Sipp Bay, Perry
Located in a northern corner of Cobscook Bay in the town of Perry, this coastal preserve features stunning views and ample wildlife viewing opportunities.
Sipp Bay is great for:
- Picnicking – Head to grassy areas on the preserve’s southern peninsula for pleasant picnic spots.
- Birdwatching – Be alert for bald eagles, migrating shorebirds, and other avian species that feed in and around this wildlife-rich bay.
- Kayaking – Take advantage of a hand-carry boat launch, but please remember that the upper innermost bay has very strong currents during tidal changes.
- Hiking – Explore Sipp Bay’s 1.5 miles of trails, a short loop in the south and a longer, more forested excursion to the north. Both offer great views of the rugged coastline.
How to get there
Access to the preserve is from US Route 1 in Perry via Burby Road. From the west, follow Route 1 north from the intersection of Route 1 and Route 214 in Pembroke 3.8 miles and turn right on Burby Road. From the east at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 190 in Perry, follow Route 1 south 2.8 miles and turn left on Burby Road. Follow Burby Road 0.75 miles onto the peninsula.
For a complete map with legend and guidelines, click on the Printable Preserve Map above.
A Coastal Moment from Sipp Bay Preserve, Perry, Maine
A rich history
Sipp Bay is named for Scipeo Dalton, an African American who lived with his wife in a cabin above the Narrows in 1790. The Passamaquoddy called this place Kci-puna-muhkatik, “big frostfish (tomcod) spawning place”. The entire region is important to the Passamaquoddy Tribe, as their ancestors would have camped and hunted on what is now the preserve while accessing the bountiful fishing grounds in Sipp and East bays by canoe. More recently, the property was part of Knowlton’s Dairy farm and the former Knowlton Campground.
Notes on topography, flora, and fauna
The 92-acre Sipp Bay Preserve, consisting of grassy fields and a 76-acre woodland, provides habitat for many species of birds and animals. Much of the low ground is wet cedar forest which provides winter habitat for white-tailed deer and cover for many bird species. On the higher elevations, red oak and white pine provide food and shelter for other animals. Most noteworthy is the pair of bald eagles which has nested here for many years. Large portions of both the eastern and western shores include commercially valuable and easily accessed shellfish habitat as well as important tidal wading bird and waterfowl habitat.
How this place became open to the public
MCHT acquired the Sipp Bay Preserve in 2010 and 2011 through the acquisition of two parcels. The Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program and the Open Space Conservancy’s “Saving New England Wildlife Fund” provided funding in support.
This place belongs to all of us. Help us take care of it!
Preserve information/guidelines
- 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
- Carry Out All Trash
- Including Human and Pet Waste and Toilet Paper
- No Camping
- Keep Pets Under Control
- Please respect privacy of preserve neighbors
- Please be aware that this preserve is used for marine harvesting as well as recreation.
