Shackford Head State Park

This is a beautiful state park close to the little town of Eastport, with views from several high bluffs of Broad Cove and Cobscook Bay and the large aquaculture operations here. You might hear a droning industrial noise, as well as the keening of seagulls flocking at the fish farms. The park offers a couple of pebbly beaches, as well as well-marked trails across the headland. I tasted some of the best wild blueberries I’ve ever had from the low bushes on the bluffs.

For the easiest route, stick to the wide Shackford Head Trail, which cuts through the center of the park, and go directly to the magnificent overlook from Shackford Head, a rocky headland 173 feet above sea level. From the bluff, you can see Campobello Island in New Brunswick, the town of Lubec, and the pier on Estes Head.

The loop trail — Shackford Head Trail to Schooner Trail — is about 2.4 miles, and includes a slight climb to Shackford Head, as well as some rougher terrain along Schooner Trail.

If you return along Schooner Trail — which has several great viewpoints from high ledge on its southern leg — expect to go up and down a fair bit over uneven terrain. If you add on Ship Point Trail, you’ll head down a steep hill to a little loop.

There is a short side trail from the parking lot down to a beach, as well as mown trails connecting the state park to the nearby Eastport park, Cony Park.

Directions: Take Route 1 to Route 190 in Perry. Travel 7 miles, passing the Passamaquoddy Indian Reservation and a causeway. Approaching the city of Eastport, the road bends to the left. Take a hard right-hand turn here onto Deep Cove Road, and travel 0.8 miles to the parking area and trailhead.