Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land
Experience the raw, untamed beauty of Maine's Bold Coast with dramatic cliffs, challenging trails, and first-come, first-served coastal camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer bugs, pleasant temps
Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land
Best Time
Fewer bugs, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the raw, untamed beauty of Maine's Bold Coast with dramatic cliffs, challenging trails, and first-come, first-served coastal camping.
"Intense views and well maintained trail. Rewarded with an insane view of the bold coast, after a mile walk in."
🚗 Ample Parking Available
The trailhead offers split-level parking, but it can fill up quickly on busy days .
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Expect rocky, root-filled, and potentially muddy trails. Good hiking boots are essential .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bold Coast Cliffs
Coastal Trail
Dramatic, eroded cliffs offering breathtaking ocean vistas and a true sense of wild Maine.
Fairy Head Loop
Inland Loop Trail
A scenic loop through coastal forests, offering a different perspective of the rugged landscape.
Long Point Campground
Coastal Trail
First-come, first-served campsites nestled near a beautiful cobble beach, perfect for overnight stays.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Camping Reservations & Timing
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Parking Available
The trailhead offers split-level parking, but it can fill up quickly on busy days.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Expect rocky, root-filled, and potentially muddy trails. Good hiking boots are essential.
🏕️ First-Come, First-Served Camping
Secure your campsite early, especially on weekends. Spots are not reservable.
⚠️ Be Trail-Aware
Signage can be confusing; use navigation apps but be aware maps might be outdated.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking Available
The trailhead offers split-level parking, but it can fill up quickly on busy days.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Expect rocky, root-filled, and potentially muddy trails. Good hiking boots are essential.
🏕️ First-Come, First-Served Camping
Secure your campsite early, especially on weekends. Spots are not reservable.
⚠️ Be Trail-Aware
Signage can be confusing; use navigation apps but be aware maps might be outdated.
🐶 Dogs Welcome (Leashed)
Leashed dogs are permitted on the trails, but be mindful of cliff edges.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no services on the trail, so bring all your essentials.
📸 Drone Friendly (Check Rules)
Drone enthusiasts capture stunning aerial views of the coastline.+1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the intense, dramatic views of the Bold Coast cliffs and the rewarding, albeit challenging, trails. The opportunity for first-come, first-served camping at Long Point near a beautiful beach is a major draw. However, some find the trails confusing with poor signage and overgrown sections, and the primitive camping facilities can be a drawback for some.
"Intense views and well maintained trail. Actually really enjoyed all the rocks and roots to step on, made it a great change of pace for navigating rather than a flat normal walk in the woods. Rewarded with an insane view of the bold coast, after a mile walk in. Ample amount of parking and there is a restroom."
David Smith
"We backpacked in on May 25, Memorial Day weekend, it was a raining day, the end of a late season nor'easter and everything was absolutely drenched and there was mud everywhere and believe it or not the parking lot was completely full!
We hiked in, got a camping spot, by 10pm every spot in the Long Point camp was taken,5 groups. There's a dirty toilet encrusted with poop.
Poor signage, on our way back on the inner trail it was very confusing, we actually backtracked to try to sort it out, both Gaia and All Trails have old maps.
There are lots of trees down, some are really difficult to crawl under with a pack .. over grown trails.
The hike is tough, there are parts that you have to use a rope to climb 12' up a bank, there are scrambles and lots of rocks, slippery rocks and roots.
This is a really beautiful forest and beautiful ocean hike.
There are exposed parts of the trail with significant cliffs and eroded overhangs, kinda scary... Be careful of children and dogs!"
Jen B.
"Hiked out to Long Point campground, it was an amazing hike with wonderful views! The campground was clean, lots of space, and adjacent to a wonderful cobble beach!"
Lizzy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land is located in Cutler, Maine. The main trailhead and parking area are accessible via a well-marked entrance off Route 195. It's a scenic drive through Down East Maine.+1
Yes, there is a parking area at the trailhead. It's a split-level lot with a pit toilet at the upper lot. It can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
No, you cannot drive directly to the coastal trail. The main parking lot serves as the starting point for all trails, including the coastal path.
