Hike the Bold Coast of Maine

Hike the Bold Coast of Maine, in a wilderness overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Fairy Head Loop follows the cliffs and ledges of the Downeast shoreline with spectacular views of pocket beaches, cobble beaches, rock formations, water, waves, and islands. It is as wild a stretch of coast as the state has to offer. Starting from the Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land Trailhead, this hike begins with a 1.4-mile walk through a maritime spruce-fir forest which opens up to the first amazing vista of the Coastal Trail. It then meanders along a 4-mile section of the coast, alternating between wooded views and open views, root and rock covered paths and rocky ledge, and passing isolated cobble beaches that will remind you of a deserted island, with a soundtrack of wind, waves, and bird calls. After navigating the coastal section, we will return via the Inland Trail, through a quiet forest with a floor of emerald green moss. On a sunny day, this is a bucket list hike. On a foggy day, it’s other worldly and enchanting.
Stats: Distance is 11 miles, elevation gain of 1,100 feet, moving time of 8 plus hours, total time, including lunch and breaks, of 9-10 hours. This hike is rated vigorous to strenuous. In addition to the distance, the treadway includes sharp, broken rocks, and rocky, uneven ledge, which can make for slow going. The expected pace will be slow, 40 – 45 minutes per mile. The pace will allow time to visit the many overlooks and beaches and take pictures. Follow the link for more information.
https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/index.pl?search_radio=1&state_park=&historic_site=&public_reserved_land=44&shared_use_trails=&town=&distance=&submit=Go+%BB On this web page, there are additional links. Particularly useful is the link to the Guide & Map.
This is an all-day affair, and parking can be an issue during peak season. We will start early, at 7am. Plan to have enough food, snacks, and drinks to carry you through. Bring at least 2 liters of water. You will need a day pack, sturdy hiking boots or shoes, and a good pair of hiking socks. You should also consider bringing trekking poles, sunscreen, wick-a-way clothing, bug defense, and a light extra layer or wind breaker. Even though the trail follows along the top of the bluffs, it is set back enough that it should not present a problem for anyone who struggles with heights. Some of the overlooks might be an issue, but they are optional, and avoiding the overlooks will not detract from the experience. No kids or dogs. Sorry.
If you are interested in participating but the cost of outdoor gear is a barrier, use this link to learn about our partnership with Maine GearShare: https://amcmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AMC-MGS-1-Page-flyer.pdf
This event is free, but registration is required. Register here: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000015aBx2AI/act00020310. Thank you.