Acquired in 2007, Maine Coast Heritage Trust's Cranberry Shores Preserve is located on Great Cranberry Island which hosts a year-round community in the town of Cranberry Isle. The preserve can be found near the southeastern corner of the island; it is a 1.6-mile walk from the town dock.
Upon reaching the preserve, follow the 0.5-mile trail that winds through spruce-fir, birch and red maple forests to a bold, rocky shore. From the shoreline, visitors are rewarded with a seascape panorama that includes Acadia National Park’s Baker Island. The preserve is also an excellent place to observe wildlife, particularly migratory songbirds, sea ducks, and marine mammals.
Great Cranberry Island has 45 year-round residents, but during the summer months the population increases to nearly 300. The island has a number of services available to visitors including public restrooms near the town dock, two cafés, a historic museum, and a public library. With the help of Maine Coast Heritage Trust, the town also offers a public hiking trail that leads from the historic Cranberry House to the shore.
Preserve Information and Guidelines:
For more information and a printable map of the preserve, please visit Maine Coast Heritage Trust's website.
The preserve is located about 1.6 miles east of the town dock along the town road on the southern shore of Great Cranberry Island. Great Cranberry Island may be accessed by a public passenger ferry from Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor or by private boat. As the ferry is passenger only, visitors to the island should expect to walk to the Cranberry Shores trailhead.
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