Huber, Vinalhaven
Located on Vinalhaven, the Huber Preserve features a wildflower-lined hiking trail that leads to a picturesque shoreline with pleasant views of Seal Bay.
Huber is great for:
- Hiking – Venture along the 1.9-mile roundtrip, hiking trail as it meanders through dense forests to coastal picnic spots.
- Birdwatching – Pack your binoculars before hitting the trail. The preserve’s diverse habitats attract dozens of migratory songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, and other avian species.
How to get there
From Vinalhaven’s town center, follow the North Haven Road north 2 miles. Turn right onto Round The Island Road and continue 1.5 miles to a small parking area on the left.
Arriving by ferry?
The state run Vinalhaven Ferry between the island and Rockland has many trips each day, but offers limited space for vehicles. Reservations should be made in advance, especially during summer months. One option is to tour the island with a bicycle. The Huber Preserve trailhead is just under four miles from the ferry terminal.
For a complete map with legend and guidelines, click on the Printable Preserve Map above.
Notes on topography, flora, and fauna
The preserve’s dense woods and wetlands include a mix of conifers and hardwoods. A rare sedge also grows on the property. Spruce and fir predominate, with some white birch, red oak, and red maple. Much of the 65- to 200-year-old white spruce is succumbing to disease and storm blowdowns. Mosses and skunk cabbage abound in wet areas of the preserve. Lady slippers and other spring wildflowers show early, and amphibians breed in the small pond and wetlands. At least 25 species of warblers and migratory songbirds frequent the wetlands and more open areas. Eiders or common terns can often be seen along the shores of Seal Bay. Waterfowl frequent these waters during much of the fall and winter.
How Huber became open to the public
Landowners along Vinalhaven’s Seal Bay have worked for decades to sustain the ecological integrity of this cherished water body. Through generous gifts of land and easements, individuals and families have protected all of the bay’s undeveloped islands and a substantial portion of its shoreline. The unspoiled vistas that you enjoy from the Huber Preserve are the product of that collective effort. This 96-acre preserve was donated to MCHT in 1997 by Sherry Huber, who, with her late husband David, wished to maintain the natural character of Seal Bay.
This place belongs to all of us. Help us take care of it!
Preserve information & guidelines
- No Camping Permitted
- No Fires Permitted
- Stay on Established Trails
- Foot Traffic Only – Trails Are Not Suitable for Wheeled Vehicles
- 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
