Machias River Preserve

Steeped in local history and ecological diversity, the 917-acre Machias River Preserve is the largest property that DCC has protected to date.

Visitor can explore the 5.5-mile trail network of interconnecting hiking trails that provide scenic and recreational access to the river as well as the Down East Sunrise Trail. This property is managed as a community forest with the goal of balancing low-impact forestry, outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, educational opportunities, and river protection. The Machias River Preserve is conveniently situated near the very end of one of Maine’s greatest remaining wild rivers and is always waiting to be explored.

Directions: Vehicle parking is available at 2 locations. The first is on Route 1A in Machias, about 0.5 mile south of the Down East Community Hospital and the second is on Route 1A in Whitneyville, about 0.3 mile north of the bridge over the Machias River. From the Sunrise Trail, ATVs and snowmobiles will find small parking areas where the Homestead Trail and Hemlock Trail intersect with the Sunrise Trail. As well as a large parking area across the trestle bridge in Whitneyville.