Bog Brook Preserve at Moose Cove

Bog Brook Preserve at Moose Cove is a dog-friendly Down East destination with quintessential Maine views sure to please people and their pups. This is in a part of Maine known as "The Bold Coast."

Bog Brook Preserve at Moose Cove Dog-Friendly Details

The cove is part of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, which puts a lot of trust in dog owners allowing pets to be "under control" at all times. That means your dog can be on a leash or off-leash as long as they respond to voice commands.

You are expected to pick up pet waste as you go (and human waste, for that matter) and carry it with you until you leave the park and find a proper place to dispose of it. Do not "bag and drop" waste or leave it there as "natural fertilizer." Pet waste can introduce bacteria and disease into a delicate ecosystem.

MORE: Here's a map of the Book Brook Preserve at Moose Cove

You'll need to bring all your amenities with you as no services are provided here. You won't even get mobile phone service.

It's not safe for dogs to drink saltwater, so bring drinking water with you.

For those wanting to experience the preserved land of Acadia National Park but don't want to deal with the crowds, this preserve is the largest plot of contiguous land conserved outside that park. Only here, you're more likely to run into a moose or bear than another person.

You'll likely come across the large blueberry fields. You are not allowed to pick or eat the blueberries here.

Is Bog Brook Preserve at Moose Cove Safe for Dogs?

We do need to discuss a few safety steps to make the most out of your time at Bog Brook Preserve. The "moose or bear" line above wasn't a joke—you should know moose and bear safety tips on the road and in the woods.

Spring through fall, the risk of tick attachment is high, even if you use tick prevention. That's another safety step to study. Mosquitoes and biting black flies are another risk in summer.

The beach areas are made of cobble, and you'll notice from the videos on the preserve's website that they are smoothed to a beautiful shine. That's due to the power of the ocean churning and grinding down the rocks. It's a beautiful but somber reminder of how treacherous the waters can be.

MORE: Outdoor Safety in Maine's Wilderness

You should always know the tide schedule and check weather conditions before you visit. For the best experience, visit this preserve as the tide is falling. You'll also get more beach space that way. No matter how good of a swimmer your dog is, the cold water and strong current can spell danger.

The trails here lead to the beach or beautiful summits with sharp drops from slippery cliffs. It's wise to keep your dog on a leash when you're near a precipice.

Parking at Bog Brook Preserve

There are two main parking areas, each taking you to a different part of this nearly 1800-acre preserve.

The south lot, in Cutler, can access the Norse Pond Trail and the Bog Brook Cove Beach.

The north lot in Trescott takes you to an accessible trail for those who have mobility challenges. It also is the best lot to reach the beaches at Moose Cove, the Chimney Trail, and the Ridge Trail.

All parking is free, but donations are welcome to support the preservation of this beautiful piece of land.

What's Near Bog Brook Preserve?

The Cutler Coast Public Preserve is another option that abuts Bog Brook Preserve. Dogs are required to be on a leash there, and the pet rules fall under the Maine State Parks & Lands.