While trails are marked, some sections can be confusing. It's recommended to use a reliable navigation app like Gaia GPS or AllTrails, but be aware that maps might not always be up-to-date due to trail changes or downed trees.
Public transport options are very limited in this rural area. It is best to have your own vehicle to reach Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land is a public access area and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's a free public resource.
The land is generally open from dawn to dusk. However, for overnight camping, you can access the sites at any time, but securing a spot is on a first-come, first-served basis.
No, camping spots at Long Point Campground are strictly first-come, first-served. You cannot reserve them in advance.
Yes, there is a pit toilet at the upper parking lot. Campers at Long Point Campground also have access to basic facilities, though reviews suggest they can be basic.
No, there is no entrance fee for day use at Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land. Enjoy the stunning scenery for free.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Coastal Trail is highly recommended for its dramatic cliff views. The Inland Loop Trail offers a different forest experience, and the Fairy Head Loop combines both.
Trails range from moderate to strenuous. The Coastal Trail involves significant rocks, roots, and some scrambling, with steep sections requiring ropes. The Inland Loop is generally easier.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. Many visitors enjoy hiking with their canine companions.+1
Cell service can be spotty to non-existent in many areas of Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land, especially along the more remote coastal sections.
You might spot seabirds, seals, and if you're lucky, whales offshore. The forests are home to various woodland creatures.
🎫 🏕️ Camping
Overnight camping is available at the Long Point Campground, accessible via the Coastal Trail. It's a first-come, first-served site with multiple spots.
Camping is primitive. Expect designated sites, a pit toilet, and no other amenities. You must pack in and pack out everything you need.
To guarantee a spot, especially on a weekend or holiday, arriving in the morning is highly recommended. Some hikers leave their gear to hold a spot while they explore.
No, Long Point Campground is the designated area for overnight camping within Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land.
Pack essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, food, water, cooking gear, a headlamp, and bear-resistant food storage if necessary. Remember to pack out all trash.
📸 📸 Photography
The Bold Coast cliffs offer dramatic backdrops.
Yes, drone photography is popular here, capturing stunning aerial perspectives of the coastline.+1 Always fly responsibly and be aware of any local regulations.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic light. Midday can be harsh, but the rugged textures of the cliffs still make for great shots.
Look for interesting rock formations, crashing waves against the cliffs, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Keep an eye out for seabirds and marine life.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light conditions or long exposures of waves.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎒 Backpackers & Overnight Adventurers
📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Drone enthusiasts will find incredible aerial perspectives of the rugged coastline.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rugged Beauty of the Bold Coast
Navigating the Coastal Trail is an adventure in itself. It's not a leisurely stroll; expect a challenging hike with numerous rocks, roots, and slippery sections that require careful footing.
For those seeking an overnight experience, the Long Point Campground offers a chance to immerse yourself in this environment. Situated near a beautiful cobble beach, it provides a serene setting to enjoy the coastal atmosphere. However, securing a spot requires arriving early as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Navigating Cutler Coast Trails
The Inland Loop Trail provides an alternative or complementary route, winding through the beautiful coastal forests. This trail is generally less strenuous than the Coastal Trail and offers a different perspective of the landscape. Many visitors combine sections of the Coastal and Inland trails to create longer loops, such as the Fairy Head Loop, which showcases both the rugged coast and the inland woodlands.
Navigation can be a challenge, as some sections of the trails are not clearly marked, and maps available through navigation apps may not always be up-to-date due to natural changes like downed trees.
Camping at Long Point: A Backpacker's Haven
Securing a campsite requires an early arrival, particularly on weekends and holidays, as spots are limited and cannot be reserved in advance.
Backpacking to Long Point is an adventure that allows visitors to witness the coastline in different lights, from the vibrant colors of sunset to the quiet solitude of the early morning. The experience of hearing the whale spouts and bell buoys at night, as described by one visitor, highlights the unique tranquility and natural symphony of this remote location.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit