Preble Cove, Great Cranberry Island

Preble Cove is great for:

• Swimming – Brave the cold waters for a refreshing dip in Preble Cove, sandy soils await during lower tides.
• Picnicking – Pack a lunch, enjoy cool ocean breezes, and scan the waters for sea ducks, terns, and other resident wildlife.

How to get there

Great Cranberry Island is accessible by passenger ferries from Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor or by private boat. To access the preserve from where the passenger ferries arrive, follow Great Cranberry Road south from the town dock for about 0.4 mile. Look for the two trailheads on the right. One leaves just before the Cranberry House (home to Hitty’s Café), while the other starts at this historic, community building.

Beginning on our neighbors’ properties, the two trailheads soon converge. The path then leads 0.1 mile into the preserve, ending at the beach. Please remain on the trail throughout and respect the privacy of our neighbors who have generously granted public access across their properties for those wishing to enjoy the beach.

If arriving by private boat, anchoring at Preble Cove and tendering in is another option for accessing the beach.

Notes on topography, flora & fauna

The Preble Cove Preserve encompasses 1.7 acres of forested upland and cobble shorefront. MCHT’s ownership includes 300 feet of frontage roughly to the midpoint of the beach. At mid- to low-tide, cobbles give way to sand. Aside from the shorefront, the rest of the preserve is forested with a mix of maturing spruce and fir.

How this place became open to the public

In 2016, MCHT received this generous donation to ensure the property was permanently protected and available for public enjoyment.

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