About 3 miles west of the Lubec waterfront, a wrought iron gate marks the entrance to Red Point Nature Preserve, where a pleasant gravel lane beckons, leading into park-like terrain that was once cleared farmland. Much of the property has been reclaimed by forest, but some lovely fields and apple orchards remain, including what may be Washington County’s oldest apple tree, thought to be 200 years old.

Accessible except for an hour or so on each side of high tide, the short passage from Red Point to Red Point Island can be crossed on a series of stepping stones. As I tiptoe along, clammers are hard at work in the mudflats of Case Cove under a blazing noontime sun. I can’t help but wonder if some of those succulent bivalves might make their way to my table later on in town at Fisherman’s Wharf, with drawn butter and a cold beer, of course.

The narrow footpath of soft needles winds through woods heady with the scent of spruce. It’s a day and a place where anything resembling hurry would verge on sacrilege. But alas, the trail that you wish would go on forever culminates at Little Point with an expansive view north up South Bay. No signs of civilization are evident along the rocky shores cloaked in pointed conifers, just beautiful blue skies, sea green water and brown tidal flats.

Red Point Nature Preserve is one of 20 parklands on 800 acres owned by Cobscook Shores far Downeast in Lubec and Whiting. Cobscook Shores is a family-funded Maine charitable foundation that is part of the larger Butler Conservation Inc. established by the visionary conservationist and environmental philanthropist Gilbert Butler, who has strong ties to the coast of Maine dating back seven decades.

Altogether, Cobscook Shores properties feature an astounding 15 miles of pristine shorefront on Cobscook Bay and its tributary arms of Dennys Bay, Whiting Bay, Straight Bay, South Bay and Johnson Bay. The name Cobscook derives from the Passamaquoddy word “Kapskuk,” which translates to “place where the water looks like it is boiling.” Spend some time in these parts with its incredible rushing and roiling 24-foot tides, and you’ll see why.

Recreational uses available on Cobscook Shores’ parklands – all free of charge – include picnicking, biking, paddling and even camping. For hikers, though, it’s the 16 miles of outstanding trails that are the big attraction. There are more miles in the works, too. This hiker has made multiple trips to Cobscook Shores lands over the past two summers, and every time, it seems I discover a new preserve and a new trail or two.

Case in point: In late July, I was back in Lubec and looked in again on dreamy Red Point, where quite by accident, I found an unsigned but completed and very lovely path that led to Eaton Point in the adjacent Eaton Point Preserve. And last spring, I happened upon the trails at Denbow Bluff and neighboring Denbow Point, the latter owned by Downeast Coastal Conservancy. I wonder what new parks and paths you’ll find when you visit?

For hikers new to Cobscook Shores, I recommend starting at Old Farm Point Shorefront Park, which serves as a visitor welcome center. Explore the trails and structures here and you’ll begin to get a real good sense of the extraordinary level of detail that has gone into every aspect of this monumental project. From the roadside wayfinding signs, trailhead kiosks, clean vault toilets and cold water fountains to the trail design and construction, trail signs and screened-in pavilions, it’s no wonder these special places are called parklands.

Black Duck Cove is the largest park in the Cobscook Shores system and sports a nearly 5-mile, out-and-back hike on the Shore Trail. At trail’s end, the picnic pavilion at High Bluff is a great spot to enjoy lunch and the view over South Bay to Long Island. At Race Point, another sizable park with 3 miles of trails, climb diminutive Mowe’s Mountain, then continue through Maine state land out to Race Point for a sweet look across Straight Bay to Coffins Neck.

Outdoor adventures abound at Cobscook Shores, so come prepared to be amazed at one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. Begin your exploration at cobscookshores.org.

Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island is an award-winning member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. His newest book, “Beer Hiking New England,” will be available early next spring. Follow more of Carey’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram @CareyKish

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