Hamilton Cove

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This 1225-acre preserve boasts a 1.5 mile shoreline with an observation platform at Lawrence Head, a bench facing east towards Quoddy Head, and Hamilton Cove Beach. The preserve also includes the Benny’s Mountain Trail, on the inland side of the Boot Cove Road, which leads past mature trees to a small summit with expansive views of the area.
Trail Activity
Snowshoeing Cross-country-skiing Walking Hiking
Length
3.00 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Rock/Ledge, Grass
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

Hamilton Cove Preserve embodies the rugged character that gives Maine's Bold Coast its name. This preserve provides opportunities to experience some of Maine's most remote and wild terrain - cobble beaches, sheer cliffs and rocky promontories. Several cobble beaches and Lawrence Head, a rocky promontory with dramatic views of the cliffs on Grand Manan lie along the 1.5 miles of shoreline. A small stream, Hamilton Brook, runs through the middle of the property, enhancing the diversity of plant and animal life. Benny's Mountain on the inland side of the road provides a summit with expansive views.

More than 25 different types of plant communities thrive at Hamilton Cove, including a high number of bogs, fens, and other wetlands that provide habitat for several uncommon plants including baked-apple berry, Labrador tea, roseroot sedum and beachhead iris. There are also grasslands, barrens, and unusually large patches of low-growing alder. The preserve's diverse habitats support numerous migratory and resident birds including bald eagles.

Other Information

Hamilton Cove enjoys a long history of human activity. The original land grants date back to the early 1800s. A portion of an existing trail follows an old dam that was built to support a local mill. Several ships were built on the property in a shipyard located near the mouth of Hamilton Stream. MCHT acquired the first of 4 parcels that now comprise the preserve in 1993.

Preserve information/guidelines:

  • No camping permitted
  • Maine State Law: fires by permit only
    • Contact Lubec Fire Department at 207-733-4641 for a permit
    • Keep all fires below high tide line
    • Do not cut or break tree limbs, dead or alive
    • Leave no fire unattended and completely extinguish all fires
  • Stay on established trails; foot traffic only
  • Carry out all trash (including human and pet waste and toilet paper)
  • Keep pets under control
  • Please respect the privacy of preserve neighbors
  • Do not remove archaeological artifacts

Trail Manager

Visit Maine Coast Heritage Trust online for more information or contact:

Maine Coast Heritage Trust
38 Katies Cove Lane
Lubec, ME 04652
Phone: (207) 729-7366
mlee@mcht.org
View website

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Walk single file in the middle of the trail. Wear the right shoes and enjoy the mud – you're in the great outdoors!

Trailhead Information

From Lubec, take the South Lubec Road towards Quoddy Head State Park. In 2.7 miles turn right onto Boot Cove Road and continue 2.4 miles to the parking area on the left.

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