Hiking Great Wass Island Preserve: DownEast Maine

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Great Wass Island Preserve is located on a stunning 1700-acre island on the Maine coast between Jonesport and Machias. The Great Wass Archipelago is comprised of over 43 islands extending off the coast from Jonesport, with Great Wass Island being the largest one.

This area is a unique and beautiful destination for adventurers, with its rocky shorelines, pristine forests, and rugged terrain providing an array of opportunities for exploration.

Situated in Downeast Maine at the joining of two powerful oceans – the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine – Great Wass juts out further than any other part along that stretch into the Atlantic Ocean.

The view looking out at the shore from Little Cape Point Trail is breathtaking and magical.

Our family made our first visit to Great Wass Island Preserve when vacationing in the Jonesport area after having previously enjoyed many memorable weeks throughout previous years in southern Maine.

Before arriving at our rental for the week we made a plan in advance and set aside time to hike on this special island. It was worth the extra effort!

For anyone traveling around the Downeast Maine area, especially near Harrington, Machias, or Machiasport, take our advice and consider scooting down to Great Wass Island for a memorable day hike!

Standing and looking out at where the Bay of Fundy meets the Gulf of Maine is memorable.

Great Wass Island Preserve

In 1978, The Nature Conservancy seized the opportunity to preserve a one-of-a-kind ecosystem when it acquired much of this remarkable and ecologically potent peninsula.

It is amazing to think about this place being shaped by both the Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy. Take it in, this is a place on the planet like no other.

Harbor seals are curious about humans and tend to pop up along the shoreline observing hikers.

Great Wass Island Preserve is a hidden treasure worth visiting. On its granite shoreline, visitors have also been known to get up close with harbor seals hauling themselves out from undersea depths; an incredible and adorable sight.

It’s home to a variety of other wildlife, including humpback whale sighting opportunities, an array of seabirds, and bald eagles.

The area’s rugged shoreline provides excellent kayaking and bird-watching opportunities, while its boggy woods offer hikers splendid trails to explore.

PRO TIP: Do not just beeline in an attempt to reach the rocky beach quickly. Slow down and take your time on this mossy wooded trail!

There may not be an expansive ocean view in front of you on this section of the hike but there is a lot to see on the forest floor.

Moss, lichen, and low forest plants abound with colorful displays in the Great Wass Island Preserve.

Take the time to look around, down, and all around at the magnificent plants, moss, and lichens that surround you. It’s a special place.

The hiking trail loop winds through unique forests, thick vegetation, and wetlands where you can observe rare plants in their natural environment.

The boggy wooded trail is full of colorful plant matter that should not be overlooked. Trekkers should be aware of muddy patches along the path due to their proximity to water sources, especially in wetter weather.

Coastal Jack Pines have a crooked and craggy ancient appearance.

The high point of Little Cape Point Trail on Great Wass Island Preserve has gorgeous old coastal jack pines to admire.

The preserve is home to a stunning variety of rare plants, shrubs, and trees. It is home to one of Maine’s largest stands of coastal jack pine!

The maritime climate and rare slope bogs that formed here support the environment needed for plants to grow such as sundew and carnivorous pitcher plants.

Pitcher plants can be found off the boardwalk sections on Little Cape Point Trail.

However, if you are not actively looking you might miss these treasures! Keep a close eye on either side of the boardwalk as you make your way on the wooded trail.

Where is Great Wass Island Preserve?

The island is located in Downeast Maine near the town of Jonesport, a small seaside town located in Washington County.

Great Wass Island can be seen on this map south of Jonesport and nearby Beals Island.

Arriving from any direction you will need to end up in Columbia Falls at the intersection of Rt. 1 and Indian River Road. Turn onto Route 187 (Indian River Rd) leading south toward the coastline.

You cannot miss it because Wild Blueberry Land will grab your attention. If you are wondering, this is the perfect place to stop for a roadside treat: blueberry milkshakes and scones!

Wild Blueberryland cannot be missed when driving near the intersection of Rt. 1 and Rt. 187 in Columbia Falls, Maine.

The giant blueberries of Wild Blueberry land are whimsical and an interesting roadside attraction.

From this intersection drive 10 miles until you reach Main Street in Jonesport. Turn left onto Main Street. After 0.3 miles turn right onto Bridge St. This road will lead you onto Beals Island.

Follow the road and turn left at the end of the bridge onto Bay View Drive on Beals Island. Continue just over one mile to the causeway to Great Wass Island.

Turn right onto Black Duck Cove Road and continue just over two miles on this dirt road to the small parking area on the left to access the trailhead. This is a rural dirt road, remember to drive slowly and stay alert.

