Next stop on our Maine Virtual Vacation, we’re headed to the Cutler Preserve, where I briefly worried that Asa and I were starring in our own Stephen King movie. So grab your hiking sticks, and your courage, and join us for this remote hike.
Located in Cutler, Maine, the Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land is off the beaten path of more popular tourist destinations. So far off, that when we arrived for our hike in 2016, we were greeted with a sign at the trail kiosk that warned us about the lack of cell service and that “Each year, search and rescue crews are forced to assist visitors here. For your sake and that of the resource, please don’t put yourself in danger!” I’m pretty sure I’ve heard an actor repeat these very words with a thick Maine accent in one of King’s movies.
Not to be deterred, Mom filled out the log book with our hiking plans, while Dad checked our gear, and then we headed off on our adventure! As we meandered our way through the dark and menacing forest, I became alarmed when we came across a hiking stick propped up against a tree on the remote trail. It was at a rather difficult part of the trail, so Dad called out to see if anyone needed help. But no one answered and my keen sense of smell didn’t indicate anyone in the area. So we hiked on. I still couldn’t shake that feeling though of being in a Stephen King novel.
Then it happened! The dark forest opened up revealing the most breathtaking views of the rocky coast of Maine with its pine tree topped headlands steeply dropping into the ocean below! Ok, so it was breathtaking not only for the view but for the large rocks we had to climb to get to that scenic overlook. But it was awe inspiring gazing out at the pristine wilderness overlooking the ocean, with no signs of civilization except a lonely lobster boat chugging along! I quickly decided that we were not the main characters in a Stephen King movie. Rather that honor probably went to the owner of the abandoned hiking stick. If anything, we’d be listed in the movie credits as “hikers with dogs.” What a relief!
The Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land, also known as the Cutler Preserve, in Cutler, Maine is a moderate to difficult dog hike, with breathtaking views of the Bold Coast. Consisting of over 12,000 acres of remote wilderness with trails through dense forest, open meadows and over jagged cliffs for dramatic views of coastal headlands, the Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land is far off the beaten path of Acadia and offers solitude away from the tourist crowds. Please note these trails are for dogs who are seasoned hikers, able to traverse the rugged and rocky paths that skirt the clifftops. Also cell service is spotty at best, and weather conditions can change quickly here, so please plan accordingly, so that you’re NOT starring in your own Stephen King movie!
Or you can tag along with us now as we share our 2016 hike at Cutler Preserve.
