Located near the northernmost point in Lubec, the Pike Lands offers scenic views of Eastport and points east as well as Cobscook Bay to the west.
Difficulty & Length: This conservation area is actually comprised of two open-access properties that include a total of 1.5 miles of hiking trails which traverse a unique variety of plant, bird, and wildlife habitats as well as a sandy beach.
Town: Lubec
As the warmer weather arrived DCC’s Membership and Outreach Director Cathy was excited to make a visit to the Pike Lands Preserve in Lubec to see the apple trees in full bloom. On the north side of the road DCC has a 30 acre easement property, owned by the Bulter Conservation Fund. During this time of year, visitors can see many of the arboretum’s plants beginning to bloom. Visitors can also cross the field to the edge of woods and follow a trail that slopes down gently down to the shore. At the shore, the trail hooks right to end at the stony beach midway along the tidal cove.
The salt marsh, tidal lagoons, and wooded “island” adjacent to the beach on the Cobscook Bay side are easily damaged by trampling, so please keep to the beach and rocky shore.
After listening to sound of warblers singing among the tree tops in the apple field, Cathy made her way back across the road to venture on DCC’s 91 acre property that leads to Huckins Beach.
From the back of the parking area, the trail crosses the field and continues gently uphill through patchy woods and old fields to the height of land. If you continue downhill the trail travels through spruce-fir and cedar woods. At the junction, the hike continues left through the woods to emerge at the pocket shingle beach, known locally as Huckins Beach. On the beach you can often hear the sounds of seals barking off the distance.
Cathy combed the beach for some nature treasures and found a few small pieces of sea glass to take home.
History and Acquisition: The Pike Lands named in honor of Radcliffe and Sumner Pike, were acquired in 2005 by Quoddy Regional Land Trust (now DCC) and Health Ways/ Regional Medical Center at Lubec (RMCL) with support from the Land for Maine’s Future program. DCC now owns the South Bay side of the property and holds a conservation easement on the Cobscook Bay side, which is now owned by the Bulter Conservation Fund.
Directions: Take US Route 1 to ME Route 189, leading to Lubec. After 9 miles, turn left on the North Lubec Road at McFadden’s Variety. Go 5 miles to the Pike Lands sign (on the left) near the end of the paved road. Park in the lot on the south side of the road.