Exciting Coastal Hiking Trails in Maine, Ideal for a Day Outing
Exploring the Best Day Hikes Along Maine's Coast
Discover the natural beauty of Maine's coastline with AMC's Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast, a comprehensive guide that showcases 50 hikes highlighting the region's coastal charm [1]. One such hike worth exploring is the Great Wass Island Preserve, a remote and picturesque destination in Downeast Maine.
Located in the small town of Beals, the preserve encompasses most of Great Wass Island and offers a unique hiking experience. The trails here wind through boreal forests and pitch pine scrub, leading to coastal overlooks and possibly unique island habitats [1].
The Little Cape Trail and Mud Hole Trail combination offers a challenging 5.0-mile loop along the rugged ocean shoreline. This route showcases the island's diverse flora, including carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, baked-apple berries, dragon's mouth orchids, and hardy plants such as beach-head iris, marsh felwort, blinks, and bird's-eye primrose that thrive on the exposed headlands [1].
Bird life on the island is plentiful, with common sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, palm warblers, Lincoln sparrows, boreal chickadees, and spruce grouse. Offshore, common eiders and great blue herons can be seen, while harbor seals may be spotted basking on the rocks [1].
The preserve is bounded by Eastern Bay and Western Bay, creating a cool, moist climate. Inland, the island supports one of the largest stands of twisted and stunted jack pine [1].
For those seeking a more family-friendly hiking experience, the Spring Point Shoreway offers scenic views along the coast, featuring shoreline paths with opportunities to explore salt marshes and coastal forests. This trail is known for being dog-friendly, with relatively easy terrain suited for a day hike [1].
The Beech Cliff/Beech Mountain Loops offer moderate hiking challenges, combining coastal cliff views and forested mountain paths. These loops allow hikers to experience both ocean vistas and inland wooded areas [1].
AMC's guide provides detailed maps, descriptions, and logistical data such as parking GPS coordinates and seasonal considerations, making it an authoritative and reliable resource for planning coastal day hikes in Maine [1]. Whether you're a family, a dog owner, or someone looking for winter hiking options, this guide offers a thorough resource to discover Maine’s coast from south to northeast.
Important Information
- Location: Beals, ME
- Distance: 5.0 miles
- Estimated Time: 4.0 hours
- Elevation Gain: 120 feet
- Maps: USGS Great Wass Island; Maine Atlas and Gazetteer, Maps 17 and 26 (DeLorme); Great Wass Island Map and Trail Guide (The Nature Conservancy)
- Features: Snow-shoeing
- Rating: Strenuous
[1] AMC’s Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast by Carey Kish.
Engage in outdoor-living by embarking on the Little Cape Trail and Mud Hole Trail combination, a challenging 5.0-mile loop within the Great Wass Island Preserve, offering diverse flora, birdlife, and breathtaking coastal views. Additionally, those seeking a more family-friendly hiking experience can enjoy the scenic views along the Spring Point Shoreway, a dog-friendly trail with relatively easy terrain suited for a day hike.
