If you've never heard of the Bold Coast of Maine, you're not alone — and that's exactly the point.

Tucked into the far northeastern corner of the state, the Bold Coast is one of New England's best-kept secrets. Stretching roughly from Steuben to Lubec along the rugged Washington County shoreline, this region of Downeast Maine offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the entire eastern United States — without the crowds of Bar Harbor or Old Orchard Beach.

For travelers seeking authentic Maine experience , wild landscapes, and genuine adventure, the Bold Coast is the real thing.

The Bold Coast refers to the stretch of coastline in Washington County, Maine , centered around towns like Machias, Cutler, Lubec, and Eastport. It is defined by:

• Sheer granite cliffs plunging into the cold Atlantic
• Untouched spruce and fir forest
• Working fishing harbors where lobstering has continued for generations
• The highest tides in the continental United States (up to 28 feet in Eastport)
• Proximity to the Bay of Fundy, one of the natural wonders of the world

Unlike much of coastal Maine, the Bold Coast has never been overrun by tourism. The roads are long, the cell service is spotty, and the rewards are extraordinary.

Top Things to Do on the Bold Coast of Maine

1. Hike the Bold Coast Trail in Cutler

The Bold Coast Trail in Cutler, Maine is widely considered one of the best coastal hikes in the Northeast. The trail winds through the Cutler Coast Public Lands, offering jaw-dropping views from 100-foot cliffs above the open Atlantic. The full loop is approximately 10 miles and is suitable for experienced hikers. It's the kind of hike that makes you feel genuinely remote — because you are.

2. Explore Machias — The Heart of Downeast Maine

The town of Machias, Maine sits at the center of the Bold Coast region. Home to the Machias River, a beloved canoe and kayak waterway, Machias offers history, outdoor recreation, and genuine small-town Maine character. The town is also home to the University of Maine at Machias and hosts beloved regional events including the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival and the Machias ATV Jamboree.

3. Side-by-Side RZR Rentals and eBike Adventures

One of the most exciting ways to explore the Bold Coast region is by Polaris RZR side-by-side or electric bike (eBike) through the region's extensive ATV trail network. With hundreds of miles of connected trails winding through forests, fields, and along river corridors, off-road adventures here are world-class. Downeast Adventures in Machias offers RZR rentals and eBike tours, putting you on the trail fast.

4. Whale Watching and Wildlife

The cold, nutrient-rich waters off the Bold Coast attract humpback whales, finback whales, harbor porpoises, and a stunning array of seabirds. Puffins nest on offshore islands including Seal Island and Matinicus Rock. Peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and osprey are commonly spotted along the river systems. This is a birdwatcher's paradise and a wildlife destination of the highest order.

5. Sea Kayaking and Canoeing

The Bold Coast region is exceptional for sea kayaking, with protected coves, island-dotted bays, and the dramatic Cobscook Bay. The Machias River offers flatwater and whitewater paddling, drawing canoeists and kayakers from across New England. The Machias River Wilderness Canoe Race, held each spring, is one of Maine's most beloved paddling events.