On the Machias section of the Down East Sunrise Trail, the routes cross extensive salt marshes and offer views of the Machias and East Machias rivers. The Machias River Preserve adds a connected trail network, historic sites, and the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, held annually in August. Nature trails, local history, and an event date thus offer different focal points for a stay in Machias.
Salt Marshes, Rivers, and Hiking Trails
The Machias section of the Down East Sunrise Trail combines a route through extensive salt marshes with views across two rivers. Visitors who want to focus on the landscape during their stay will find a distinctive combination of marshland and river views here. The Machias River Preserve offers a different focus: its 5.5-mile network of interconnected trails provides recreational access to the river and the Down East Sunrise Trail.
The Preserve’s trails are not an isolated feature but part of a broader approach to the landscape. The Machias River Preserve is managed as a community forest. Its goals include sustainable forestry, outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, educational opportunities, and river protection. The Preserve thus combines trail use with stewardship of forests, wildlife, and waterways. Vehicle parking for the Preserve is available on Route 1A in Machias.
Historical Perspectives on Machias
The Machias Railroad Station was built in 1898. It is one of the few railroad station buildings in Maine that remain intact at their original location. Its year of construction, state of preservation, and original location give the station a clear historical profile. For anyone exploring local history, the building’s age is not the only relevant factor; it has also been preserved at its original site.
The Burnham Tavern offers a different historical connection: it is one of 21 homes in the United States designated as especially significant to the American Revolution. Together, the station and tavern offer different points of interest for history enthusiasts. The station’s year of construction and preservation at its original location take center stage, while the tavern is notable for its designation in connection with the Revolution. Machias can thus be explored through more than one historical perspective.
The Wild Blueberry Festival in August
The Machias Wild Blueberry Festival takes place every year in August. The festival includes the Blueberry Pie-Eating Contest, with participants divided into four age groups: ages 7–10, 11–14, and 15–18, and adults. The age divisions offer a concrete look at how this event is organized. Competition details may vary from year to year.
If the festival is the main reason for your trip, check the dates for that year’s event in advance. The recurring August date helps with seasonal planning; you’ll also need to check the specific event dates. Those visiting Machias outside the festival can instead plan their stay around the landscape and history that define the town.
Discover more destinations: Cherryfield, Milbridge, Dennysville, Robbinston, Beals, Perry, Lubec
View the broader travel overview: Washington County.