There is enough parking for 5 cars at the trailhead.

Download the Nature Conservancy’s Great Wass Island Preserve Trail Map HERE.

The trail map at Great Wass Island illustrates where each of the three hiking trails is located.

TIPS: Hiking Great Wass Island Preserve Trails

Before going on this hike make sure you have set aside at least a few hours to enjoy it. Depending on your ability and if you choose to stop for a picnic the entire loop will take you anywhere from 3-5 hours.

While the trails are labeled as difficult by some publications, those with more experience will consider it an easier hike due to the lack of elevation gain.

Being a confident hiker is important due to the uneven nature of the trail in certain sections and exposed roots in others.

Red bog water is a fascinating thing to observe in Great Wass Island.

For example, the rocky shore section of the trail can involve some scrambling. Since tides here are extreme be sure to take note of this and plan to avoid hiking the shore at high tide to be on the safe side.

Hiking the trail can be an even bigger challenge when you factor in fog, rain, or ice! Be sure to always take safety precautions to ensure a safe journey. Rocks can be very slippery in wet weather and also due to ocean water spray and seaweed.

Rare and unique plants are an important and protected part of the ecosystem at Great Wass Island.

This area of DownEast Maine is best to hike from April through October, with a stunning display of color in the fall but more abundant flowers in the summer months.

Make sure to prepare for hiking by wearing good hiking shoes or boots and packing:

✅ Drinking water
✅ Day hike snacks
✅ Bug Spray
✅ Camera
✅ Binoculars (optional but useful)
✅ Trekking poles (optional but useful)

Fungi are nestled in amongst the moss, low bush cranberries, and lichen in the woods.

How Many Trails are in Great Wass Island Preserve?

Three hiking trails create one 4 1/2-mile loop trail on the island.

Only two trails start at the trailhead: Little Cape Point Trail and Mud Hole Trail.

📍 Little Cape Point Trail: 2.2 miles one way, 2 hours round trip. This wooded trail leads directly to the shore making it a great out-and-back option for those who want the easiest route.

With its distinct beauty from rare plants and Coastal Jack Pines and its variety of natural features, Little Cape Point Trail makes for a scenic inland hike until you reach the shore.

Hikers should take the time to observe pitcher plants and other unique bog growth along the trail and boardwalk.

📍 Mud Hole Trail: 1.2 miles one way. For a leisurely hike plan 2 hours for this out-and-back, more challenging section. A journey through this trail is sure to enchant hikers with its natural beauty. The trail is named after a cove known as Mud Hole.

Breathtaking vistas await around every corner, from majestic moss-covered boulders to ancient craggy pines – all creating an experience that will leave visitors with an unforgettable hiking experience.

Going at low tide makes it easier to hike along the shoreline.

📍 Shoreline Trail: 1.2 miles one way. This scenic oceanside connecting trail between the Mud Hole Trail and Little Cape Point Trail is quite peaceful but not for those who are uncomfortable hiking on coastal rocks of various sizes and sand.

In addition, blue blazes can be hard to come by and follow at times. This might concern more beginner hikers. It is, however, the perfect stretch of trail to plan on stopping for a picnic lunch.

The expansive view from the Shoreline Trail at Great Wass Island Preserve is worth every effort to get there.

FAQS: Great Wass Island Preserve

If visiting the area for the first time you may have some pressing questions regarding the hiking trails and rules within the preserve.

What is the longest trail in Great Wass Island Preserve?

Little Cape Point Trail is the longest trail section yet also the easiest and it is 2.2 miles one way. Round trip, this trail should take 2-3 hours with time for leisure.

Is there camping on Great Wass Island?

Within the preserve, it is day use only, and no camping is allowed. In addition, campfires are prohibited. It is expected that all visitors will leave no trace and carry out all food waste.

Are dogs allowed on Great Wass Island?

No, dogs are NOT permitted in the preserve, specifically. The vegetation is sensitive and too much erratic foot traffic threatens their survival. Unfortunately, some dog owners are also not diligent about scooping their dog’s poop on hiking trails.

In addition, these ecologically important areas serve as nurseries and habitats to wildlife and marine life where the presence of domestic dog traffic upsets the balance of their environment.

Surprises arise around every curve of the trail such as contrasting red water against vibrant green mosses.

Final Thoughts on Great Wass Island Preserve

Visiting Great Wass Island Preserve for a hike in DownEast Maine is an incredible experience. Make a note on your calendar and plan to travel there sometime soon for a memorable hike.

Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk through nature or a rugged adventure, the preserve has something for everyone!

With its wild beauty, abundant wildlife, and an array of natural features, visiting Great Wass Island Preserve will leave an impact long after your journey has ended.