QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: Not sure
- Trail Mileage: 2 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Sights: pebbly beaches, campsites, South Bay
We started our walk at Cobscook Shores’ Morrison Cove, doing the 0.5-mile loop around the park before heading over to Huckins Beach preserve on the 0.8-mile Bay to Bay Trail.
The prettiest section of the Bay to Bay Trail, I think, is across the road on the Huckins Beach side. From the roadside, it first crosses a small field, dotted with juniper, blueberries, bunchberries, and raspberries, before heading through a cedar forest to the shore. The path then follows the shoreline for a pretty stretch, about 0.2 miles, before intersecting with the boat launch access road. The next section brings you to a large airy forested area with a screened-in pavilion at its center. The shoreline path beyond the pavilion is slightly more rugged than on the other side. Continue another half mile on Young’s Point Trail to a stony beach. The access down to the beach when we visited was a bit rough and eroded.
The free campsites here (which you can claim on a first-come, first-serve basis) are great, situated around a grassy area and relatively private. No campfires are allowed and the well water is not drinkable. Like other Cobscook Shores properties, there are nearby port-o-lets. There is also a screened-in platform for picnicking close to the campsites.
Directions: The preserve is off Straight Bay Road. It’s about 5.2 miles from the intersection with Route 189. From Route 189, turn onto Crows Neck Road. In 0.4 miles, turn right onto Lead Mine Road. Then, in 0.2 miles, turn left onto Straight Bay Road. Drive 4.6 miles; you’ll first see signs for Morrison Cove on your left. Huckins Beach will be soon after, on the right.
