The Rouge Bluffs area is true downeast Maine, accessible to the well-known touristed areas near Bar Harbour and Acadia, and is a gateway to the less-explored, fascinating areas such as Lubec, ME; New Brunswick Canada Cambobello and Grand Manan Islands. Whale watching is an added bonus on the ferry to Grand Manan Island.

The nearby coastal towns (Machias, Machiasport, Jonesport, Cutler) are rich in scenic beauty, history and character and remain active lobstering and fishing communities. The area provides incredible coastal hiking and kayaking opportunities, rivaling any area in the U.S. Hikes along nearby ocean cliffs and unspoiled beaches and coves (Bold Coast trails are hidden gems for those seeking solitude and beauty:

Kayakers have their choice of protected bays, freshwater lakes, ocean sprinkled with islands and tidal rivers. It's not unusual to spot seals and eagles feeding on sardine runs in the Machias river just off of Sunrise (all purpose walking, biking and atv) trail near downtown East Machias. Perhaps the best kayaking is directly beneath our cottage in beautiful Kennebec Bay with access to the ocean and hidden Millponds housing a unique community of Yurts.

Be sure to visit Lubec, just before Campobello island, a scenic coastal town rich in culture, a mix of beautiful Victorian residences and a wharf area retaining many of the old warehouse and sardine processing buildings. Cutler harbour, a beautiful setting, offers frequent cruises to Machias Seal island to observe puffins and other shorebirds. The outing is reasonably priced and provides an intimate wildlife experience.

Further inland are a variety of hiking trails up mountains with views south to Acadia and north to Mt. Katahdin - these include Tunk Lake and the Schodic and Black Mountain trails off of route 183.

Wherever you drive, there are likely to be local artist and antique shops offering great value in unique gifts - remember these are roads less traveled.