Tidal Falls Preserve, Frenchman Bay Conservancy - Hancock, ME - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

In Hancock, where the Taunton River meets Frenchman Bay, is the Tidal Falls Preserve, owned by the Frenchman Bay Conservancy.

To get to the preserve, from U.S. Route 1, turn at a point southwest of the bridge over the Taunton River onto East Side Road and travel east about 3/4 mile to a sign for the tidal falls, then turn left onto Tidal Falls Road and follow it to the end.

At the end is a gate and a parking lot, and a grassy area to the left, and two small buildings on the right. One small building has the offices for the Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and the other is a shelter for watching on the first. The grassy area has several picnic tables where you can sit and watch while you eat lunch.

The tidal falls - also referred to as reversing falls, but is probably more like rapids than falls - develop at the right time and tide conditions. The river and estuaries above this point hold a lot of water at high tide. This location also has relatively high tides as it is near the Bay of Fundy. When the tide turns the water starts emptying out of the river. At some point, the tide starts rising again, but the river is still emptying, creating standing waves and flows over the underwater ledge in this area.

The web site for the preserve has the following about it:

"The Conservancy owns these 4.2 acres overlooking the reversing falls in the Taunton River, and the State of Maine holds the easement on the preserve. The property is open to the public for day use, and FBC's office is located on the 2nd floor of the building.

Tidal Falls is an excellent place to picnic. There is a pavilion, tables, and two iron grills.

Please no dogs on Tidal Falls Preserve."

The Frenchman Bay Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust that has several holdings in eastern Maine.

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 4.2 acres Is there a trail system?: No What points of interest are there?: Overlook of tidal falls in Taunton River as it enters Frenchman Bay What activities are available?: Picnicking, watching. Hours of accessibility?: Daylight List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Strong currents, wet and slippery rocks. Dogs Allowed?: No Is a permit/fee required?: No If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: 0 Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link] If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

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