Get Outdoors!
Hike, bike, canoe, kayak, sail, barbecue, picnic, sit on a deck chair and enjoy the view (some call that “Cove TV”) or a book. All of this is available at or near the cottage, on Cape Rosier or in nearby towns, or a little farther afield. You can’t go wrong whether you stay on the Cape or jump in your car.
Outdoor Exploring Nearby
Holbrook Island Sanctuary – Just 1 mile away is a free of charge state park encompassing 1,230 acres on the Cape Rosier Peninsula. The sanctuary boasts a mountain with views of the bay, beautiful walking trails through a variety of ecosystems as well as beaches, multiple boating public access points and a fresh water pond. It also has a recreational area with a sand beach, picnic tables and public grills. In the winter the sanctuary’s trails and dirt roads are excellent for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The park also includes a variety of Maine wildlife including bald eagles, osprey, bobcats, porcupines, beavers, foxes, and coyotes.
Bakeman Beach – This public beach, 4 miles from the house, boasts a beautiful view of the bay, and is perfect for picnicking and swimming, or as a launching point for small boats.
Pond Island – Named for the once-freshwater pond on the island, Pond is a fun jaunt via motor or sailboat. Bring a picnic, hike up the hill, swim in the tide as it rushes in or out of the pond.
Biking – The Cape Rosier Peninsula provides a moderately challenging but stunningly beautiful loop bike loop. With very little car traffic, you can complete the 7-mile loop of the cape and enjoy dramatic views of the ocean, thick forests and blueberry fields. Or explore the dirt roads of Holbrook Island Sanctuary.
Boating/Kayaking/Canoeing – The town of Brooksville offers many public access points into the ocean, the Baggaduce River and fresh water ponds.
Blue Hill – 15 miles away, Blue Hill (of Robert McCloskey fame) provides the opportunity for an easy-moderate day hike. It will take about an hour to reach the summit. If the season’s right, come prepared to pick blueberries at the summit.
Sedgwick – Caterpillar Hill Mini Golf – This lonely mini golf course has one of the best views in town. Come for an ice cream, to hit golf balls on the driving range or to take the family mini golfing.
Ellsworth – Whether you’re driving to Acadia, coming down to East Penobscot Bay via Bangor, or just need to do a big shop for a week away, you will be coming to Ellsworth. Founded in 1763, the old Maine Street has a short and charming, pedestrian friendly commercial district supplemented by the very busy Route 1/Route 3 corridor which offers larger grocery shops, Home Depot, and many other stores. Come to pick up the necessities of life, and be sure to stop in one of the Main Street restaurants or cafes, you can find Mexican, American, and Sri Lankan fare there.
Birdsacre (The Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary) is also in Ellsworth, on the road to Acadia. It’s a 200 acre sanctuary filled with a variety of Maine wildflowers, wooded glens, small ponds full of aquatic life, and a bird nesting area. There are interconnecting nature trails and picnic areas everyone can enjoy.
Acadia National Park – 44 miles away, Acadia is one of the largest national parks in the US. It’s forested mountains and stunning coast lines make it the eighth most visited park in the country. You can spend days exploring the park: hiking, biking, kayaking, birdwatching or just relaxing on some of the best beaches in Northern Maine. And, Given the popularity of this park, it’s particularly enjoyable off-season!
Farther Afield
Camden Hills State Park – The Camden Hills lie 60 miles south of Cape Rosier and are a less-heralded, smaller cousin to the famous Acadia National Park. Like Acadia, this state park features stunning views of the Atlantic and the Maine coastline, visible from a series of easy and moderate trails that snake through the hills. The park offers campgrounds and rustic shelters for both warm and cold weather camping. Camden itself is worth a visit as well with a quaint downtown on the harbor.
Cape Rosier Cottage 