Siren's Song, in historic Machiasport, ME
History
Machiasport is the site of the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War – a land and sea action which resulted in the British schooner “Margaretta” being captured by the locals with the loss of only one man on the American side. Here are a few other historical attractions to whet your historical whistle:
Machiasport Historical Society: Holding the history of the local township in its walls, the historical society is across the street from Siren’s Song (in the historic Gates House), and offers tours, a museum-like collection of artifacts and events throughout the year.
The Thomas Ruggles House, preserved in its original state by the Ruggles House Society, is located in Columbia Falls. Constructed after a design by Aaron Sherman of Duxbury, Mass., the house was built for Judge Thomas Ruggles, a wealthy lumber dealer, store owner, postmaster, captain of the militia and justice of the Court of Sessions. It features a flying stairway, a masterpiece for which the house is especially famous. It’s open daily.
Fort O’Brien, located just below Machiasport, was built to protect the approaches to the Machias River during the Revolutionary War.
St. Croix Island, set about midway between the United States and Canada in the beautiful St. Croix River, was the scene of the first white settlement in the New World north of St. Augustine, Fla. It was here, in 1604, that Samuel Champlain and his fellow French explorer, Sieur de Monts, led a band of about 100 soldiers and traders and spent the winter. It was from this island that Champlain explored the coast of New England as far south as Cape Cod.
Eastport is the birthplace of the Maine sardine business, started by Julius Wolfe in 1875 (they’re herring before they are canned when they’re called sardines). For many decades Washington County has had 15 canneries – Eastport with five of them. Much of the activity has moved to the westward, however. Eastport was settled in 1780, incorporated in 1798. It was seized by the British in 1814 but in 1818 was returned to the United States through the Treaty of Ghent.
Burnham Tavern: The captain of the British “Margaretta” died in the Burnham Tavern, a well-preserved example of a colonial inn now open to visitors. The oldest building east of Bangor, it’s maintained by the local D.A.R.
The Yurts: The Yurt Foundation homestead in Maine is an experiment in cultural blending and simple living: the three-story yurt is reachable by the sea, or by a half-hour hike along a woodland footpath. All they ask is people contact them first to request permission: 207-522-9050, 603-848-3000 or via email: dickinsonsreach@gmail.com.
Sipayik Museum on Pleasant Point Indian Reservation: The Sipayik Museum is for anyone wishing to know more about the Passamaquoddy tribe. There are artifacts, old baskets and a 17-foot birch bark canoe – all of them more than 100 years old! The museum is open on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
6 helybéli ajánlásával
Machiasport
Machiasport is the site of the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War – a land and sea action which resulted in the British schooner “Margaretta” being captured by the locals with the loss of only one man on the American side. Here are a few other historical attractions to whet your historical whistle:
Machiasport Historical Society: Holding the history of the local township in its walls, the historical society is across the street from Siren’s Song (in the historic Gates House), and offers tours, a museum-like collection of artifacts and events throughout the year.
The Thomas Ruggles House, preserved in its original state by the Ruggles House Society, is located in Columbia Falls. Constructed after a design by Aaron Sherman of Duxbury, Mass., the house was built for Judge Thomas Ruggles, a wealthy lumber dealer, store owner, postmaster, captain of the militia and justice of the Court of Sessions. It features a flying stairway, a masterpiece for which the house is especially famous. It’s open daily.
Fort O’Brien, located just below Machiasport, was built to protect the approaches to the Machias River during the Revolutionary War.
St. Croix Island, set about midway between the United States and Canada in the beautiful St. Croix River, was the scene of the first white settlement in the New World north of St. Augustine, Fla. It was here, in 1604, that Samuel Champlain and his fellow French explorer, Sieur de Monts, led a band of about 100 soldiers and traders and spent the winter. It was from this island that Champlain explored the coast of New England as far south as Cape Cod.
Eastport is the birthplace of the Maine sardine business, started by Julius Wolfe in 1875 (they’re herring before they are canned when they’re called sardines). For many decades Washington County has had 15 canneries – Eastport with five of them. Much of the activity has moved to the westward, however. Eastport was settled in 1780, incorporated in 1798. It was seized by the British in 1814 but in 1818 was returned to the United States through the Treaty of Ghent.
Burnham Tavern: The captain of the British “Margaretta” died in the Burnham Tavern, a well-preserved example of a colonial inn now open to visitors. The oldest building east of Bangor, it’s maintained by the local D.A.R.
The Yurts: The Yurt Foundation homestead in Maine is an experiment in cultural blending and simple living: the three-story yurt is reachable by the sea, or by a half-hour hike along a woodland footpath. All they ask is people contact them first to request permission: 207-522-9050, 603-848-3000 or via email: dickinsonsreach@gmail.com.
