West of Cherryfield, you may want to take a drive on Route 182, designated the Blackwoods Scenic Byway. A rugged trail system in the neighborhood of Tunk Lake weaves among some great swimming and fishing ponds, beaches, and rolling hills, including the exposed 1,157-foot Tunk Mountain, with 360-degree views from its summit.
South of Jonesport (cross the bridge to Beals Island and continue across the causeway), the Great Wass Island Preserve (tel. 207/729-5181) is an exceptional 1,524-acre island, acquired by the Nature Conservancy in 1978. An excellent 4.5-mile loop hike covers a wide cross section of native terrain, including bogs, heath, rocky coastline, and forests of twisted jack pines. Maps and a birding checklist can be found in a stand at the parking lot. Follow one fork of the trail to the rockbound shoreline; work your way along boulders to the other fork, then back to your car. From Jonesport, cross the bridge to Beals Island; continue across the causeway to Great Wass Island and bear right at the next fork. Continue past the lobster pound to a parking lot on the left.
Marked by a sign in a small parking lot along Route 191, the dramatic Cutler Trail (tel. 207/941-4412) passes through diverse ecosystems, including bogs, barrens, and dark and tangled spruce forests. The highlight of the trail, which traverses state-owned land, is a mile-long segment along rocky headlands high above the Atlantic. Some of the most dramatic coastal views in the state are located along this isolated stretch, which overlooks dark-gray-to-black rocks and the tumultuous sea. Visible on the horizon across the Bay of Fundy are the west-facing cliffs of the Canadian island of Grand Manan. Plan on at least 2 or 3 hours for the shortest loop, or a full 7-hour day to hike the entire loop to the point known as Fairy Head Loop to the south (find three primitive, first-come-first-serve campsites there).
Although Eastport is pretty quiet, the 90-acre peninsula of Shackford Head State Park (tel. 207/941-4014) is even quieter; get there by following Route 190 almost into town, turn right at the gas station, and continue almost 1 mile along Deep Cove Road. There’s a hiking trail here with nice views. Interestingly, at low tide you can see remains of several Civil War–era ships, brought here for salvage in the early 20th century. The entry fee is $4 for non-residents of Maine, $1 for seniors and kids 5–11. No campfires or all-terrain vehicles allowed.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
