Sandy River Beach in Jonesport, Maine, is a well-kept secret stretch of sandy beach. Its dog-friendly rules are almost just as secretive.
Here's what we know:
- The beach is public, with a free parking area that's almost as difficult to find if you don't know what you're looking for. Find it near 580 Mason Bay Road, and you'll have to cross the street and walk down a path to get to the beach.
- The town has not posted an animal control ordinance on its website, which one might assume the dog access rules fall into the Maine law about dogs required to be under voice control or on a leash at all times.
- Nowhere is it stated that dogs aren't allowed on the beach.
That said, this public beach is lined by private homes that face the beach. If you owned that home, you wouldn't want random, uncontrolled dogs running amuck, either.
In mid-2022, residents complained about dogs running loose on the beach. The town was planning to install signs that explain the dog rules at the entrance to the beach but didn't elaborate on what those rules are or when the signs would be put up.
We reached out to the town twice to get clarification and didn't get a response. If we get that information, it will be updated here. For now, you'll have to keep your dog on a leash and read the signs to see what the rules are. We'd love to hear from you if you get information before we can.
Once you're there, you'll have a wide stretch of sandy beach facing Roque Island in the distance. The beach is safely tucked away from the main road and offers tide pools and plenty of space to explore.
Please pick up after your dog, as many residents have complained about waste being left behind. This irresponsible behavior isn't going to help loosen any dog restrictions. Even bagging and dropping waste isn't acceptable. Carry the waste with you until you get back to a trash can at the parking area. You'll also need to bring your own drinking water.
It's not easy being a dog in Jonesport, but our friends at the Maine Coast Heritage Trust have a lot of trust in dogs too. You can head six miles to Seaduck Preserve and have an off-leash (under voice control) experience. You also get a much more private beach with sand, pebbles, and plenty of rocks to climb.
Sandy River Beach Dog-Friendly Beach Rating: C
