Located in Clifton, Eagle Bluff is a beautiful, 160-acre popular local destination for rock climbing. It features more than 130 different climbing routes up its vertical granite rock face and a popular hiking trail to the top of the cliff. The cliff provides great views of Cedar Swamp Pond and Peaked Mountain. A local climber, Donald Nelligan, purchased Eagle Bluff in the 1990s, but he passed away in August 2013, leaving no instructions for Eagle Bluff’s future. His family did not want to take on the liability and put the area up for sale. The Clifton Climbers Alliance secured an Option Agreement from Nelligan’s family, which allowed them to be the only potential buyer of Eagle Bluff if they secured the funds in six months or less. The Clifton Climbers Alliance, along with The Access Fund, raised more than $100,000 in six months through donations from individuals, companies, and foundations. Land for Maine’s Future provided a grant to help keep Eagle Bluff in working order.
Closest Town
Clifton
Activities
Bird & other wildlife watching, and hiking
Region
Penobscot County
Acres
165
Directions
At the intersection of Route 9 and Route 180 in Clifton, Maine, turn onto Route 180 and drive 2.5 miles until you see three unmarked trailheads on the left. The trailheads should begin right after a gated dirt drive. If you reach Springy Pond Road, a dirt road on your right, you’ve driven a few hundred feet too far.