Sipayik Museum on Pleasant Point Indian Reservation: The Sipayik Museum is for anyone wishing to know more about the Passamaquoddy tribe. There are artifacts, old baskets and a 17-foot birch bark canoe – all of them more than 100 years old! The museum is open on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Food scene
Machias is the place to go for your basic needs while staying with us.
For places to eat, we recommend these local spots!
Helen's: A local favorite since 1954, Helen’s is renowned for their seafood (the lobster bisque has inspired poetry) and their pie.
Skywalker's Bar and Grille: This laid-back micro-brewery offers comfort food bar fare and a great selection of beer.
Pat’s Pizza: A local “chain” (they have other locations in Maine), Pat’s offers hand-tossed pizza and cozy Italian food, in a sports bar-themed environment.
River’s Edge Drive In: A seasonally-operated roadside establishment, River’s Edge blends quality eats with food truck ease.
Riverside Take Out: Seasonally available, this take-out has what locals and summertime folk agree is the best lobster rolls in the area.
Tom’s Mini-Mart: Gracing the back of a gas station, Tom’s tests the mettle of its guests with its location. Adventurous folk who find it are always happy they do.
Jo’s Famous Schnitzel Wagon: Schnitzel? In Maine? Yup. If you enjoy a little of the Bavarian in your vacation, Jo’s is the place to go.
Need some groceries? Head here.
Hannaford’s Groceries: Located on Rt 1 in Machias, Hannaford’s offers a complete range of food options, for even the most discerning among us. Local tip: if you want lobster, but don’t want to cook it yourself, Hannaford’s deli area allows you to pick your own – and will then cook it for you onsite. And if you’re in a rush to shop, get home and make, say, lobster mac and cheese that night, they also have lobster meat for sale by the pound – cooked, shelled and ready to go.
Whole Life Natural Foods: Located in the center of Machias, Whole Life offers what Outpost or Whole Foods do in other towns – great organic food, with a local touch.
Bella Terra: An organic farm and gift store in East Machias, Bella Terra offers farm fresh eggs and in-season produce.
The French Cellar: A sophisticated shop, the French Cellar offers a wide selection of wine, delicious cheeses and craft beers, along with events like wine tastings.
15 helybéli ajánlásával
Machias
Machias is the place to go for your basic needs while staying with us.
For places to eat, we recommend these local spots!
Helen's: A local favorite since 1954, Helen’s is renowned for their seafood (the lobster bisque has inspired poetry) and their pie.
Skywalker's Bar and Grille: This laid-back micro-brewery offers comfort food bar fare and a great selection of beer.
Pat’s Pizza: A local “chain” (they have other locations in Maine), Pat’s offers hand-tossed pizza and cozy Italian food, in a sports bar-themed environment.
River’s Edge Drive In: A seasonally-operated roadside establishment, River’s Edge blends quality eats with food truck ease.
Riverside Take Out: Seasonally available, this take-out has what locals and summertime folk agree is the best lobster rolls in the area.
Tom’s Mini-Mart: Gracing the back of a gas station, Tom’s tests the mettle of its guests with its location. Adventurous folk who find it are always happy they do.
Jo’s Famous Schnitzel Wagon: Schnitzel? In Maine? Yup. If you enjoy a little of the Bavarian in your vacation, Jo’s is the place to go.
Need some groceries? Head here.
Hannaford’s Groceries: Located on Rt 1 in Machias, Hannaford’s offers a complete range of food options, for even the most discerning among us. Local tip: if you want lobster, but don’t want to cook it yourself, Hannaford’s deli area allows you to pick your own – and will then cook it for you onsite. And if you’re in a rush to shop, get home and make, say, lobster mac and cheese that night, they also have lobster meat for sale by the pound – cooked, shelled and ready to go.
Whole Life Natural Foods: Located in the center of Machias, Whole Life offers what Outpost or Whole Foods do in other towns – great organic food, with a local touch.
Bella Terra: An organic farm and gift store in East Machias, Bella Terra offers farm fresh eggs and in-season produce.
The French Cellar: A sophisticated shop, the French Cellar offers a wide selection of wine, delicious cheeses and craft beers, along with events like wine tastings.
Lighthouses
The Bold Coast of Maine offers lots of lighthouses to explore. The most famous one is West Quoddy Head in Lubec, which bears the title of most photographed lighthouse in the U.S.
