THE EARNEST TRAVELER
The Bold Coast is Maine at its wildest — miles of spruce-topped cliffs dropping straight into the Bay of Fundy, with no crowds, no railings, and no development. The trails at Cutler are the finest coastal hiking in the state, and they're free.
Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land
Just south of Lubec, Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land protects over 12,000 acres of the Bold Coast, laced with trails and completely free to hike. The star is the Coastal Trail, which runs about 3.4 miles along the oceanside cliffs — big, open, and unforgettable, without being frightening for those wary of heights.
Choose Your Loop
Hikers pick a distance: a short out-and-back of about 2.8 miles to the first cliffs, a 5.4-mile loop, or the full 9.7-mile loop (plan five-plus hours). All share that spectacular cliff stretch, then return through cool spruce-fir forest, mossy inland trail, cobble coves, and blueberry barrens. It's rated moderate, with some rocky up-and-down.
Backcountry Camping
A handful of first-come backcountry campsites sit right on the ocean bluffs — falling asleep to surf and waking to sunrise over the Fundy is one of the great cheap luxuries in Maine. Pack in and pack out everything; there are no services. It turns the Bold Coast into an overnight adventure.
Two Bold Coast Hikes
Cutler pairs naturally with the Coastal Trail at Quoddy Head in Lubec — together they're the region's signature walks. Do Quoddy Head for the lighthouse and the easternmost point, and Cutler for the longer, wilder cliff miles.
These cliffs are unguarded and the weather turns fast and cold, even in summer — fog, wind, and rain roll in off the Fundy without warning. Wear real footwear, carry layers and water, start early on the long loop, and stay back from wet cliff edges.
Footing, layers, and water for a long, exposed cliff hike.