Our Favorite Bold Coast Activities
Photography // @erinmcginn
Since we were up in Maine this week photographing the swoon-worthy kitchen at our Coaster’s Chance Cottage, we've compiled a list of summer activities for those of you heading north for the season, and for those of you who maybe need a push to make the trek up. The Lupines are going crazy right now, and hiking along the bold coast trails rugged yet whimsical moss-lined paths feel like a cross between the Pacific Northwest and a Scandinavian fairytale. Now that we've generated some hype — here's our list of recommendations as far as what to do during your stay with us in Maine other than kicking your feet up and watching the Lobster boats troll by. We hope you enjoy it!
“Take a Hike!”
There’s truly no better way to get into the Maine spirit of living than by spending the afternoon hiking and exploring the various trails. Coaster’s Chance conveniently abuts our family’s favorite hike, the Eastern Knubble preserve trail, but there are tons of routes with varied terrain, distances and difficultness for you to check out! Regardless of which spot you chose to explore, you’re sure to be met by the Christmas-y scent of fir trees wafting through the clean, salty air. The terrain is varied with gravel and dirt trails through thickly settled forests with lusciously soft grasses, textural ground cover, and moss covered roots (be sure to watch your step) that open up to rocky vistas looking over miles of open sea! We promise you, the hikes around here do not disappoint! So without further ado, here are a few of the local hikes just a short walk or drive from our cottage.
Photography // @erinmcginn
Cutler Coast Public Preserve
Cutler, ME
“This trail system offers choices of a 5- or 10-mile loop trail traversing steep cliffs with stunning views over hidden coves and immense ocean vistas. An interior trail winds through mossy woods, grasslands, blueberry fields, and bogs. Several primitive campsites are maintained at Fairy Beach”.
Western Head Preserve
Cutler, ME
“The 3.5 mile trail begins alongside the Little River and winds through pasture and forest to the edge of the sea at Flaggtown Beach, with views of Little River Island and the fishing village of Cutler. Spectacular views of the Little River Lighthouse appear from parts of the trail”.
Bog Brook Cove Preserve
Cutler, ME
“This preserve is characterized by 1,780 acres of rocky knolls separated by gently sloping ground, swampy flats, wet meadows, and small brooks. The diverse habitat is home to a great variety of wildlife, including black bear, bobcat, and fisher. Visitors to Bog Brook Cove have documented sightings of two birds rarely seen in Maine, the yellow rail and upland sandpiper”.
Photography // @erinmcginn
Photography // @erinmcginn
Machias River Preserve
Machias, ME
“With 900 acres of forestland and 3.5 miles of river frontage near the Downeast Sunrise Trail, this preserve is great for snowshoeing, picnicking, botanizing, and hiking”.
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge
Calais, ME
“One of the oldest National Wildlife Refuges, the Moosehorn offers over 50 miles of dirt roads and trails between Edmunds and Calais for hiking and biking, 3 self-guided interpretive trails, and opportunities to tour with wildlife biologists. Located in the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge is an incredible location for wildlife watching, especially migratory birds”.
Note: This is a small sample of the seemingly infinite trails, preserves and hikes the greater area has to offer. The mentioned above are just some of our family’s personal favorites — you can find more hiking info here if needed!
Photography // @erinmcginn
Sights to Sea*
We gave you the rundown on hikes, so now it’s time for the saltier activities. Another serene way to take in the coastal scenery is by boat or kayak. There are a lot of gorgeous hidden places to explore that are either right on the water or that require aquatic forms of transportation to view. Here’s the Maine scoop!
Puffin Tours
Bold Coast Charter Company
Cutler, ME
If you're a birder or a nature lover, you simply must take a half day excursion with our friend Captain Patterson out to Machias Seal Island — the summer home to Maine’s largest nesting colony of Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Common Murres, and Arctic Terns! Bold Coast Charter Co. is the only tour operator in the United States permitted to bring visitors ashore on Machias Seal Island which we think is pretty sweet. The charter is quite convenient to hop on as it leaves only a short walk from our Coaster’s Chance Cottage’s front door.
Note: These charters book out a year in advance. Yes, you read that right — a full year! Please plan accordingly :)
Downeast Charter Boat Tours
Lubec, ME
Another great way to get out on the water by whale watch!! “The Lubec area is blessed with a wealth of lighthouses, best seen and appreciated by sea. Whales spend their summer feeding just off shore, seals swim in the channel known as the Narrows between Lubec and Campobello Island, and eagles soar majestically overhead in the clear, salt-tinged air -- a photographer's and painter's paradise”. We mentioned it before, but Lubec is just a short drive from our cottage making this a great day trip option!
Photography // @camsullivanphotos
Photography // @westquoddyheadlightkeepers
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
Lubec, ME
After all, Maine is “the lighthouse state”!! So it comes as no surprise that there happens to be a completely adorable and historic lighthouse just 20 minutes drive North from Cutler to Lubec. “Originally built in 1808, by order of President Thomas Jefferson, the original wooden tower was replaced by the current tower which became operational in 1858. The red and white tower is the only "candy striped" tower in the United States. The Tower is 49 feet tall, with a 16 foot diameter base. The center of the lantern stands 83 feet above sea level”. Tours to the top of the tower are given at intervals during the summer, typically every Saturday in the months of July and August. And during West Quoddy Annual Lighthouse Celebration in July.
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Welshpool, NB, Canada
“Roosevelt Campobello International Park is a singular example of international cooperation — jointly administered, staffed, and funded by the peoples of Canada and the United States. Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s magnificent summer home is preserved here in a combination indoor museum and outdoor nature park on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada”. We’ve yet to cross the Canadian border to check these out for ourselves, but there are some lovely cottages to tour while you’re here.
Mulholland Point Lighthouse
Welshpool Campobello, NB, Canada
“Built in 1885, Mulholland Point Lighthouse overlooks the narrow Lubec Channel between Lubec and Campobello… This is the only lighthouse shared by Canada and the United States. The original octagonal, wooden structure is located within Roosevelt Campobello International Park and is well maintained. You can enjoy a picnic [during the summer months] at this spot with a view toward the F.D.R. International Bridge that connects Campobello Island to Lubec, Maine.”
Photography // Source
Photography // @erinmcginn
Kayak Rentals
Sunrise Canoe and Kayak
Machias, ME
“Rejuvenated is the soul set free on a wilderness trip! We all need time away from our everyday lives and we all crave a break from civilization at least once in a while”. What better way to mellow out than by floating along the rocky shores with friends and family in your own kayak?! Sunrise can deliver these right to our cottage, but if you give us a heads up in advance of your stay we can have kayak rentals all set for your arrival. If you’re not totally confident in exploring on your own, these folks also offer guided tours.
Photography // @erinmcginn
That wraps up our favorites in Maine for now, but we’ll be back later this summer with what we’ll dub “the lobster edit” for now! We always love to know Moore* so please tell us your favorite maine-centric activities in the comments. One more thing — if you’re looking for fun things to do during your stay with us in Rhody then you must check out some of our favorite local shops in Tiverton, the best boat charters, the best lobster rolls, or grab the most beautiful produce from our favorite farm markets!
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