Preble Cove
Cranberry Isles
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Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- No camping permitted
- No fires permitted
- Stay on established trails
- Foot traffic only (trails not suitable for wheeled vehicles)
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
- Respect privacy of preserve neighbors
Why we Care
A Summer Retreat
On a hot summer day, head out to Preble Cove and brave the cold waters for a refreshing dip. And when the tide goes out, sandy soils await. Make sure to pack a lunch and enjoy the cool ocean breeze as you scan the waters for sea ducks, terns, and other resident wildlife. We’re proud to protect this beautiful landscape for generations to come.
Features
How to Get There
You can access Great Cranberry Island by passenger ferries from the Northeast and Southwest Harbors or anchor your private boat right in Preble Cove. The two trailheads are located 0.4 miles south of the town dock, near the historic Cranberry House (home to Hitty’s Cafe). Since the paths begin on private property and converge before leading to the beach, please remain on the trail and respect the privacy of our neighbors who have generously granted public access across their land.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what Preble Cove has to offer.
Preserve Details
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Accessible:
Field Notes
Getting to Know Preble Cove
The Path to Conservation
The Preble Cove property was generously donated to MCHT in 2016 to ensure it was permanently protected and available for public enjoyment.
On the Preserve
The Preble Cove Preserve encompasses 1.7 acres of forested upland and cobble shorefront, with 300 feet of frontage running roughly to the midpoint of the beach. At mid- to low-tide, the cobbles give way to sand. Aside from the shorefront, the rest of the preserve is forested with a mix of maturing spruce and fir.
Stories from Mount Desert Island
World Fish Migration Day
Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) will join partners and communities across the state on May 23, 2026 for a series of locally led events to celebrate migratory fish, river restoration, and the partnerships driving this conservation work forward. World Fish Migration Day activities will take place from York County to eastern Washington County on the Mousam, Bagaduce, Sheepscot, Orange, and Narraguagus Rivers, all part of MCHT’s multi‑year Rivers Initiative.
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More Information on Preble Cove
Help Us Take Care of the Preserve
This preserve belongs to all of us; that’s why it’s important to leave as little trace as possible when you visit.
To do that, please:
- Carry out all trash
- Carry out all pet waste
- Carry out all human waste (including toilet paper)