Off the beaten path, Petit Manan Point in Steuben, Maine offers two separate trails that are dog friendly hikes through blueberry barrens, dense forests, coastal raised heath peatlands, old hayfields, freshwater and saltwater marshes, cedar swamps, granite shores and cobble beaches. Petit Manan Point is part of the Maine Coastal Island National Wildlife Refuge (MCINWR), a complex network of islands and coastal mainland properties, stretching from York to Washington Counties. One of Maine’s less-visited wildlife sanctuaries, the Birch Point and Hollingsworth Trails at Petit Manan Point are dog friendly hikes with scenic views of the Maine coast with diverse bird watching opportunities.
Birch Point Trail is approximately 4 miles and loops through a blueberry field to an upland forest and marshes, to the rocky ocean shoreline. The trail offers scenic views of Dyer Bay and Dyer Neck, as well as Carrying Place Cove. A short hike off of Birch Point Trail is the Lobster Point Trail which loops along a cobbled beach with views of Sally Island, a popular nesting area for Bald Eagles. Birch Point Trail mostly follows an old logging trail, making for an easy hike over raised walkways in wetland areas with granite outcroppings at the shore. The Hollingsworth Trail is a 2 mile loop that begins in an open field, winds through forest and eventually parallels the shore to the granite beach near Chair Pond, with scenic views of Pigeon Hill Bay. On a clear day it is possible to see Petit Manan Island Lighthouse in the distance. Both trails are easy dog friendly hikes, with interpretive signs about the wildlife refuge, great bird watching opportunities, and scenic overlooks.
Dogs must be on-leash at Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge. There are small parking areas at each trail head, look for the kiosks. Blueberry picking is allowed.
For our recommendations for additional dog friendly hikes, scenic walks and beaches in Maine, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.
Petit Manan Point
Get Directions
For
Driving
Walking
Bicycling
Avoid Tolls
Avoid Highways
From
To
Fetching directions……
Reset directions
Print directions
