This Remote Maine Coastline Is Worth Every Mile Of The Trip To Visit
By Michelle|Published October 08, 2016
×
Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Just about anywhere in Maine provides a great jumping-off-point for exploring the beauty of the state. Simply walking outside can remind us why we’ve chosen to call Vacationland home. But, for all the obvious beauty there are even more spots that lay hidden and off-the-beaten path. The place we’ll tell you about today is one of the best if you’re looking for a remote spot in Maine to remind yourself that the journey is always worth it.
The Cutler Coast is located near the easternmost point of Maine near the Canadian border overlooking the Bay of Fundy.
It's incredible beauty might be the reason for its name - The Bold Coast. Once you visit the area, you'll understand. Between it's untamed shores and cliffs this area feels more remote than it actually is. The Cutler Coast is a preserve made up of about 12,000 acres. It can be found by traveling on Route 191 between Cutler and Lubec.
If you're not local, the journey to get here can be a bit tiring. The area is about 4 hours north of Portland. So, depending on where you're based, this an ideal weekend trip versus one completed in a day.
But, despite the possible journey to get here, arriving will remind you why it was worth it.
Head to the town of Cutler as a jumping off point for exploration. The Cutler Coast Public Reserve Land is located about three miles northeast of Cutler, on the right side of Route 191.
The area is comprised of about 4.5 miles of coastal land, and you'll find nearly 10 miles of trails. There are three main trails
Advertisement
There are three main trails that make up the recreation opportunities in the area.
The Coastal Trail to the ocean covers almost 3 miles (round trip) and will take approximately 2 hours. The path is mainly forested and meanders through swampy areas, as well as maritime spruce-fir trees.
Advertisement
Eventually, the trail approaches a bit of land overlooking the sea.
This portion is marked by more forested trails along with the craggy coast that Maine is known for. If you take this route, you'll see a small beach covered in soft, sanded cobblestones churned up by the ocean at Black Point Cove.
If you've just come for some day hiking, this is probably where you'll want to head back to the start of the trail. Doing this will require taking the Black Point Brook Cutoff
and Inland Trail.
This trail is a bit rocky but you'll have the added benefit of a fairly easy terrain to cover, as well as the perfect views of the Acadian forest.
Fairy head loop covers almost 10 miles and can take up to 7 hours depending on your fitness level. This is where you'll experience the best of what this untamed coast has to offer. In fact, almost 4 miles of the trail actually follow the coastline perfectly.
Heading back this way means traveling through meadows and forest, as well as a freshwater marsh and a pond made possible by beavers.
If you have the time, check out the Bold Coast Charter Company who run tours to see Atlantic Puffins on Machias Seal Island. The island is home to the largest colony of puffins on the Maine coast.
The return route, via the Inland Trail, is somewhat rocky but over fairly gentle terrain and through an Acadian forest.
A visit means seeing some of the best that the Northern Maine coast has to offer.
This is one of our favorite regions of Maine. The scenery is abundant, the air is fresh and while we don’t recommend camping up here this time of year – there are a few really nice (and remote!) camping spots to be explored. If you take this trip, take a few pictures and send them our way to be featured!
If you’re looking for a few other off-the-beaten-path spots, check out this article for more ideas.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
