This remarkable property includes forests, low-lying wetlands, and an undeveloped shoreline along both the South Bay and Morrison Cove sides. The predominant forest cover is red spruce and northern white cedar; it’s interspersed with mature sugar maples and loads of apple trees! Ruffed grouse, red fox, moose and deer can be found on the property. Eagles, loons, and shore birds can be observed as they stop to feed or rest.
Historically, Denbow Point was pasture land. A stone wall and old fences mark that use; its second growth forest has now filled in. As with other rocky outcrops in Lubec, Denbow Point was mined for lead ore. While the mine is no longer active, old rock piles from these mines can still be seen today along the new trail.
Until recently, the mine remnants combined with the wetlands had presented a logistical and safety challenge beyond DCC’s resources to create a quality public access property. This summer, however, the Butler Conservation Fund awarded DCC a grant of over $100,000 to build a parking lot, information area, and a trail leading to the end of the peninsula.
The new trail, just over 1 mile in length, offers views on either side of Denbow Point out into Young’s Cove and Cobscook Bay to the East and DCC’s Reversing Falls Preserve and Leighton Point to the West. Much of the surrounding landscapes are protected by our conservation partners. Discreet benches provide a stunning 270 degree view of dramatic tides surging over the intertidal ledges. An easy kayak portage at a narrow point provides safe passage between Morrison Cove and South Bay and avoids the dangerous tidal rips at the end of the Point. Denbow Bluffs, within walking distance of the parking area, is a Cobscook Shores preserve that also offers hiking and picnic opportunities.
