Great Wass Island Preserve — Beals, Maine A 4.5-mile hiking trailat this Nature Conservancy preserve features a mix ofthree named trails: Mud Hole, Shoreline and Little Cape Pointthat form aloop trek with terrain that is challenging and requires scrambling over rocky sections. Difficulty is moderate to moderately challenging; there is not much change in elevation but the rocky terrain forces you to be slow and sure footed. Expectthe hike to take you longer than you think – allow yourself six hours to complete the full 4.5-mile loop. The Shoreline Trail (1.1 miles) features pink granite cliffs exposed to the Gulf of Maine waters and offers spectacular views of islands of Eastern Bay. Watch for harbor seals hauling themselves out of the waves, and keep an eye out forseals basking or migrating whales offshore. The raised bogs of Great Wass flourish in extreme maritime environments, with sphagnum moss accumulated in glacial depressions supporting carnivorous plants and stunted shrubs. Key considerations: The trail is best done at low tide and sections of the trail are not well marked. Due to the extent of exposed bedrock and uneven terrain, the trails may be difficult or even dangerous in bad weather, and hikers should be particularly careful when hiking in dense fog—a frequent feature of the preserve.
Great Wass Island Preserve – Parking
