SUMMARY:

This will be an exciting several days on the wild, spectacular and untrammeled Downeast Coast of Maine. Our two full days, Sun. (7/17) and Mon. (7/18), will focus on two of the most scenic hikes on this part of the coast. On Sun. (7/17), we'll drive up to Lubec and hike through two preserves in the newly formed Cobscook Shores Park System: Denbow Bluffs and Point on scenic Cobscook Bay, likely spotting bald eagles and seals on the trails skirting the spruce-lined, rockbound coves.  That afternoon, we'll walk out to the West Quoddy Lighthouse, one of the most picturesque on the Atlantic seaboard, where we'll spot some whales if we're lucky!  On Mon. (7/18), we'll hike on remote Great Wass Island, a preserve of the Nature Conservancy that extends out into the Atlantic. This 5 mile hike will take us across spectacular rocky headland shores with open ocean views and through an unusual maritime forest with rare coastal jackpines and heaths with carvnivorous plants such as sundews and pitcher plants. Optional hike on Tuesday, 7/19, through the breathtaking Western Head Preserve in Cutler featuring a dramatic cliff walk on a stretch of the wild Bold Coast.  

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

We'll all meet at my house in Machiasport, which is located on Machias Bay. The goal is to meet there around 6:00 pm on Sat., July 16th. The house is located at 264 Port Road (Rt. 92), Machiasport, ME. Here are the directions: Take I-95 North through Maine to Bangor. In Bangor, take Exit 182A to merge into I-395E toward US 1A/Bangor/ME-9/Brewer. Take Exit 6A for Rt. 1A East, toward Route 1/Ellsworth/Bar Harbor. Take Route 1A for 25 miles to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take a left onto Rt. 1 North. Take Rt. 1 North for 58 miles to Machias. In Machias, take a right at the bottom of College Hill (before crossing the bridge over the Machias River) onto Rt. 92. Take Rt. 92 for 3.3 miles to my house, on the left at #264 Port Road (Rt. 92) in Machiasport.