If you’re feeling up to the challenge, the coastline of Maine features more than 50 lighthouses… these are just a few of the most-frequently visited to check off your list:
Brown’s Head 1832/1857 – 24-foot white brick cylindrical tower. Fox Islands Thorofare, Vinalhaven (ferry from Rockland).
Goose Rocks 1890 – 51-foot white cast-iron conical tower. Fox Island Thorofare, between North Haven and Vinalhaven (via ferry from Rockland).
Saddleback Ledge 1839 – 42-foot gray granite conical tower. Between Isle au Haut and Vinalhaven (via ferry from Rockland).
Matinicus Rock 1827/1857 – Two 48-foot gray granite cylindrical towers, 5 miles southeast of Matinicus Island.
Fort Point 1836/1857 – 26-foot white square tower. Penobscot River mouth, east end of Cape Jellison, view end of Fort Point Road, off Route 1, in Stockton Springs.
Dyce Head 1829 – 45-foot white conical granite and fieldstone tower, privately owned, Castine Harbor entrance, view end of Lighthouse Road, Castine.
Isle au Haut 1907 – 48-foot white cylindrical brick tower with footbridge to shore. Robinson Point, Isle au Haut (via ferry from Rockland).
Mark Island 1857 – 26-foot white square tower, west entrance to Deer Island Thorofare, Stonington.
Eagle Island 1839/1858 – 28-foot conical tower, East Penobscot Bay, Deer Isle.
Pumpkin Island 1854 – 25-foot white conical stone tower, privately owned.West end of Eggemoggin Reach, view end of Eggemoggin Road, off Route 15, Little Deer Isle.
Blue Hill Bay 1856 – 22-foot white cylindrical tower, Green Island, Brooklin, inactive; west side of Blue Hill Bay.
Burnt Coat Harbor 1872 – 33-foot white square tower. Hockamock Head, Swan’s Island, view from ferry from Bass Harbor.
Bass Harbor Head 1858 – 26-foot white cylindrical tower. Southern end of Mount Desert Island, view end of Lighthouse Road off Route 102A, Bass Harbor.
Bear Island 1839/1889 – 25-foot white cylindrical tower. Northeast Harbor entrance, Cranberry Isles.
Baker Island 1828/1855 – 43-foot white stone cylindrical tower, center of island. Cranberry Isles, entrance to Northeast Harbor.
Great Duck Island 1890 – 42-foot white cylindrical tower. 19 miles off Cranberry Isles, east side of entrance to Blue Hill Bay, Frenchboro. One of Maine’s furthest out to sea light houses. Viewed only by boat ride on calm clear days.
Egg Rock 1875 – 40-foot white square tower atop dwelling. Frenchman’s Bay entrance, Bar Harbor, view from Park Loop Road, Bar Harbor.
Mount Desert Rock 1830 – 58-foot gray granite conical tower. 18 miles southeast of Mount Desert Island.
Winter Harbor 1856 – 19-foot white cylindrical tower, privately owned. Mark Island, west side of entrance to Winter Harbor. Best viewed by boat. View from land from Schoodic Point Loop Road.
Prospect Harbor Point 1850/1891 – Prospect Harbor entrance, view Route 186, Gouldsboro.
Narraguagus (Pond Island) 1853 – 55-foot white stone cylindrical tower, privately owned. Pond Island, Millbridge, west side entrance to Narraguagus Bay.
West Quoddy Head Light 1808/1858 – Authorized for construction by Thomas Jefferson. 49′ red-and-white horizontally banded brick conical tower. Westside entrance, St. Croix River and Cobscook Bay, view end of South Lubec Road, off Route 189, Lubec. Located in Quoddy Head State Park.
29 helybéli ajánlásával
Lubec
The Bold Coast of Maine offers lots of lighthouses to explore. The most famous one is West Quoddy Head in Lubec, which bears the title of most photographed lighthouse in the U.S.
If you’re feeling up to the challenge, the coastline of Maine features more than 50 lighthouses… these are just a few of the most-frequently visited to check off your list:
Brown’s Head 1832/1857 – 24-foot white brick cylindrical tower. Fox Islands Thorofare, Vinalhaven (ferry from Rockland).
Goose Rocks 1890 – 51-foot white cast-iron conical tower. Fox Island Thorofare, between North Haven and Vinalhaven (via ferry from Rockland).
Saddleback Ledge 1839 – 42-foot gray granite conical tower. Between Isle au Haut and Vinalhaven (via ferry from Rockland).
Matinicus Rock 1827/1857 – Two 48-foot gray granite cylindrical towers, 5 miles southeast of Matinicus Island.
Fort Point 1836/1857 – 26-foot white square tower. Penobscot River mouth, east end of Cape Jellison, view end of Fort Point Road, off Route 1, in Stockton Springs.
