Quoddy Head State Park is the easternmost point in the United States. The park is about 10 minutes from Lubec and 2-¼ hours from Bangor. This is a unique setting with its outstanding lighthouse on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, looking across the water to Grand Manan Island.
This area is part of the Bold Coast of Maine with its rugged and sometimes surprising terrain and weather. One is that fog can roll in quickly, making you reach for a sweatshirt. Another is that the tides here rise and fall dramatically. In fact, it’s global standout in that regard. These features add interest to your day-trip here to picnic, sightsee, and watch for wildlife.
Nearby Parks
Activities at Quoddy Head State Park
This 541-acre park Maine state park is a delight to explore, beginning with a visit to the now automated lighthouse, followed by a trek to the beach and around the cliffs. The setting affords rich opportunities for birding and watching wildlife, including what’s offshore. The park has picnic tables, hiking trails, and access to hunting according to Maine law.
The park’s accessibility is rated as limited. Despite that, parking and bay views have good access, with the outhouse restroom being generally accessible.
Boating at Quoddy Head State Park
The area offers multiple boating options, although there aren’t any launch sites in the park.
- The Johnson Bay boat launch is 10 minutes away in Lubec. It’s an all-tides hard ramp for trailered boats.
- Cobscook Bay State Park has a trailered boat launch and is only 20 miles away.
Another way to get out on the water is with a local tour company. You then have the benefit of their knowhow and the best places to view lighthouses and wildlife.
Downeast Charter Boat Tours take you out on a tour of the above, plus a chance to see the largest natural whirlpool in the western hemisphere. You’ll learn why it’s aptly named the “Old Sow.”
Eastport Windjammers offers different boating adventures, including lobstering and deep sea fishing.
If you’re staying at an area campground, including those listed here, you’ll likely find a place to launch your kayak or canoe. Huckins Beach and Trail is about 20 minutes away. It’s a parkland where you can hand launch your paddle craft and, if you get there first, pitch your tent on one of a handful of sites.
Swimming at Quoddy Head State Park
This is not a designated swimming spot. As it is the water here can be chilly and the tides require caution. These local beaches will add to your adventures, swimming or not.
- South Lubec Beach is right up the road and a place to stroll as you view magnificent ocean scenery.
- Jones Beach is a pebble and rock crescent beach you’ll pass on your way to the park. Even if you decide against taking a dip, you can wade or search for beach treasures.
- You can venture to Mowry Beach that’s six miles away. The beach is a mile long and has ramped wheelchair access. There are no changing facilities.
Hiking at Quoddy Head State Park
There are five easy-to-moderate trails here. You can scramble along the coastal rocks or walk the varied offshore terrain.
- Coastal trail is a moderate 4-mile round-trip trek. You’ll view the bay, pass by a chasm, and navigate ledges, one of which leads to the beach.
- Bog Trail is an easy boardwalk path off the trailhead. It’s essentially a nature walk with signs describing the flora you’ll observe.
- Inland Trail is a ¾-mile hike that goes from easy to moderate as you gain elevation on your way to Green Point.
- Coast Guard Trail is a 1-mile, easy-paced hike. The first half accommodates people using wheelchairs; assistance is needed for unmotorized chairs. The outlook from this trail is breath-taking.
- Another spot to know about is less than a 10-minute drive. Hamilton Cove is a 3-mile easy-to-moderate hike along the shore where you can also snowshoe or cross-country ski.
Biking at Quoddy Head State Park
Biking trails are close to the park!
- You’ll find Cobscook Shores just 10 minutes away. It’s part of a system of 15 parklands that include biking and hiking trails.
- There is biking at Cobscook Bay State Park if you decide to visit and/or camp there.
Hunting & Fishing at Quoddy Head State Park
Hunting is a permitted activity at the park though not within 1000 feet of the lighthouse. Hunters must follow Maine Hunting, Fishing, and Gathering laws and purchase a license. Saltwater fishing is not a specified activity right here, though there are options within an hour. Before heading out, be sure to check out Maine’s registering requirements.
- Just over 40 miles away in Eastport you’ll find a municipal pier and the Fisherman Pier. Both are spots for anglers seeking bass, mackerel, and stripers.
- The Machiasport boat launch is 30 miles south and a go-to place for a day of fishing.
Birding at Quoddy Head State Park
Word has it that the park is good for year round birding. You’re likely to sight black-capped and boreal chickadees in any month, along with spruce grouse, and common loons and black guillemots on the water side. Eagles are here year round, both on and offshore.
If razorbills are on your ‘wish to see’ list, you may spot them from here. During a trek along Bog Trail you’re likely to see warblers, American redstarts, and flycatchers.
Nature & Wildlife at Quoddy Head State Park
Watching for wildlife here is as much an offshore undertaking as it is in and around the park. There’s good reason for that! The Bay of Fundy is an ecological setting created by the area’s highest global tides.
This promotes rich feeding grounds for eight species of whales, an abundance of gray seals and harbor porpoises, and fish and birds galore.
With over 500 acres here for wildlife to roam, you can be sure that you’ll see signs of their existence, even if you miss a chance encounter with deer, fox, bobcats, and others.
The park is within an hour of Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. That is a setting where you may see otter, beaver, deer, bear, and moose. Even if you don’t, there’s much to see and learn about the area’s natural inhabitants.
Pets at Quoddy Head State Park
Leashed pets are welcome. Please clean up after yours and use care near cliffs and tidal areas.
Camping at Quoddy Head State Park
Although this park does not offer camping, there are campgrounds nearby that add to your adventures.
- Sunset Point RV Park also has spots for tents. It’s the most eastern campground in the states and is only five miles from the park. It has 6 tent sites and spaces for 30 RVs with electric and water hookups. There are restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a ramp for launching your canoe or kayak.
- Cobscook Bay State Park is only 20 miles away. It has 125 spots for tents, popups, and RVs, including some on the water. This park is part of the massive Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.
Park Location
Quoddy Head State Park
973 South Lubec Rd.
Lubec, ME 04652
Phone: 207.733.0911
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video with some aerial footage of Quoddy Head State Park:
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