This will be yet another exciting trip on the spectacular and untrammeled Downeast Coast of Maine! Many consider the scenic coastal hiking in this area to be Acadia National Park without the crowds. Our two full days, Sun. (July 21) and Mon. (July 22), will be centered on some of the most incredible hikes on this part of the coast.  On Sunday, we'll explore the Schoodic Peninsula, a less-explored and super scenic part of Acadia National Park.  First we'll hike up Schoodic Head via the Anvil Trail Loop, a 3-mile moderate hike with two quite steep parts and with stunning coastal views.  Afterward, we'll catch the low tide to hike over to Little Moose Island where we'll walk the two miles of trails to the dramatic rocky cliffs at the island's tip.  On Mon. (7/22), we'll hike on remote Great Wass Island, a preserve of the Nature Conservancy that extends out into the Atlantic. This 5 mile hike will take us across spectacular rocky headland shores with open ocean views and through an unusual maritime forest with rare coastal jackpines and heaths with carvnivorous plants such as sundews and pitcher plants. Optional hike on Tuesday, 7/23, through the breathtaking Western Head Preserve in Cutler featuring a dramatic cliff walk on a stretch of the wild Bold Coast.  

This will definitely be a fun and memorable trip!  I can recommend reasonably-priced accommodations for your stay in Machiasport/Machias for the three nights (7/20, 7/21, 7/22). The first night (Sat.), we'll all meet at 6:00 pm at my house in Machiasport (see directions) for a pizza dinner and schmoozing. The other two nights we'll also get together for dinner, including a cookout.  There will be a small donation for our group dinners for two nights.  If you have any questions, please be sure to give me a shout!

We'll all meet at my house in Machiasport, which is located on Machias Bay. The goal is to meet there around 6:00 pm on Sat., July 20th. The house is located at 264 Port Road (Rt. 92), Machiasport, ME. Here are the directions: Take I-95 North through Maine to Bangor. In Bangor, take Exit 182A to merge into I-395E toward US 1A/Bangor/ME-9/Brewer. Take Exit 6A for Rt. 1A East, toward Route 1/Ellsworth/Bar Harbor. Take Route 1A for 25 miles to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take a left onto Rt. 1 North. Take Rt. 1 North for 58 miles to Machias. In Machias, take a right at the bottom of College Hill (before crossing the bridge over the Machias River) onto Rt. 92. Take Rt. 92 for 3.3 miles to my house, on the left at #264 Port Road (Rt. 92) in Machiasport.