Dyce Head 1829 – 45-foot white conical granite and fieldstone tower, privately owned, Castine Harbor entrance, view end of Lighthouse Road, Castine.
Isle au Haut 1907 – 48-foot white cylindrical brick tower with footbridge to shore. Robinson Point, Isle au Haut (via ferry from Rockland).
Mark Island 1857 – 26-foot white square tower, west entrance to Deer Island Thorofare, Stonington.
Eagle Island 1839/1858 – 28-foot conical tower, East Penobscot Bay, Deer Isle.
Pumpkin Island 1854 – 25-foot white conical stone tower, privately owned.West end of Eggemoggin Reach, view end of Eggemoggin Road, off Route 15, Little Deer Isle.
Blue Hill Bay 1856 – 22-foot white cylindrical tower, Green Island, Brooklin, inactive; west side of Blue Hill Bay.
Burnt Coat Harbor 1872 – 33-foot white square tower. Hockamock Head, Swan’s Island, view from ferry from Bass Harbor.
Bass Harbor Head 1858 – 26-foot white cylindrical tower. Southern end of Mount Desert Island, view end of Lighthouse Road off Route 102A, Bass Harbor.
Bear Island 1839/1889 – 25-foot white cylindrical tower. Northeast Harbor entrance, Cranberry Isles.
Baker Island 1828/1855 – 43-foot white stone cylindrical tower, center of island. Cranberry Isles, entrance to Northeast Harbor.
Great Duck Island 1890 – 42-foot white cylindrical tower. 19 miles off Cranberry Isles, east side of entrance to Blue Hill Bay, Frenchboro. One of Maine’s furthest out to sea light houses. Viewed only by boat ride on calm clear days.
Egg Rock 1875 – 40-foot white square tower atop dwelling. Frenchman’s Bay entrance, Bar Harbor, view from Park Loop Road, Bar Harbor.
Mount Desert Rock 1830 – 58-foot gray granite conical tower. 18 miles southeast of Mount Desert Island.
Winter Harbor 1856 – 19-foot white cylindrical tower, privately owned. Mark Island, west side of entrance to Winter Harbor. Best viewed by boat. View from land from Schoodic Point Loop Road.
Prospect Harbor Point 1850/1891 – Prospect Harbor entrance, view Route 186, Gouldsboro.
Narraguagus (Pond Island) 1853 – 55-foot white stone cylindrical tower, privately owned. Pond Island, Millbridge, west side entrance to Narraguagus Bay.
West Quoddy Head Light 1808/1858 – Authorized for construction by Thomas Jefferson. 49′ red-and-white horizontally banded brick conical tower. Westside entrance, St. Croix River and Cobscook Bay, view end of South Lubec Road, off Route 189, Lubec. Located in Quoddy Head State Park.
Beaches
No visit to Washington County would be complete without discovering the beauty of the beaches that form the boundary between the ocean and the land.
Long regular rows of blackening seaweed mark the passage of each tide. At the highest tide mark, just above the last row of seaweed you can see jumbled piles of driftwood, smoothed by the action of the sea.
And at the very lowest tide level, hidden in the deep fissures of the rocky sea beaches are the tidal pools – quiet islands of marine life separated by only a few feet from the pounding surf that offer a microcosm of the vast ocean.
There are multitudes of beaches to explore in the area (with some of the most unique aspects): Within a 40-mile ride you can discover beaches of three different colors: at Perry the sand is a deep red; at Bailey’s Mistake the beach is made of black volcanic sand and at Great Beach in Jonesport the sand is a pure white! Here are just a few others to get you started in the swimming and beach combing arenas:
Ballast Island Ledge Jonesport
Big Sand Beach Dark Cove Mountain
Campbell Shore Big Lake
Davis Beach Machias Bay
Dawn Marie Beach Grand Lake Stream
Grays Beach Roque Bluffs
Hold Shore Big Lake
Jasper Beach Machias
Jordan Beach Harrington
Roque Bluffs Beach Roque Bluffs
Roque Island Ledge Jonesport
Sandy River Beach Jonesport
26 helybéli ajánlásával
Jasper Beach
No visit to Washington County would be complete without discovering the beauty of the beaches that form the boundary between the ocean and the land.
Long regular rows of blackening seaweed mark the passage of each tide. At the highest tide mark, just above the last row of seaweed you can see jumbled piles of driftwood, smoothed by the action of the sea.
And at the very lowest tide level, hidden in the deep fissures of the rocky sea beaches are the tidal pools – quiet islands of marine life separated by only a few feet from the pounding surf that offer a microcosm of the vast ocean.
