Cutler Coast Fairy Head Loop

Cutler Coast Public Land (Cutler)

The Cutler Coast Public Land, in Down East Maine, protects more than 12,000 acres of blueberry barrens, woods, and peatlands, plus about five miles of coastline above the Bay of Fundy. The Bangor Daily News reported in June 2026 that, nearly 40 years ago, the land was headed toward becoming “a subdivision of oceanfront homes” before the state and conservation partners stepped in.

Its trail system is small, but the Fairy Head Loop is one of the few places on the Maine coast where you can backpack to a campsite on the cliffs.

The hike

The state’s guide lists four trail options from the main trailhead: the Coastal Trail to an ocean overlook (2.8 miles round trip), the Black Point Brook Loop (5.4 miles), the Fairy Head Loop (9.7 miles), and the Inland Trail (4.5 miles one way), which forms the return leg of the long loop. Backpacker calls it a “10-mile loop,” with the Black Point Brook Cutoff making a figure-eight possible.

The Coastal Trail crosses woods and bog to reach the shore, then follows the cliff tops toward Fairy Head. The Bangor Daily News describes the route as a mix of 300- to 400-foot basalt cliffs, cobble beaches, maritime spruce forest, and coves, with stops at Long Cove and Black Point Cove. The state guide notes that the bedrock was laid down in the Silurian Age, about 420 million years ago.

Backpacker, which wrote about the reserve in 2001, cautions that the terrain is varied and the scenery demanding of attention: “you’ll have to slow down to take it all in.” It mentions delicate bogs and easily eroded soils that make staying on the trail important. Maine Trail Finder’s visitors report rocky footing, overgrown sections, rotted boardwalk in places, “very spotty” cell coverage, and summer mosquitoes they describe as “absolutely vicious.”

The campsites are along the coastal section. The state guide lists five: three at Fairy Head and one each at Black Point Cove and Long Point Cove. From Fairy Head, the Inland Trail loops back through the barrens and forest to the trailhead.

The state guide’s main warning is the cliffs: “Cliff tops are often undercut and can be dangerous, especially in wet conditions,” and fog can roll in quickly. Bangor Daily News writer Carey Kish, who has backpacked here for more than 20 years, recommends going in the off-season to avoid crowds, and Backpacker recommends September for solitude.

For another island-and-ocean overnight in Maine, see Duck Harbor on Isle au Haut.

Tips

Arrive early. Sites are first come, first served, and the trailhead lot holds about 20 cars.
Sign the log at the trailhead if you’re camping.
Carry all your water. The state guide says to bring food, water, and a stove.
Stay back from cliff edges, especially in fog or rain.
Leash dogs at campsites. Pets are allowed.

Camping

Camping is allowed only at the five designated sites, which are first come, first served with no reservations, according to the state guide. Each site holds up to six people and has a pit toilet. Open fires are prohibited, so cook on a self-contained stove. The stay limit is 14 days in any 45-day period. Cut no live vegetation, and carry out all trash. The land is managed by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (207-941-4412).

Inside Intel: Maine Trail Finder’s visitor comments single out site 2 near Fairy Head, the most popular, for its “breathtaking views” of the coast. Backpacker suggests checking the trail register when you arrive to see which sites are taken.

Trail facts

Distance: 9.7 miles (state guide); about 10 miles (Backpacker)
Route type: Loop (Coastal Trail out, Inland Trail back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Campsites: 3 at Fairy Head, 1 at Black Point Cove, 1 at Long Point Cove
Water: Carry it in; streams are unreliable
Permits: None; first come, first served
Fires: Prohibited; stoves only
Dogs: Allowed; leashed at campsites
Trailhead: Main Cutler Coast trailhead (about 20 cars), Cutler
Last verified: October 7, 2026

The Lowdown

Fog rolling in at Fairy Head:

The state guide warns fog can roll in quickly and the cliff tops get dangerous when wet. Our comparison looks at whether the Beta SL is worth it over two cheaper shells.

Read the comparison →

Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.