Salt Water and Fresh Water
Roque Bluffs State Park occupies 274 acres on Schoppee Point, a thumb of land pushing into Englishman Bay on Maine’s Downeast coast. The park’s unusual feature is that it offers both saltwater and freshwater beaches within a short walk of each other. The ocean beach faces Englishman Bay, a wide crescent of sand and pebble that is one of the few true beaches on the bold, rocky Downeast coastline. Behind it, 60-acre Simpson Pond provides warm freshwater swimming, fishing, and paddling. The combination makes this one of the most versatile and least crowded state parks in Maine.
Roque Bluffs is about eight miles south of Machias, which is about as far Downeast as most visitors venture. The reward for the drive is a park that feels uncrowded even on the busiest summer weekend. Washington County does not get the tourist traffic that the rest of the coast does, and that is part of its appeal.
The Ocean Beach
The beach at Roque Bluffs is a mix of sand and smooth pebble, arcing along the south-facing shore of Englishman Bay. It is an unusual geological feature for this part of the coast, where the shoreline is otherwise dominated by bold cliffs and cobblestone. The beach formed from sediment eroding out of a glacial moraine to the east, deposited here by currents and wave action over thousands of years.
The views from the beach are dramatic. Englishman Bay opens to the south, with Great Spruce Island and Roque Island visible on clear days. The water is cold. This is the Downeast coast, and ocean temperatures rarely climb above the low 50s even in August. Wading and beachcombing are more common than sustained swimming.
Englishman Bay water temperatures hover in the upper 40s to low 50s through summer. Prolonged immersion risks hypothermia. Wading is fine, but full-body swimming should be brief. Simpson Pond, a short walk away, is a much warmer option for actual swimming.
The beach is excellent for beachcombing. Smooth stones, sea glass, driftwood, and shells wash up regularly. At low tide, the beach expands and tide pools appear along the rocky edges.
Simpson Pond
Simpson Pond sits just behind the beach, separated from Englishman Bay by the narrow spit of Schoppee Point. The 60-acre freshwater pond is shallow and warms considerably in summer, reaching the upper 60s to low 70s by late July. This is where most of the swimming happens.
Start at the ocean beach for the views and the beachcombing, then walk over to Simpson Pond for actual swimming. The contrast between the cold Atlantic and the warm pond is striking. Kids especially love being able to switch between the two.
The pond has a sandy beach area with a gradual slope, making it safe for children. Picnic tables, charcoal grills, and a playground sit between the pond and the parking area. A boat launch on the pond allows canoes, kayaks, and small boats (no gas motors).
Simpson Pond holds brook trout and brown trout, stocked by the state. Spring fishing is best, with fly fishing and worm fishing both productive. A Maine fishing license is required.
Trails
The park has six miles of networked trails ranging from easy walks to moderate coastal hikes:
- Schoppee Point Trail: A moderate coastal loop that follows the shoreline of Englishman Bay with views of the islands and open ocean. This is the most scenic trail in the park.
- Simpson Pond Trail: An easy loop around portions of the pond through mixed forest.
- Connector trails: Several shorter paths link the beach, pond, and parking areas.
The trails pass through spruce-fir forest, mixed hardwoods, and along exposed coastal bluffs. Birding is excellent, especially during spring and fall migration. Watch for bald eagles, ospreys, and a variety of shorebirds along the bay.
The Schoppee Point Trail at sunset is exceptional. The western light hits Englishman Bay and the islands, and the trail is almost always empty. Bring binoculars. Harbor seals haul out on the rocks offshore and are easy to spot from the higher sections of the trail.
Practical Details
Roque Bluffs State Park is open from May 15 through October 1. Entrance fees are $4 for Maine residents and $6 for non-residents, collected on the honor system at a self-service station. Cash or check only.
The park has portable restrooms, picnic tables, grills, and a playground. Dogs are allowed on leash in the park, including on the beach (one of the few Maine state park beaches that permits dogs in summer). The parking lot is ample and rarely fills.
Trails are accessible year-round even when the park is officially closed. Park outside the gate and walk in during the off-season.
Getting There
From Bangor, take Route 1A East to Route 1 East through Ellsworth and Machias. From Machias, take Route 1 South briefly, then Roque Bluffs Road south to Schoppee Point Road. The drive from Bangor is about two hours. From Portland, the drive is roughly four hours and 40 minutes via I-95 and Route 1.
Cell service is spotty. Verizon works intermittently. AT&T coverage is poor. Do not rely on your phone for navigation once you leave Machias.
When to Go
Spring
Park opens May 15. Trout fishing in Simpson Pond is best in spring. Ocean too cold for wading. Trails may be muddy.
Summer
Simpson Pond warm enough for swimming by late July. Ocean beach for views and beachcombing. Wildflowers on the trails.
Fall
Fewer visitors, fall foliage, excellent birding. Simpson Pond still swimmable in September. Park closes October 1.
Winter
Park officially closed but trails accessible on foot. Dramatic winter ocean views. Very cold and exposed.
Roque Bluffs Essentials
- Swimsuit and towel (Simpson Pond)
- Water shoes (pebble beach)
- Sunscreen and windbreaker
- Cash for entrance fee (honor system)
- Picnic lunch (no food vendors)
- Binoculars (seals, eagles, shorebirds)
- Fishing license and gear (if fishing Simpson Pond)
- Bug spray (summer)
- Camera
FAQ
Can you swim in the ocean at Roque Bluffs?
You can wade, but the ocean water temperature rarely exceeds the low 50s. Simpson Pond, a short walk from the ocean beach, is much warmer (upper 60s to low 70s) and is where most swimming happens.
Are dogs allowed at Roque Bluffs State Park?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on leash throughout the park, including on the beach. This is one of the few Maine state park beaches that permits dogs during summer.
How much does Roque Bluffs State Park cost?
Entrance fees are $4 for Maine residents and $6 for non-residents. Payment is on the honor system at a self-service station. Cash or check only.
What is Simpson Pond?
Simpson Pond is a 60-acre freshwater pond within the park, separated from Englishman Bay by a narrow strip of land. It has a sandy beach, warms into the upper 60s to low 70s by late July, and holds stocked brook trout and brown trout.
How far is Roque Bluffs from Bar Harbor?
About 90 minutes east via Route 1. Roque Bluffs is in Washington County, roughly eight miles south of Machias. It is a quiet, uncrowded alternative to the busier beaches near Acadia.