There are multitudes of beaches to explore in the area (with some of the most unique aspects): Within a 40-mile ride you can discover beaches of three different colors: at Perry the sand is a deep red; at Bailey’s Mistake the beach is made of black volcanic sand and at Great Beach in Jonesport the sand is a pure white! Here are just a few others to get you started in the swimming and beach combing arenas:
Ballast Island Ledge Jonesport
Big Sand Beach Dark Cove Mountain
Campbell Shore Big Lake
Davis Beach Machias Bay
Dawn Marie Beach Grand Lake Stream
Grays Beach Roque Bluffs
Hold Shore Big Lake
Jasper Beach Machias
Jordan Beach Harrington
Roque Bluffs Beach Roque Bluffs
Roque Island Ledge Jonesport
Sandy River Beach Jonesport
Hiking/Snowshoeing/cross-country skiing
A fantastic resource for hiking is the Maine Trail Finder: Maine has hundreds of trails, from coast to mountains to north woods, managed by a jumble of land trusts, conservation groups, and state and federal agencies. At first the Maine Trail Finder only featured a few dozen trails, mostly in Franklin County. Since then, the site’s coverage has grown to span the whole state. Recently, the site got a fantastic upgrade and now has a bevy of new features for hikers of all capability levels.
In addition, open for all-year enjoyment (from summer in boots to winter in snowshoes), there are several hiking trails that are a short drive from the house:
The Bold Coast, Boot Cove and Hamilton Cove trails skirt along the edge of rugged ocean cliffs and scenic vistas.
Middle River Park Trail – St. Regis Park on the Middle River was once pasture land for animals and later a family farm. The park now provides a natural escape for hiking, picnicking, wildlife observation, paddling, and winter sports right in the middle of Machias. 1.2 miles,easy, no fee.
Machias River Preserve – The Machias River is one of the great rivers in Downeast Maine. Downeast Coastal Conservancy’s trails allow hikers miles of forest and river frontage to hike. The river is steeped in local history and evidence of past logging history can be seen in structures in the river. 5 miles, moderate, no fee.
Down East Sunrise Trail – This 96-mile multi-use, scenic rail trail runs along the entire Downeast coastal area connecting multiple scenic conservation areas, intersecting Downeast salmon rivers, and providing year-round recreation opportunities. 96 miles, easy, multi-use trail, no fee.
Roque Bluffs State Park – Roque Bluffs State Park provides visitors with a great diversity of coastal landscapes to enjoy in 274 acres on Schoppee Point. A beautiful, half-mile crescent of sand and pebbles along Englishman Bay is backed by the shallow waters of Simpson Pond. 3.1 miles, easy to moderate, day use fee $6.00, (x-country)
Eastern Knubble – A trail runs through this 31-acre Maine Coast Heritage Trust preserve from the scenic harbor village of Cutler to a cobble beach and historic silver and copper mines. 1.4 miles, moderate, no fee.
Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land – Offering a taste of wilderness in downeast Maine along the famous Bold Coast, Cutler Coast Public Lands is a 12,334-acre expanse of a variety of ecosystems including 4.5 miles of headlands overlooking the Bay of Fundy. 9.6 miles, advanced to strenuous, no fee.
Ingersoll Point Trail – “Just another slice of paradise, wonderful job.” Each trail offers a different experience and it’s easy to spend several hours hiking and enjoying the view from the beach. 3.4 miles, moderate, no fee.
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge – Moosehorn NWR (Edmunds) covers more than 8,771 acres, with more than 10 miles of dirt trails and a wheel-chair accessible trail. The refuge provides visitors with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. 13.6 miles,easy, no fee. The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of two units. One, at Baring just three miles north of Calais, has 16,080 acres. The other, at Edmunds between Whiting and Dennysville, is 6,665 acres in size. The Refuge offers its visitors more than 50 miles of roads and trails which are closed to vehicle traffic but open to hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The Refuge is a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife including the bald eagle, osprey, Canada geese, and ducks. The American woodcock is studied and managed here.
Bog Brook Cove Preserve – This 1,700-acre preserve lies at the heart of Maine’s Bold Coast, which stretches from Western Head in Cutler to Quoddy Head in Lubec. 5.8 miles, easy to advanced, no fee, x-country skiing.
Cobscook Bay Wildlife – This peninsula in Cobscook Bay can be explored on a 1.5 mile forested loop hiking trail, or a 3 mile round trip on a grassy lane through forest, old fields and orchards. 4.5 miles, moderate, no fee, x-country skiing.
