Spoiler Alert: We did NOT find money at the Money Island Trail as part of the Machias River Preserve in Machias and Whitneyville, Maine. What we did find though was far more valuable! A peaceful walk in the woods, along the Machias River, that led us to a section of the Down East Sunrise Trail, making for a great hike. Maintained by the Downeast Coastal Conservancy, the Machias River Preserve is a 5.5 mile network of trails that wind through forest and along the Machias River, with views of Money Island and a former homestead. There are two trail heads. One is in Machias just outside of the downtown area. The other trail head is located just up the road a piece in Whitneyville. There is also additional access by way of the Down East Sunrise Trail parking lot, also in Whitneyville.
There seems to be a couple of stories as to how this small island in the Machias River got its name. One is that the Pirate Sam Bellamy came to Machiasport to hide his treasure along the banks of the river in the early 18th century. Yes, the Pirate Bellamy, Captain of the Whydah, which sank off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and continues to fascinate the imagination with the ongoing archaeological finds discovered there. It’s easy to understand how this legend started, after all, Maine was considered a safe haven for those wanting to hide from the authorities in Massachusetts. However, there is no proof that Bellamy was ever in Machias, and despite many rumors that he buried treasure somewhere along the river, none has been found…yet.
The other local legend that we’ve heard about the name behind Money Island involves the Battle of Machias, which was the first naval engagement of the American Revolution. That tale claims that the residents took the items looted from their victory over the British and hid it on the island. Again, no one has found that treasure on the island either. In fact, when told this tale by a current resident, Mom couldn’t help but smile noting the similarities between that story and one about an island in Eliot, Maine where the colonists hid cannons and gunpowder following the raid on Fort William and Mary in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. But who doesn’t love a good mystery, right? Well except for maybe Asa, who seems bored with my tale. So let’s get on with our hike!
Please note that given its location along the river, this trail is prone to flooding in areas, and the Heritage Trail is closed when covered by water. Maine was experiencing a drought on the September day we visited, so even the bog bridge crossings were dry.
There are multiple trail options, all of which are well marked. We followed the Money Island Trail along the Machias River to where the Hemlock Trail intersects with the Down East Sunrise Trail. Please note that on the day we visited, part of the Hemlock Trail was closed beyond the picnic area.
For those who have been following along on our adventures for awhile, you may remember that we are on a quest to hike as much of the off-road portions of the East Coast Greenway as possible, which includes the Down East Sunrise Trail. So of course we had to veer from the Machias River Preserve to stroll along that other trail for a short stretch.
Whereas the Machias River Preserve is foot traffic only, the Down East Sunrise Trail is a multi-use trail, popular with ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, horses, and hikers. So please use caution when walking with dogs here.
According to the trail map, we could have made a loop from the Down East Sunrise Trail back to the Machias River Preserve using the Homestead Trail. Instead we chose to backtrack to the Hemlock Trail connector, so we could take another closer look at Money Island.
Overall the Machias River Preserve offers a tranquil walk in the woods. Alright I admit before leaving I checked a hollow tree stump for treasure just in case the stories were true.
Dogs are allowed at the Machias River Preserve on-leash or under “reliable voice control,” and “in sight at all times.” Please clean up after your pets on this carry-out trail. Also if exploring the Down East Sunrise Trail, dogs are allowed under voice control, but please use caution. For more information and a trail map to plan your visit, go to DowneastCoastalConservancy.org.
