Quoddy Head State Park – Lubec, ME

Enjoy a dog friendly hike at the eastern most point of the United States at Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec, Maine. Quoddy Head State Park consists of 541 acres with spectacular ocean views of Maine’s Bold Coast, extensive forests, and diverse habitats with sub-arctic and arctic plants rarely seen south of Canada. Located on the eastern most peninsula of America, the interconnected trail system offers approximately 5 miles of hiking with picnic areas, shore access, and picturesque views of West Quoddy Lighthouse. The Park also offers Maine’s best wildlife-watching opportunities year round, especially during the summer when it is possible to see whales in Quoddy Channel which separates the US and Canada, and in the spring and fall when hundreds of migrating birds can be seen congregating along the shore.

Dogs must remain on-leash, which is a good safety precaution along trails that skirt the steep cliffs. On the day we visited, we hiked the moderate to difficult Coastal Trail which is approximately 4 miles roundtrip over steep and rocky terrain. We also explored the 1 mile round trip Bog Trail with it’s unique plant life. To avoid damaging the delicate bog plants, please keep dogs on the raised boardwalk along this trail. For dogs who would like a refreshing dip at the end of a hike, we recommend the Thompson Trail which offers access to a sandy beach at Carrying Place Cove.

Quoddy Head State Park is open 9:00 AM to sunset from May 15 through October 15, and during the off-season visitors may continue to enjoy the trails by parking outside the gated parking lot. Admission is by honor system and is $3.00 for Adult Maine Residents, $4.00 for Nonresidents, $1.00 for Nonresident Seniors, and $1.00 for Children age 5-11. Please note Maine Residents over 65 have free admission.

If you’re looking for a more tranquil hike away from popular tourist destinations along the Bold Coast Scenic Byway, we suggest the Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land. For our recommendations on additional dog friendly hiking trails in Maine, please visit our Dog Friendly Places page.