Shackford Head in Eastport offers a hilly peninsula jutting into Cobscook Bay with nearly three miles of craggy shoreline which is passable at low tide, particularly from the Broad Cove side. The main trail from the parking area to the “Viewpoint” is about a mile, and three-year-olds have made it look easy. From the Viewpoint you’ll have a panorama from the “Old Friar” headland on Campobello at your left to Lubec with its church-steepled hilltop straight ahead and then a sweep of Cobscook Bay, North Lubec and a hint of Perry and Pembroke at your right.
Great Wass Island: You can get there by crossing the bridge from Jonesport to Beals Island (through Beals and over a causeway). Take the dirt road that’s on the right to Black Duck Cove (about 1.5 miles) and you’ll see the parking lot on the left. Two trails begin together at the parking lot, then diverge 100 yards into the woods. The Mud Hole trail (1.5 miles) soon follows a lovely long fjord, leading eventually to spectacular views of neighboring islands. The Little Cape Point trail (2 miles) winds through deep moss-covered spruce and fir forests. Open ledges of pink granite offer views of bogs complete with a bog “bridge” allowing visitors to walk through a rich swamp without harming its insectivorous pitcher and sundew plants. You come out on another vista of the islands and weatherworn ledges.
12 helybéli ajánlásával
Trailhead: Cutler Bold Coast Trail
425 ME-191A fantastic resource for hiking is the Maine Trail Finder: Maine has hundreds of trails, from coast to mountains to north woods, managed by a jumble of land trusts, conservation groups, and state and federal agencies. At first the Maine Trail Finder only featured a few dozen trails, mostly in Franklin County. Since then, the site’s coverage has grown to span the whole state. Recently, the site got a fantastic upgrade and now has a bevy of new features for hikers of all capability levels.
In addition, open for all-year enjoyment (from summer in boots to winter in snowshoes), there are several hiking trails that are a short drive from the house:
The Bold Coast, Boot Cove and Hamilton Cove trails skirt along the edge of rugged ocean cliffs and scenic vistas.
Middle River Park Trail – St. Regis Park on the Middle River was once pasture land for animals and later a family farm. The park now provides a natural escape for hiking, picnicking, wildlife observation, paddling, and winter sports right in the middle of Machias. 1.2 miles,easy, no fee.
Machias River Preserve – The Machias River is one of the great rivers in Downeast Maine. Downeast Coastal Conservancy’s trails allow hikers miles of forest and river frontage to hike. The river is steeped in local history and evidence of past logging history can be seen in structures in the river. 5 miles, moderate, no fee.
Down East Sunrise Trail – This 96-mile multi-use, scenic rail trail runs along the entire Downeast coastal area connecting multiple scenic conservation areas, intersecting Downeast salmon rivers, and providing year-round recreation opportunities. 96 miles, easy, multi-use trail, no fee.
Roque Bluffs State Park – Roque Bluffs State Park provides visitors with a great diversity of coastal landscapes to enjoy in 274 acres on Schoppee Point. A beautiful, half-mile crescent of sand and pebbles along Englishman Bay is backed by the shallow waters of Simpson Pond. 3.1 miles, easy to moderate, day use fee $6.00, (x-country)
Eastern Knubble – A trail runs through this 31-acre Maine Coast Heritage Trust preserve from the scenic harbor village of Cutler to a cobble beach and historic silver and copper mines. 1.4 miles, moderate, no fee.
Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land – Offering a taste of wilderness in downeast Maine along the famous Bold Coast, Cutler Coast Public Lands is a 12,334-acre expanse of a variety of ecosystems including 4.5 miles of headlands overlooking the Bay of Fundy. 9.6 miles, advanced to strenuous, no fee.
Ingersoll Point Trail – “Just another slice of paradise, wonderful job.” Each trail offers a different experience and it’s easy to spend several hours hiking and enjoying the view from the beach. 3.4 miles, moderate, no fee.
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge – Moosehorn NWR (Edmunds) covers more than 8,771 acres, with more than 10 miles of dirt trails and a wheel-chair accessible trail. The refuge provides visitors with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. 13.6 miles,easy, no fee. The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of two units. One, at Baring just three miles north of Calais, has 16,080 acres. The other, at Edmunds between Whiting and Dennysville, is 6,665 acres in size. The Refuge offers its visitors more than 50 miles of roads and trails which are closed to vehicle traffic but open to hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The Refuge is a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife including the bald eagle, osprey, Canada geese, and ducks. The American woodcock is studied and managed here.
Bog Brook Cove Preserve – This 1,700-acre preserve lies at the heart of Maine’s Bold Coast, which stretches from Western Head in Cutler to Quoddy Head in Lubec. 5.8 miles, easy to advanced, no fee, x-country skiing.
