Shackford Head in Eastport is a rugged promontory extending nearly a mile out from Moose Island into the turbulent tidal waters of Cobscook Bay. Shackford Head State Park protects the 90-acre headland, where some 3 miles of hiking trails lead to fine views of Seward Neck, downtown Eastport, Lubec, New Brunswick’s Campobello Island and more.
Shackford Head is named for John Shackford, a captain during the American Revolution and one of Eastport’s earliest settlers. Shackford brought his family here after the war in 1783 and lived most of his 87 years on the rocky point that he owned. Shackford died in 1840 and is buried alongside his wife in nearby Hillside East Cemetery.
Interpretive displays around the trailhead parking lot describe the five Civil War ships from the Union Navy that were brought here to be salvaged for their copper, brass, iron and other onboard valuables, and then burned. The extreme tides at this location meant that the ships could be sailed to the beach at high tide and worked on before the tide receded.
A warning sign notes that the park is experiencing an infestation of stinging red fire ants, a problem that is confined to the north and west areas of the park. While not suitable for children and dogs, all other hikers may indeed safely enjoy the place. As a precaution, long pants, socks and closed-toe shoes are highly recommended.
Shackford Head’s primary hiking trails are Shackford Head Overlook (red blazes), Schooner (blue blazes) and Ship Point (yellow blazes); combine these three footpaths for an excellent 2 1/2-mile tour of the park’s delightful natural highlights. Deep Cove Trail and Broad Cove Trail are connectors that link the two named coves partway along.
Before striking off into the park’s interior, take the short trail down to Cony Beach for a sweet view over Broad Cove (note the active aquaculture pens just offshore) and beyond to Estes Head and the entrance to the busy harbor at Eastport, the deepest natural port on the country’s East Coast. Stroll the beach and then loop back inland.
Schooner Trail leads to and then along Deep Cove, where you’ll enjoy views of a long pier, lobster boats and sailboats, aquaculture pens, several small islands and Seward Neck. Overlooks and pocket beaches punctuate the pleasant stretch, which alternates between thick conifers, aspen groves, and open grassy slopes.
Ship Point Trail leads in dramatic fashion along a narrow spine of land out and then down to land’s end at Ship Point. Eastport, Mulholland Light on Campobello Island and the hilltop town of Lubec fill the view, as do the gravel beaches, bluffs and cliffs over by Schooner Overlook. The loop around the end of the point is one to savor at nothing more than a saunter.
Shackford Overlook, the icing on the cake so to speak, is a spectacular open ledgetop 173 feet above Broad Cove. Plop down on the log bench, unpack the lunch and drink bag, and enjoy the fantastic 360-degree vista. Ponder, too, the amazing conservation story of this wild and wonderful spot here on the incomparable Downeast coast of Maine.
In the 1970s, Shackford Head was the proposed site of an oil refinery, but the project was strongly opposed because of the navigational hazards imposed by Cobscook Bay, as well as the scenic and wildlife values of the land. The Pittston Company abandoned the plan in 1983, and six years later, the property was acquired by the state of Maine with help from the Land for Maine’s Future Program.
The easternmost city in the U.S., Eastport is built on a series of islands linked by causeways that were once part of an ill-fated attempt to construct a huge tidal power project. The busy fishing and shipping port has experienced quite a revival in recent years, and its pretty waterfront downtown is well worth a visit after your Shackford Head ramblings.
The Eastport area boasts plenty more outstanding hiking possibilities, thanks to a variety of federal, state, municipal and private conservation organizations. Check out Cobscook Trails (cobscooktrails.org) for more info and trail maps. As for camping, Seaview RV Resort in Eastport and Cobscook Bay State Park in Dennysville are convenient options (campmaine.com).
Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island is a Triple Crown hiker, freelance writer and the author of Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast. Connect with Carey on Facebook and Instagram.
