Hamilton Cove Preserve
1,225 acres
Property Description
Hamilton Cove Preserve embodies the rugged character that gives Maine's Bold Coast its name. This 1,225-acre preserve provides opportunities to experience some of Maine's most remote and wild terrain - cobble beaches, sheer cliffs, and rocky promontories. The preserve's 1.5-mile long shoreline includes several cobble beaches and rocky points that offer dramatic views of Grand Manan Island. Scenic trails presently lead along the coast and to the shore. Future plans call for a new path to views atop Benny's Mountain.
More than 25 different types of plant communities thrive at Hamilton Cove, including a high number of bogs, fens, and other wetlands that provide habitat for several uncommon plants including baked-apple berry, Labrador tea, roseroot sedum and beachhead iris. There are also grasslands, barrens, and unusually large patches of low-growing alder. The preserve's diverse habitats support numerous migratory and resident birds including bald eagles.
Hamilton Cove enjoys a long history of human activity. The original land grants date back to the early 1800s. A portion of an existing trail follows an old dam that was built to support a local mill. Several ships were built on the property in a shipyard located near the mouth of Hamilton Stream. MCHT acquired the first of 4 parcels that now comprise the preserve in 1993.
---------- Preserve Boundary
Download a printable preserve map (PDF)
Preserve information/guidelines
- No Camping Permitted
- Fires By Permit Only - Maine State Law
- Contact Maine Forest Service at 207-827-1800 for Permit
- Keep All Fires Below High Tide Line
- Do Not Cut or Break Tree Limbs, Dead or Alive
- Leave No Fire Unattended
- Completely Extinguish All Fires
- Stay on Established Trails
- Foot Traffic Only - Trails Are Not Suitable for Wheeled Vehicles
- Visitors Can Inadvertently Disturb Thin Soils and Fragile Vegetation Along the Cliffs, That is Slow to Regenerate
- Carry Out All Trash
- Including Human and Pet Waste and Toilet Paper
- Keep Pets Under Control
- Please Respect the Privacy of Preserve Neighbors
- Do Not Remove Archaeological Artifacts
How to Get There: From Lubec, take the South Lubec Road towards Quoddy Head State Park. In 2.7 miles turn right onto Boot Cove Road and continue 2.4 miles to the parking area on the left.
Share a comment on our Preserve Blog