Cobscook Bay Wildlife – This peninsula in Cobscook Bay can be explored on a 1.5 mile forested loop hiking trail, or a 3 mile round trip on a grassy lane through forest, old fields and orchards. 4.5 miles, moderate, no fee, x-country skiing.
Shackford Head in Eastport offers a hilly peninsula jutting into Cobscook Bay with nearly three miles of craggy shoreline which is passable at low tide, particularly from the Broad Cove side. The main trail from the parking area to the “Viewpoint” is about a mile, and three-year-olds have made it look easy. From the Viewpoint you’ll have a panorama from the “Old Friar” headland on Campobello at your left to Lubec with its church-steepled hilltop straight ahead and then a sweep of Cobscook Bay, North Lubec and a hint of Perry and Pembroke at your right.
Great Wass Island: You can get there by crossing the bridge from Jonesport to Beals Island (through Beals and over a causeway). Take the dirt road that’s on the right to Black Duck Cove (about 1.5 miles) and you’ll see the parking lot on the left. Two trails begin together at the parking lot, then diverge 100 yards into the woods. The Mud Hole trail (1.5 miles) soon follows a lovely long fjord, leading eventually to spectacular views of neighboring islands. The Little Cape Point trail (2 miles) winds through deep moss-covered spruce and fir forests. Open ledges of pink granite offer views of bogs complete with a bog “bridge” allowing visitors to walk through a rich swamp without harming its insectivorous pitcher and sundew plants. You come out on another vista of the islands and weatherworn ledges.
Canoe and Kayak
Our local company, Sunrise Canoe and Kayak (located in Machias), has daily and weekly rentals rates starting at $25/day, and will deliver the equipment directly to your rental property (an extra fee applies). In addition to custom tours, they also offer day or half-day tours. Depending on the tour, you will see beautiful scenery, historic petroglyphs, pocket beaches, seals and porpoise.
Machias Bay Half-day– kayaking –Abundant wildlife, rich tangible history, and beautiful island scenery- possibly the finest half-day sea kayak tour in all of Maine! Great family trip! May-Oct
Cobscook Bay Half-day– kayaking – Explore an historic island nestled between the easternmost settlements in the U.S. You may also catch a glimps of seals and porpoise playing in the tide. Jun-Sep
Great Wass Archipelago– kayaking – Island hop through one of estern Maine’s beautiful archipelagos searching for wildlife, exploring pocket beaches, and maybe even hike to a lighthouse. Jun-Sep
Machias River Half-day– canoeing – With just a touch of whitewater and a great picnic spot this is a wonderful way to experience a Maine river by canoe. Beginners welcome. May-Oct
St. Croix River– canoeing – One of Maine’s premier river trips features fun, easy whitewater amidst the forrested scenery of eastern Maine. If you are looking for a river adventure, this is it! May-Oct
Where to Kayak/Canoe: If you’ve rented or brought your own kayaks or canoes, you can explore the following areas:
The Orange River Water Trail is an easy to access, easy to paddle flat-water trail, which includes miles of fresh water teeming with wildlife. The Orange River provides important inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat in Downeast Maine and also supports bald eagles, deer wintering, and brook trout fisheries.
The Machias River race course is in a beautiful, remote setting. The course covers a mile-long lake, then about nine miles of scenic flatwater interspersed with a few Class II/III rapids.
The Downeast Lakes Water Trail offers exceptional opportunities for multi-day paddling trips, which rival any in the northeast for solitude, beauty, and adventure.
15 helybéli ajánlásával
Machias
Our local company, Sunrise Canoe and Kayak (located in Machias), has daily and weekly rentals rates starting at $25/day, and will deliver the equipment directly to your rental property (an extra fee applies). In addition to custom tours, they also offer day or half-day tours. Depending on the tour, you will see beautiful scenery, historic petroglyphs, pocket beaches, seals and porpoise.
Machias Bay Half-day– kayaking –Abundant wildlife, rich tangible history, and beautiful island scenery- possibly the finest half-day sea kayak tour in all of Maine! Great family trip! May-Oct
Cobscook Bay Half-day– kayaking – Explore an historic island nestled between the easternmost settlements in the U.S. You may also catch a glimps of seals and porpoise playing in the tide. Jun-Sep
Great Wass Archipelago– kayaking – Island hop through one of estern Maine’s beautiful archipelagos searching for wildlife, exploring pocket beaches, and maybe even hike to a lighthouse. Jun-Sep
Machias River Half-day– canoeing – With just a touch of whitewater and a great picnic spot this is a wonderful way to experience a Maine river by canoe. Beginners welcome. May-Oct
St. Croix River– canoeing – One of Maine’s premier river trips features fun, easy whitewater amidst the forrested scenery of eastern Maine. If you are looking for a river adventure, this is it! May-Oct
Where to Kayak/Canoe: If you’ve rented or brought your own kayaks or canoes, you can explore the following areas:
The Orange River Water Trail is an easy to access, easy to paddle flat-water trail, which includes miles of fresh water teeming with wildlife. The Orange River provides important inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat in Downeast Maine and also supports bald eagles, deer wintering, and brook trout fisheries.
