Peter’s Cove – Peter Brooke Trail loop from Blue Hill

If you're looking for a rewarding, easy hike with diverse scenery near Blue Hill, the Peter’s Cove – Peter Brooke Trail loop is an excellent choice. This 1.6-mile (2.5 km) hiking route, rated easy, features 168 feet (51 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 42 minutes to complete. It's a perfect pick for families or anyone wanting a quick, high-payoff nature escape.

What to expect on Peter’s Cove – Peter Brooke Trail loop from Blue Hill

The trail takes you on a journey through a quiet, mossy coniferous forest, where you'll find trees like spruce, white pine, and hemlock. The path itself is mostly dirt and forest floor, but be ready for some exposed tree roots, rocky sections, and potentially muddy spots, which can make footing a bit tricky. You'll follow Peters Brook, discovering small waterfalls and churning pools, leading to a beautiful cascading waterfall that's a true highlight. The route also passes through historic granite quarries, adding a unique touch to the natural landscape, before reaching the sandy and rocky shores of Peter's Cove. While generally easy, the trail does gradually travel uphill towards the waterfall, so expect a bit of effort.

Planning your visit

The Peter’s Cove – Peter Brooke Trail is part of a larger system maintained by the Blue Hill Heritage Trust, crossing both public and private lands under conservation easements, so please stay on marked trails. Dogs are welcome, but remember they must be leashed on the Peters Brook Trail, 3 Bridges Trail, and Albion Connector trails, though they can be off-leash on Penny's Preserve trails. If you visit in winter, be cautious of potential icy conditions, especially near the waterfall. Peter's Cove offers public access to Blue Hill Bay, suitable for launching small boats or swimming during mid-to-high tide.

Trail details

• Distance: 1.6 miles (2.5 km)
• Elevation gain: 168 feet (51 metres)
• Difficulty: easy
• Estimated time: 42 minutes