Perry: Coast, Nature and Trails

During a stay in Perry, you can choose between coastal scenery, a geographical stop along Route 1 and a range of trail activities. The Sipp Bay coastal preserve offers coastal views and opportunities for wildlife watching. The 45th Parallel Marker offers a different focus: it marks the halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole. The Down East Sunrise Trail, meanwhile, is intended for a variety of uses. These differences give your search for hotels in Perry a concrete focus: first consider what kind of outing you want to shape your stay.

Coast and Trails at Sipp Bay

The Sipp Bay coastal preserve is located in a northern part of Cobscook Bay within the Town of Perry. Visitors can choose between two trails there: the short southern loop is 0.4 miles long; the longer northern route is 1 mile long and more heavily wooded. Both trails provide access to the shore. The routes differ in length and scenery, while access to the water is part of both.

Sipp Bay also offers opportunities for wildlife watching in a coastal setting. You can therefore focus your visit on coastal views, wildlife watching or a trail to the shore. The two routes are not identical: the southern loop is shorter, while the northern route is longer and more heavily wooded.

There are also two places in the bay where kayaks can be hand-launched to explore the bay. The current warning is important for your planning: very strong currents can occur in the uppermost, innermost part of the bay during tidal changes. If you are planning a kayaking trip, keep both the intended area and the timing of the tidal change in mind.

A Geographical Stop Along Route 1

The 45th Parallel Marker is a stop along Route 1 in Perry, about 10 miles south of the park. It marks the halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole. Here, the focus is on geographical orientation, unlike at Sipp Bay, with its coastal views and wildlife-watching opportunities. If you want to combine a drive on Route 1 with a stop that has a particular theme, the marker offers a concrete point of interest.

Multi-Use Trail and Directions

The Down East Sunrise Trail ends in Perry and is intended for snowmobiles, ATVs, pedestrians, cyclists, cross-country skiers and horseback riders. It is open in summer and winter. The listed uses range from walking and cycling to motorized and winter activities, making this trail different from one intended for just a single mode of travel.

Its extension connects Ayers Junction to Perry and crosses the Pennamaquan River, streams, roads and wetlands. Thus, in addition to its varied uses, the route is described as crossing a range of landscapes.

The landmarks for finding your way from US Route 1 are specific: at the Perry trailhead of the Down East Sunrise Trail, the trail ends opposite the Sipayik Trail. The Sipayik Trail is directly accessible from US Route 1. Its trailhead is opposite the Perry Town Post Office, north of the intersection of US Route 1 and ME Route 190. These details can help you distinguish the two trail options by location when planning your stay.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Washington County.