Frenchman Bay Conservancy owns the 8 acres of Tidal Falls Preserve overlooking the reversing falls in the Taunton River. The State of Maine holds a conservation easement on the preserve.

An observation deck and wooden picnic tables make Tidal Falls an excellent place to enjoy the falls and wildlife.

ALL VISITORS PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT PICK UP STARFISH. We ask that visitors to the preserve are respectful of the wildlife, especially the starfish/sea stars! Human handling causes stress and interrupts their ability to breathe and feed. Please view from the shore (you can still get up close!) without handling, placing on your body for photos, or collecting in buckets/nets. Human interference is negatively impacting the population, and the starfish/sea stars are now showing signs of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome and are increasingly vulnerable. We’re sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you for protecting our wildlife. 

History

In the 19th century, Tidal Falls was the first site for a railroad and ferry terminal that transported passengers to Bar Harbor. In the 1950s the Hodgkins family operated a lobster pound and later a seafood take-out restaurant at Tidal Falls.

Wildlife Conservation

Here, large differences between high and low tide and mixing between fresh and saltwater creates a nutrient-rich environment that is incredibly productive for wildlife. The surrounding waters between Sorrento and Hancock north through Taunton Bay are part of a Maine focus area of statewide ecological significance. This area provides high value habitat for numerous state and federal species of concern, including many shorebirds and waterfowl.

Visitors will commonly see seals, osprey, king fishers, and eagles. Otter, mink, blue heron and other wildlife have also been spotted here.

A generous grant from Land for Maine’s Future helped preserve Tidal Falls.

See below for more information about visiting Tidal Falls Preserve.