The Machias River race course is in a beautiful, remote setting. The course covers a mile-long lake, then about nine miles of scenic flatwater interspersed with a few Class II/III rapids.
The Downeast Lakes Water Trail offers exceptional opportunities for multi-day paddling trips, which rival any in the northeast for solitude, beauty, and adventure.
Lobster!
As you go on the hunt for your lobster dinner, a quick local tip: Make sure you ask for “shedder” lobsters, which are lobsters in between growth spurts (they just “shed” their former crustaceous hide) which makes for a softer shell to crack!)
If you opt to cook your own lobsters, cookbooks describing the process are in the kitchen, or an online guide can be found here. You will find all the equipment you need in the garage at Siren’s Song, in the cabinet labeled “Fish”. NOTE: we recommend you cook outside if you opt to use the propane burner.
Pick & Cook Your Own:
Bucks Harbor Marina: Pick out your own fresh lobsters near the pier – take ‘em home and cook ‘em!
Mother Shuckers: Nadine and Bob run a family lobstering business that makes everyone feel like family. If you call ahead (at 207-259-1254) you can reserve the number of lobsters you’d like. Local tip: Nadine almost always has lobsters for those who’d like them – so even if you haven’t reserved one – call and ask. She can usually make the lobster magic happen! Cash and Checks only.
Pick Your Own & Have it Cooked:
Hannaford’s Groceries: If you want lobster, but don’t want to cook it yourself, Hannaford’s deli area allows you to pick your own – and will then cook it for you onsite. And if you’re in a rush to shop, get home and make, say, lobster mac and cheese that night, they also have lobster meat for sale by the pound – cooked, shelled and ready to go.
Order it Online:
BBS Lobster Trap: Just around the corner in Machiasport, you can order lobster from BBS’ Machiasport location online.
Search for the best lobster roll (a quick “oral” history can be found here):
Riverside Take Out: Seasonally available, this take-out has what locals and summertime folk agree is the best lobster rolls in the area.
Bayview Take-out: When it comes to fried seafood, one of the best is Bayview Takeout located on Beals Island. It offers great service, great fried seafood, awesome onion rings and it was recently voted the best lobster roll in Maine.
6 helybéli ajánlásával
Machiasport
As you go on the hunt for your lobster dinner, a quick local tip: Make sure you ask for “shedder” lobsters, which are lobsters in between growth spurts (they just “shed” their former crustaceous hide) which makes for a softer shell to crack!)
If you opt to cook your own lobsters, cookbooks describing the process are in the kitchen, or an online guide can be found here. You will find all the equipment you need in the garage at Siren’s Song, in the cabinet labeled “Fish”. NOTE: we recommend you cook outside if you opt to use the propane burner.
Pick & Cook Your Own:
Bucks Harbor Marina: Pick out your own fresh lobsters near the pier – take ‘em home and cook ‘em!
Mother Shuckers: Nadine and Bob run a family lobstering business that makes everyone feel like family. If you call ahead (at 207-259-1254) you can reserve the number of lobsters you’d like. Local tip: Nadine almost always has lobsters for those who’d like them – so even if you haven’t reserved one – call and ask. She can usually make the lobster magic happen! Cash and Checks only.
Pick Your Own & Have it Cooked:
Hannaford’s Groceries: If you want lobster, but don’t want to cook it yourself, Hannaford’s deli area allows you to pick your own – and will then cook it for you onsite. And if you’re in a rush to shop, get home and make, say, lobster mac and cheese that night, they also have lobster meat for sale by the pound – cooked, shelled and ready to go.
Order it Online:
BBS Lobster Trap: Just around the corner in Machiasport, you can order lobster from BBS’ Machiasport location online.
Search for the best lobster roll (a quick “oral” history can be found here):
Riverside Take Out: Seasonally available, this take-out has what locals and summertime folk agree is the best lobster rolls in the area.
Bayview Take-out: When it comes to fried seafood, one of the best is Bayview Takeout located on Beals Island. It offers great service, great fried seafood, awesome onion rings and it was recently voted the best lobster roll in Maine.