One of the most spectacular places on earth is the “Bold Coast” of Maine. Cliffs, wild waves and crashing surf make the setting one of a kind and worth a visit. The Cutler Coast Public Lands span over 12,000 acres of bluberry barrens, forests and stunning cliffs over the Bay of Fundy.
Excerpts from the “Cutler Coast Guide”
Visitor Rules
Stay on the trail at all times to protect fragile ecosystems.
Open fires are prohibited: cook only on self-contained stoves.
Cut no live vegetation.
Carry out all trash.
• Keep pets under control at all times and on a leash (less than 4
feet) at campsites.
• Camp only at the three designated sites by Fairy Head.
Camping stays on public lands are limited to 14 days in any
45-day period.
• Although hunting is permitted, do not discharge weapons
within 300 feet of any posted trail or developed area or carry
loaded firearms on hiking trails or near campsites.
• ATVs are permitted on the lands north of Route 191 but may
only go on roads and trails posted as open.
• Bureau of Parks and Lands staff may take custody of any
personal property left unattended for more than 3 days (unless
advance written permission is given).
Trails
The coastal portion of the property has hiking trips from 3-10 miles.
Wear sturdy footwear and take care near cliffs, particularly in damp and
slippery conditions. The estimated trail times assume a leisurely pace in
good conditions with brief stops.
Coastal Trail to Ocean (2.8-mile roundtrip, allow 2 hours) A forested
path that runs through a cedar swamp and maritime spruce-fir forest
before reaching a promontory overlooking the ocean. This is the easiest
trail segment: the remainder is moderately difficult.
Black Point Brook Loop (5.5-mile roundtrip, allow 4-5 hours) Wooded
trails and rocky cliffside hiking lead to a small cobble beach at Black Point
Cove (accessible via a log ladder). The return route, via the Inland Trail,
is somewhat rocky but over fairly gentle terrain.
Fairy Head Loop Trail (9.2-mile roundtrip, allow 6-7 hours) This trail
provides the most extensive shorefront hiking with 3.8 miles along the
water. At Fairy Head, the trail turns inland through open meadows and
forest, passing by a freshwater grass marsh and a large beaver pond.
On the forested northern portion of the property, across Rt. 191, there
are 19.5 miles of shared-use roads and designated ATV trails, many of
them maintained by the East Stream Trail Riders ATV Club. A portion
of this system passes through the Ecological Reserve: please remain on the
trail to protect the Reserve grasslands and fragile peatbog ecosystems.
Special Considerations
Cliff tops are often undercut and can be dangerous (particularly in
wet conditions). Stay on the trail and supervise children closely.
The three permitted campsites are 4-5 miles from the parking lot.
Carry in food, water and camp stoves (campfires are prohibited).
When to Visit
The Cutler Coast lands are open year-round but take extra care in
wet or icy conditions. The summer months offer the best likelihood
of spotting whales offshore and birdwatching opportunities are
excellent from spring through fall. Mosquitoes and black flies are
thickest in late May through early July. Wild blueberries ripen in late
July and early August.
Directions
In East Machias, turn
right onto Route 191 and
proceed 16.9 miles (3
miles past Cutler village)
to the trailhead and parking
area marked by a large
blue/white sign.
From Lubec, take Route
189 to Route 191. Turn
left and travel 10 miles to
the parking area/trailhead (marked by a blue/white sign).
If the parking lot is full, park alongside Route 191 or consider
returning at another time.
Contacts
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
106 Hogan Road, Suite 5
Bangor, ME 04401
207-941-4412
bpl@maine.gov
Services & Facilities
• 20-car parking lot
• 10 miles of hiking trails
• Three primitive campsites at Fairy Head with a pit toilet.
Camping is only allowed at these three sites which are firstcome,
first-served with no reservations.
• Privy at main trailhead
www.parksandlands.com
