We had a choice to make at the Pike Lands Preserve in Lubec, Maine. On the right side of North Lubec Road there is an Arboretum and Cove Trail. On the left is the Huckins Beach Trail. Why choose? We explored both!
We began our visit walking in the grass field and wooded trails at the arboretum. Naturalist Radcliffe Pike, who previously owned this property, planted an eclectic variety of flowering shrubs, apple and nut trees now featured as the educational arboretum.
There we saw trees not normally found in Maine, including the Kentucky Coffeetree and Katsura Tree, as well as more traditional trees and bushes such as apple, rhododendrons, butternut, and horse chestnut. Alright, to be honest, we weren’t impressed. Maybe it is because we had high expectations based on arboretums our friends have explored elsewhere. Or perhaps our mid-September visit isn’t the ideal time to see these trees. Regardless of the reason for its appearance that day, we enjoyed reading the signs to learn about the exotic varieties, before following the trail to the cove.
Cove Trail is an easy half-mile walk through field, then forest, along a salt marsh and tidal lagoon, to a rocky beach. Please stay on the trail, so as not to damage the fragile vegetation, including the rare Gaspe Arrow Grass. Native to eastern Canada, this grass is only found in a few places in Maine.
Once there we explored the red rock strewn beach, while quietly watching the birds who frequent this area. We even were treated to an Eagle soaring overhead!
Next up we retraced our steps, and then headed across the street to explore the Huckins Beach Trail. This took us across former farm fields being reclaimed by nature, an old apple orchard, which is frequented by deer and other wildlife, and finally through forest to a trail spur that led to the beach.
The tide was in our favor on this hike, so we were able to explore the pocket shingle beach. As with previous stops in Lubec, we were greeted again by two playful seals in the water. Don’t bother looking for them in this photo. Apparently seals are camera shy. But it was fun watching their heads popping in and out of the water.
The Huckins Beach Trail gives hikers options of returning on the East Loop, West Loop, or retracing their steps on the main trail. These trails range from easy to moderate, with a few difficult spots for paws along the rocky ridge, and are approximately 1 mile in length. All are well marked. I’m still taking a slower pace after my surgery, so we took the easier main Huckins Trail in and out, without exploring either loop.
Dogs are allowed on-leash at Pike Lands Preserve in Lubec, Maine. On the day we visited there were a lot of deer sightings as they enjoyed the fallen apples. Please be respectful of the animals who call these woods home, and always pick up after your pet. Also if you’re planning to explore the beach or cove, be aware of the tides. Parking can be found on either side of North Lubec Road. Part of the Cobscook Shores trail system, to learn more about the Pike Lands visit DowneastCoastalConservancy.org.
