Machias, Maine
Blueberry Capital and Bold Coast gateway.
Machias is where Downeast Maine gets real. This tiny university town on the Machias River was the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution. Today it is the gateway to the Bold Coast, home to the wildest and most dramatic cliffside hiking in the state. In August, the Wild Blueberry Festival celebrates the fruit that defines this corner of Maine.
Hike the Bold Coast. The Bold Coast Trail in Cutler, about 20 minutes south of Machias, is the most dramatic coastal hike in Maine. The trail runs along 150-foot cliffs with the open Atlantic crashing below. There is nothing else like it on the East Coast.
Eat blueberry pie at Helen’s. This is not optional. Helen’s Restaurant on Main Street has been serving wild blueberry pie for decades, and it is the definitive version. Order it warm with homemade vanilla ice cream.
Paddle the Machias River. One of Maine’s finest canoe rivers winds through forest, past old mill sites, and down to the bay. The section from Machias to the tidal estuary is manageable for intermediate paddlers and rich with bald eagle sightings.
Visit Roque Bluffs. Roque Bluffs State Park is a rare Downeast sandy beach with both ocean swimming and a freshwater pond just behind the dunes. The water is bracing but the setting is gorgeous and uncrowded.
Come for the Blueberry Festival. The third weekend in August, Machias celebrates the wild blueberry harvest with a festival that takes over the entire town. Pie contests, parades, craft fairs, and blueberry everything.
Start the Bold Coast Trail early in the morning to catch the best light on the cliffs and beat any afternoon fog. The full out-and-back is 10 miles and takes 5-7 hours. For a shorter option, hike the first 2 miles to the initial cliff viewpoints and turn back.
The Whole Life Natural Market on Route 1 has the best deli counter in town for a quick, healthy lunch. Their soups are made daily and the sandwich selection uses local ingredients. It is where locals go when they want something lighter than a diner meal.
Revolutionary History
Machias was the site of the Battle of the Margaretta in June 1775, the first naval engagement of the American Revolution, predating the Battle of Bunker Hill by five days. Local patriots captured the British armed schooner HMS Margaretta in Machias Bay. The Burnham Tavern on Main Street, where the plot was hatched, is now a museum and one of the oldest buildings in eastern Maine.
From Machias, you can explore Lubec and the easternmost point in the United States at West Quoddy Head, or head to Eastport for a ferry to the Canadian islands. Great Wass Island near Jonesport offers more coastal hiking through jack pine forest and along pink granite ledges.
Is the Bold Coast Trail difficult?
Moderately challenging. The full out-and-back is about 10 miles over roots, rocks, and some muddy sections. The cliff sections are exposed and require caution. Most hikers do the full trail as a long day hike, though backcountry campsites are available for overnight trips.
Where can I buy wild blueberries in Machias?
In season (late July through August), roadside stands along Route 1 sell freshly raked wild blueberries by the quart. The Whole Life Natural Market carries them as well. Outside of season, frozen wild blueberries are available at grocery stores.
Is Machias safe to visit?
Very safe. Machias is a small, quiet college town. The main consideration for visitors is remoteness, make sure you have a full tank of gas and supplies, as services are spread out in Washington County.
Can you camp on the Bold Coast Trail?
Yes. There are three designated backcountry campsites along the Bold Coast Trail. They are first-come, first-served and free. The sites have tent pads but no water or facilities. Bring everything you need.
Spring
March-May. Trails are muddy early. Birding picks up in May with warblers and shorebirds returning to the coast.
Summer
June-August. Best weather for Bold Coast hiking. Blueberry Festival in August. Long days and cool ocean breezes.
Fall
September-October. Fewer visitors, beautiful color on the blueberry barrens. Coast can be foggy but the hiking is still excellent.
Winter
November-February. Very quiet and cold. University keeps some life downtown. Not a traditional tourist season.
Things to Do
Bold Coast Trail
A 10-mile coastal trail with 150-foot cliffs dropping into the ocean, considered the most dramatic shoreline hike in Maine.
Cutler Coast Trail
A challenging day hike or overnight backpack through spruce forest and along exposed headlands south of Cutler.
Machias River Paddling
One of the premier canoe rivers in Maine, running through forests and past old mill sites before emptying into Machias Bay.
Roque Bluffs State Park
A rare Downeast sandy beach with both ocean swimming and a freshwater pond, 10 miles south of Machias.
Great Wass Island Preserve
A Nature Conservancy preserve with coastal trails through jack pine forest and along dramatic pink granite ledges.
Where to Eat & Drink
Whole Life Natural Market
Health Food / CafeNatural foods market with a deli counter serving fresh soups, salads, and sandwiches made with local and organic ingredients.
Riverside Inn & Restaurant
Fine DiningThe best restaurant in Downeast Maine, serving creative New American cuisine with river views in a historic inn.
Helen's Restaurant
AmericanLegendary Machias diner known across the state for its wild blueberry pie. A must-stop for every Downeast visitor.
Blue Bird Ranch
Family RestaurantCasual family restaurant on Route 1 serving hearty breakfasts, fried seafood, and home-style comfort food.
Where to Stay
B&Bs & Inns
(1)Riverside Inn
InnHistoric inn on the Machias River with individually decorated rooms, river views, and an acclaimed on-site restaurant.
Campgrounds
(1)McClellan Park
CampgroundTown-owned oceanfront campground on Machias Bay with basic sites on a rocky point. Simple but stunning.
Events & Festivals
Machias Wild Blueberry Festival
Machias's signature event celebrating the wild blueberry harvest with a blueberry pie eating contest, craft fair, parade, musical performances, and blueberry-themed food at every turn.
Fourth of July Celebration
Small-town Fourth of July with a parade, fireworks over the bay, and community gatherings.
Margaretta Days
Commemoration of the first naval battle of the American Revolution, which took place in Machias Bay in 1775.
When to Visit Machias
Spring
Mar - May
28-55F
Slow start to the season. Trails can be muddy until late May. Birdwatching picks up as migrants return.
Summer
Jun - Aug
50-75F
Best hiking weather for the Bold Coast. Blueberry Festival in August. Long days and cool ocean breezes.
Fall
Sep - Nov
35-60F
Fewer visitors, cooler temps, and stunning fall color along the coast. Berry harvest winds down.
Winter
Dec - Feb
8-28F
Very quiet. University keeps a pulse downtown. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on local trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting Machias. Can't find your answer? Contact us.