Bold Coast Road
Through blueberry barrens to lighthouse ruins
Bold Coast Road threads through Maine’s wild blueberry barrens before dropping toward the rockbound coast near Lubec. The gravel track passes through terrain that looks more like Scottish moorland than typical Maine woods, with low-bush blueberries stretching to the horizon and fog rolling in from the Bay of Fundy. At road’s end, you’ll find the crumbling foundation of Cross Island Light and some of the most dramatic coastal views in the state.
Easy driving on well-maintained gravel makes this suitable for any vehicle with decent ground clearance, though the final mile gets rough with loose stones. Summer brings crowds picking blueberries, so shoulder seasons offer better solitude. The area stays cool even in July thanks to maritime influence, and fog can roll in fast. Bring layers and a camera for the lighthouse ruins and whale-watching opportunities from the cliffs.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 180 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Lubec, Maine |
| Land manager | Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Bold Coast Road without any mods?
Yes. The trail is gravel with minimal technical challenge — any stock high-clearance 4x4 or even a capable AWD crossover with decent ground clearance will get through fine. No lockers, lifts, or skid plates required.
When does Bold Coast Road open and close each year?
Best window is May through October. Winter access is sketchy — coastal Maine weather can bring ice, deep mud, and snow that makes the gravel sections genuinely nasty. Spring shoulder season can be soft and muddy, especially after snowmelt.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to drive Bold Coast Road?
No permit required and no fee to drive the road. It's managed by Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands — just show up and go. Leave No Trace rules apply.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually expect?
There's nothing technically difficult here — the hardest section is just loose gravel on a coastal bluff near the lighthouse ruins. The bigger challenge is soft shoulders if you try to pull off carelessly; stay on the established surface and you won't have any issues.
Is there dispersed camping along the trail, and how far is the nearest fuel stop?
Dispersed camping is allowed along the route. Lubec is your last stop for fuel and supplies — it's a small town so don't roll in on empty expecting options. Stock up in Machias (~30 miles west) if you want a real grocery run before heading out.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.