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  -Roque Bluffs is a Town in Washington County, settled in 1763 and incorporated on March 12, 1891 from a portion of Jonesboro. Named for nearby Roque Island,                               the origin of the word “Roque” is uncertain.

  -Contrary to most towns in Washington County, this town has been adding population during the last two decades.                                                                                                                    -Located south of Machias, the community has a long coastline on its Great Cove, Englishman Bay and Little Kennebec Bay.

   -Virtually all of Roque Bluffs is considered one of Maine’s “Focus Areas of Statewide Ecological Significance”, noting the presence of rare plants, high quality wildlife habitat,     and the economic impact on enhancing property values and attracting tourism.

Glacial Activity:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         –Roque Bluffs State Park’s sand and pebble beach is a result of glacial sediment.                                                                                                                                                                                    –The park’s bedrock outcrop shows glacial striations, which are deep grooves left by a glacier moving southeast.                                                                                                                            –The park is a stop on Maine’s Ice Age Trail.

Sheep Farming:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         –Frank Welch once had 200 sheep on his farm and 200 on the islands.                                                                                                                                                                                                      –He would row a dingy to take the sheep back and forth between the farm and the islands.

Roque Bluffs State Park:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          –Roque Bluffs State Park occupies about two miles of the shore.  Inland from the park is the Englishman River Wildlife Management Area along the eastern shore of that river. The Park has a Diversity of Coastal Landscapes to enjoy in 274 acres on Schoppee Point (South of Machias).                                                                                                                                          –Roque Bluffs State Park is a Public Recreation area on the Atlantic Ocean Coast in Washington County, Maine.                                                                                                                              –The State Park overlooks Englishman Bay and includes Simpson Pond and six miles of Walking Trails.                                                                                                                                            –A trail network inland from the shore leads through old orchards, fields and woods, with paths along the shores of Great Cove and Pond Cove. Diverse habitats support abundant wildlife, great for bird watchers. Bald eagles frequent the area and migrant species stop over during spring and fall. The Bay and Simpson Pond can be explored by canoe or kayak.      -A beautiful, half-mile crescent of sand and pebbles along Englishman Bay is backed by the shallow waters of 60-acre Simpson Pond. Between the beach and the pond are several picnic areas and a play area.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  -The diverse habitats at Roque Bluffs State Park support Abundant Wildlife, and bird watchers enjoy interesting sightings at all seasons. Bald eagles frequent the area year-round and many migrant species stopover during spring and fall. Birders occasionally spot less Common Waterfowl, such as Barrow’s Goldeneye, Redhead and Gadwall Ducks, and Hooded Mergansers. During summer months, Pipers, Plovers and interesting several species of Gull frequent the Beach.

– Hours / Season Open 9:00 a.m. to Sunset, Daily from May 15 to October 1. Fee Charged. – cash or check only. Visitors may continue to enjoy the park during the off season by parking outside the gate, without blocking it, and walking in during these same hours. Please place the admission fee in the self-service collection canister. Please be aware that facilities are closed during the off season.   

-This photo, taken a short distance north of Roque Bluffs State Park, shows Nepp Point, the far shoreline, and part of Pond Cove Island a little closer. (Circa 1925)