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Backpack Cutler Coast

Trailhead: Cutler Bold Coast Trail, Maine

Details

Distance

9.6 miles

Elevation Gain

0 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Danielle Tourigny

The bold coast provides spectacular views that rival Acadia, and you can avoid the crowds!

This is a great hike for beginner backpackers! We were able to successfully complete it with our 4month old puppy!

At the trailhead, there is plenty of parking and an outhouse. We took the coastal trail to the ocean and continued along the Fairy Head LoopThis trail provides the most extensive shorefront hiking with 3.8 miles that skirt the shore. The backcountry sites are at Fairy Head just before the loop continues inland. The sites are all on the ocean and fairly spread apart. 

We hiked a bit farther to camp at the second back country site which has a private beach and is situated on a cliff over the ocean.

After camping and waking up for sunrise (you are on the ocean so you might as well), you can then continue around the entire loop which ends up being 9.6 miles, or you can just go back the way you came to enjoy the shoreline again without going inland and it ends up being about 8 miles. 

Elevation gain is negligible since you are winding around the coast, but there are some steep parts on the cliffs and a bit of rock scrambling at times. 

Things to note:

  • There are no fires allowed in the area due to the fragility of the ecosystem - even though the sites all have fire pits do NOT use them.
  • We went in July and it was EXTREMELY buggy in the evening. The views were definitely worth it, but if you forget bug spray you will be absolutely miserable. 
  • Head to Lubec after your adventure to see the eastern most lighthouse in the US: West Quoddy Head Lighthouse

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Features

Chillin
Camping
Photography
Swimming
Backpacking
Hiking
Beach
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Food Nearby
Forest
Scenic
Wildlife

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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