Machias River Preserve: Hiking Wild Salmon Country in Downeast Maine

Far Downeast, well past the crowds of Acadia, the Machias River runs cold, clear, and wild through the forests of Washington County. The Machias River Preserve lets you walk right along its banks — on quiet trails that trace one of the last great wild Atlantic salmon rivers in the United States. For hikers who love unspoiled country and a genuine sense of remoteness, it is a treasure.

Where Is the Machias River Preserve?

The preserve is a 917-acre property owned and managed by the Downeast Coastal Conservancy, located just west of downtown Machias in Washington County. It wraps around a stretch of the Machias River in the heart of Downeast Maine — a region of deep woods, blueberry barrens, and rugged coast that sees far fewer visitors than the rest of the state.

The Trails

The preserve offers about 5.5 miles of interconnecting hiking trails, with easy access to the river and a connection to the region's Down East Sunrise Trail. The highlight is the Heritage Trail, which runs roughly three miles along the water. From the parking area it winds about half a mile through the woods to the first bridge, then follows the river for a couple of scenic miles, passing the roaring rapids at Munson's Pitch along the way. The walking is moderate and rewarding, with the river almost always in view or earshot.

One of America's Last Wild Salmon Rivers

What makes the Machias truly special is its fish. The river is home to roughly 20 percent of the remaining wild Atlantic salmon habitat in the United States, and the Machias River Corridor supports the country's largest self-sustaining wild Atlantic salmon run. Tens of thousands of acres and hundreds of miles of shoreline across the watershed are under conservation — a lifeline for a species that has all but vanished elsewhere. Hiking here, you are walking beside a genuine natural rarity. (You can read more about the state's freshwater fish in our guide to fishing in Maine.)

A Community Forest

The Downeast Coastal Conservancy manages the preserve as a community forest, balancing low-impact forestry with outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, education, and river protection. It is a working example of conservation that keeps land both healthy and open to the public — a place to hike, learn, and simply enjoy the river.

Visiting the Preserve

Come prepared for the Maine woods: sturdy shoes, water, insect repellent in the warmer months, and a plan for a moderate walk with some uneven ground. Spring through fall is prime hiking season, with autumn adding brilliant foliage along the river. As always in remote country, tell someone your plans, pack out what you pack in, and give wildlife plenty of space.

Frequently Asked Questions