Loring Cove

MCHT acquired the 13-acre Loring Cove Preserve in 2016. The property features 1,700 feet of saltwater frontage on Loring Cove in Passamaquoddy Bay, including mixed maturing forest and tidal wetland. Loring Cove’s signature feature is its gravel barrier beach that stretches north across the front of a fringing salt marsh, with a narrow spit forming the southern edge of the tidal channel.

Though small, the preserve offers a good mix of habitat types, with both forested uplands and wetlands, early and later-successional forests, and fringing Spartina saltmarsh. Loring Cove is also home to state-designated Significant Tidal Waterfowl and Wading Bird Habitat within an emergent wetland complex. The saltmarsh, though not extensive, provides excellent habitat for numerous species of waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds.

The beach is only accessible for two hours either side of low tide. Hikers must be aware of the tides since staying on the beach beyond two hours past low tide may leave you stranded. A tide chart is posted on the kiosk at the parking area. Access beyond the parking area is limited to foot traffic only.

What is now the Loring Cove Preserve has historically been used by fishermen since the 1800s. Fish weirs to capture herring were constructed around the cove and were tended until around 2000. Commercial fishermen continue to use this site to access the water and tend to a newer weir built in 2019.