest paths, and educational displays about the area's rich history. Wildlife is abundant, and visitors may spot seals, bald eagles, osprey, and songbirds along the route.
2. Machias River Preserve
FOREST AND RIVER TRAILS
Machias River Preserve boasts a 5.5-mile network of interconnected hiking trails that provide scenic and recreational access to one of Maine's last wild rivers. The preserve is managed as a community forest, balancing recreation, wildlife habitat, and river protection. Hikers can enjoy riverside views, peaceful woodlands, and connections to the Down East Sunrise Trail.
3. Machias River Heritage Trail
RIVERSIDE NATURE WALK
The Machias River Heritage Trail follows the river for 2.5 miles, starting at a convenient parking area and winding through peaceful woods before reaching a scenic bridge. The trail offers opportunities for wildlife observation and connects with the Down East Sunrise Trail, allowing for extended hiking options. Due to river proximity, hikers should be aware of potential flooding during certain times of year.
4. Hemlock Trail
SHORT RIVER VIEW WALK
The Hemlock Trail is a brief but scenic 0.1-mile round-trip path accessible from the Down East Sunrise Trail's Trestle Bridge area. This trail offers excellent views of the Machias River, the historic rail trestle, and large, picturesque hemlock trees along the way. It is an ideal quick nature walk for families or those seeking a peaceful riverside experience.
5. Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land
BOLD COAST WILDERNESS
Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land is famous for its dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and remote wilderness experience on Maine's Bold Coast. The Fairy Head Loop is a highlight, offering a nearly 10-mile round-trip hike through coastal forests, blueberry barrens, and along rocky headlands. This area provides a challenging yet rewarding adventure for seasoned hikers.
6. Fairy Head Loop
CLIFFTOP COASTAL LOOP
The Fairy Head Loop is a renowned 9.7-mile trail that takes hikers through pristine coastal forest, over dramatic rocky headlands, and alongside panoramic ocean vistas. Part of the Cutler Coast trail system, this loop is known for its challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery. Wildlife sightings and remote wilderness make this a favorite for experienced hikers.
7. Down East Sunrise Trail
MULTI-USE SCENIC TRAIL
The Down East Sunrise Trail stretches for over 85 miles along a former rail corridor, providing both hikers and cyclists with access to coastal forests, salt marshes, and river views. It passes through the heart of Machias and connects to many local trails, including the Machias River Preserve. The trail offers both short and long-distance hiking opportunities in rural eastern Maine.
8. Roque Bluffs State Park
WOODS, BEACH, AND POND
Roque Bluffs State Park features a variety of hiking trails that wind through forests, alongside a salt marsh, and down to a sandy beach on Englishman Bay. The park also boasts a freshwater pond for swimming, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Its scenic beauty and easy-to-moderate trails attract visitors year-round.
9. Great Wass Island Preserve
ISLAND TRAILS AND VIEWS
Great Wass Island Preserve offers over 4.5 miles of hiking trails through unique coastal habitats, including spruce forests, peatlands, and seaside heaths. The preserve provides sweeping views of the Atlantic and opportunities to observe rare plants and wildlife. Its rugged landscape and shoreline attract nature lovers seeking a remote and scenic hiking experience.
10. Bog Brook Cove Preserve
COASTAL COVE SANCTUARY
Bog Brook Cove Preserve features several miles of scenic trails that traverse forest, open meadow, and rocky shorelines, offering outstanding views of ocean coves and islands. The preserve is known for its tranquility, birdwatching opportunities, and lush wildflower displays in season. It is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination for those seeking solitude in nature.