Denbow Point

Description

This preserve includes forests, low-lying wetlands, and an undeveloped shoreline along both the South Bay and Morrison Cove sides. The predominant forest cover is red spruce and northern white cedar; it’s interspersed with mature sugar maples and loads of apple trees. Ruffed grouse, red fox, moose and deer are often found on the property. Eagles, loons, and shore birds can be observed as they stop to feed or rest.

The trail extends up the length of the peninsula with a loop at its end. It offers views on either side of Denbow Point out into Young’s Cove and Cobscook Bay to the East, and Downeast Coastal Conservancy’s Reversing Falls Preserve and Leighton Point to the West. Benches placed along the trail provide a stunning 270 degree views of dramatic tides surging over the intertidal ledges.

An easy kayak portage at a narrow point provides safe passage between Straight Bay and South Bay and avoids the dangerous tidal rips at the end of the Point. 

Other Information

Denbow Point is open dusk to dawn, from May to October.  It is both part of the Cobscook Shores Park System and a Downeast Coastal Conservancy Preserve. 

PRESERVE BACKGROUND

In 2000, the late Dr. Mark Boyer conveyed this stunning peninsula to The Nature Conservancy (TNC). TNC later transferred the property to Quoddy Regional Land Trust, predecessor of the Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC). TNC retained a conservation easement that ensured an additional layer of land protection. From that easement began a lasting partnership between DCC and TNC. In 2021, the Butler Conservation Fund awarded DCC a grant to build a parking lot, information area, and a trail leading to the end of the peninsula.

GUIDELINES

• Visitors shall respect the quiet enjoyment of nature. 
• Please, no radios, drones, or loud noise.
• No RVs or other large vehicles in the parking lot.
• Paddlers are welcome; no motorboats, except for clamming access.
• Dogs under voice control are welcome. Please clean up after your dog. Dog waste can cause clam flat closures, help us protect water quality and livelihoods. All other pets are prohibited.
• We are a carry in/carry out facility. Leave no trace.
• Fires are prohibited.
• Picnicking is encouraged. All food, drink, and other waste must be carried out.
• It would be very much appreciated if visitors would remove debris from trail and trash inadvertently dropped by other visitors.

Trail Manager

The Downeast Coastal Conservancy owns this property, and the trails are managed by Cobscook Shores. For more information about the trails, visit the Cobscook Shores website, or contact: