On Beals, a longer trail through forests and wetlands and a shorter loop ending at a beach sit alongside a history of fishing, island connections, and local exhibits. The natural destinations differ not only in their trail distances, but also in the landscapes they highlight.

Hiking Trails and Coastal Views

Great Wass Island Preserve has a 4.5-mile trail through unique forests and wetlands. Within the preserve, the Shoreline Trail also follows pink granite cliffs and offers views of the islands in Eastern Bay. The forest and wetland landscape, cliffs, and island views are distinct features of the area.

Seaduck Point is a 168-acre wooded preserve on Beals Island. Its 1.5-mile loop leads to a secluded sand-and-pebble beach. Seaduck Point also offers expansive views of rocky headlands and offshore islands across Western Bay.

When choosing a trail, there is a clear distinction: at Great Wass, the longer trail passes through forests and wetlands; at Seaduck Point, the beach is the destination of a shorter loop. The views also look out over different bays: the Shoreline Trail offers views of the islands in Eastern Bay, while Seaduck Point offers views of rocky headlands and offshore islands across Western Bay. This makes it possible to consider trail length alongside the landscape you want to see.

Bridge, Community, and Island History

The Jonesport-Beals Island Bridge connects Beals Island to the mainland. It was dedicated on August 9, 1958, replacing the former ferry connection. The shift from ferry to bridge is a concrete part of the island’s transportation history.

Beals Town Park is a municipal community park and public access point.

Barnabus Coffin Beal III was born on Beal’s Island and was a fisherman. The “Tall Barney and His People” exhibit presents information and photographs of people descended from Barnabas Coffin Beal III and Phebe Stanwood Beal. Another perspective on local history is offered by the “Local Sports Photo Exhibit,” which features local photographs of past sports teams.

The exhibits emphasize different themes: “Tall Barney and His People” focuses on descent and family lines, while the sports photographs show past teams. Personal and family history thus sit alongside memories of local sports.

The passage of time and the ebb and flow of the tides illustrate the changes that take place across generations in the island community. Alongside the concrete change in the connection between the mainland and the island brought about by the construction of the bridge, this provides an image of change in community life.

Discover more destinations: Perry, Machias, Robbinston, Cherryfield, Milbridge, Dennysville, Lubec

For the broader travel overview: Washington County.