Cobscook Bay State Park

South Edmunds Road, Edmunds

The wildlife-rich waters of inner Cobscook Bay surround three sides of this 888-acre state park, providing opportunities to watch birds, explore the shoreline, and (carefully!) observe the ebb and flow of the region’s impressive tides. A water access ramp at the north end of the park provides a view of Whiting Bay, where fishermen may be seen digging clams and bait worms from the mud or collecting periwinkles (“wrinkles”) from the intertidal zone. Scallop and urchin fishing vessels anchor in the sheltered bay in summer. A Community Development Block Grant and the US Department of Agriculture provided funds to conserve the property to provide water access for multiple uses.

207.726.4412 | www.maine.gov/doc/parks

Year-round. Fee. Parking. Restrooms. Accessible. Water access. Picnic area. Camping. Trails. Interpretive sign.

Fisheries Heritage

Commercial fisheries in Cobscook Bay include scallops, sea urchins, mussels, periwinkles, and soft-shell clams. Scallops are harvested primarily by 35-45 foot “draggers,” although some fishermen SCUBA dive for scallops. People also dive for urchins. Periwinkles and whelks are picked by hand from the rocks, and rockweed and other seaweeds are harvested with rakes.

Downeast Fisheries Trail Interpretive Panel

Activities & Events

Boaters use caution! The average rise and fall of tides in Cobscook Bay is 24 feet every six hours, or one foot every 15 minutes. These rapid fluctuations create strong currents, reversing falls, whirlpools, and submerged rocks. Navigation in the bay is extremely hazardous, and beached boats should not be left unattended.

Visit nearby Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.

Hikers can purchase a map of Cobscook Trails from local outlets.