Machias

Machias can be experienced from two very different perspectives: the Down East Sunrise Trail passes through extensive salt marshes and offers views of the Machias and East Machias Rivers. At the same time, preserved buildings tell the story of the town and the American Revolution. Whether you want to focus on experiencing nature or exploring historic sites during your trip, Machias offers a tangible starting point for both interests.

Salt Marshes, Rivers, and Trails

Along the Machias section of the Down East Sunrise Trail, the salt marshes and river views define the landscape experience. The marshes are more than just a backdrop: they form an extensive part of the route that visitors cross. The view takes in two named rivers, the Machias and East Machias. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, this is an opportunity to make the landscape itself the focus of your stay, rather than planning your trip solely around historic buildings.

The Machias River Preserve offers another opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Its network of interconnected trails is 5.5 miles long and provides recreational access to the river and the Down East Sunrise Trail. Vehicle parking for the preserve is available along Route 1A in Machias. The trails and the trail are described as distinct features: the preserve has its own trail network and also provides access to the Down East Sunrise Trail. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider both the marsh and river views along the trail and the preserve’s trails.

A Community Forest by the River

The Machias River Preserve is managed as a community forest. Its approach includes sustainable forestry, outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, educational opportunities, and river protection. These different priorities give the preserve a character that goes beyond hiking: nature and its use are considered together. If you are interested in the landscape and how it is managed, you will find a different perspective here than on a trail whose main appeal, as described, lies in its views.

Festival and Blueberry Pie

The Machias Wild Blueberry Festival is held annually in August. The Blueberry Pie-Eating Contest is one of the festival’s featured events and has four age groups: ages 7–10, 11–14, 15–18, and adults. The divisions show that the contest is not limited to a single age group. For families with different interests, the festival can therefore provide another focus for a trip, alongside the landscape and history. If you want to plan your stay around the festival, August is the recurring time of year to keep in mind.

Historic Buildings in Machias

The Machias Railroad Station was built in 1898. It is one of the few railroad stations in Maine that remain intact at their original location. This makes it a distinctive architectural landmark in the town’s history: its significance lies not only in its name, but also in the rare combination of its preserved condition and original location. The year 1898 is the station’s construction date and places the building in its historical context.

The Burnham Tavern also has a clearly defined place in history. It is one of 21 houses in the United States designated as especially significant to the American Revolution. Together with the railroad station, it shows that visitors can discover Machias through more than its river landscape. The two buildings represent different historical connections: the station is defined by its construction date and preservation at its original location, while the tavern is notable for its designation in connection with the American Revolution.

Which Focus Suits Your Stay?

When choosing a vacation rental in Machias, you can first consider which side of the town you want your trip to center on. The salt marshes, river views, and trails are a good fit for an outdoor-focused stay; the festival and historic buildings offer other reasons to explore Machias.

You can also explore these places: Lubec, Cherryfield, Perry, Milbridge, Dennysville, Beals, Robbinston.

For the broader travel overview: Washington County.