Tidal Falls
Tidal Falls Road, Hancock
Where the ebb and flow of the Taunton River creates reversing falls, a local fishing family (including the founder of the Maine Lobster Pound Association) owned and operated a lobster pound. Remnants of the pound are still visible in the cove. The surrounding 8 acres are protected by the Frenchman Bay Conservancy and sometimes serve as a field station for research by the Lobster Institute. From a seat at one of the outdoor tables or screen-enclosed pavilion, watch for the bald eagles, seals, osprey, and blue herons that frequent the rushing tidal waters. CAUTION: The currents here are dangerous and should only be undertaken by expert boaters.
207.422.2328 | www.frenchmanbay.org
Year-round. Parking. Outhouse. Water access. Picnic area. Interpretive sign.
Sources & Links
Schoodic National Scenic Byway
Tidal Falls Land For Maine’s Future property
“Fighting Shrinkage” by Sandra Dinsmore. Fishermen’s Voice. June 2011, Vol 16, no. 6 (Article about decline of lobster pounds. Herb Hodgkins quoted extensively, he was the owner of the lobster pound at Tidal Falls)
Ellsworth High School Local Fisheries Knowledge Project (part of the NOOA Voices from the Fisheries project), interview with a lobsterman, entrepreneur and researcher (Herb Hodgkins, the former owner of the lobster pound once located at Tidal Falls):
Interview with Herb Hodgkins (PDF)