Maine produces more wild blueberries than any other state — roughly 80 to 99 percent of the entire US wild blueberry crop comes from Maine, primarily from the blueberry barrens of Washington County. These are not the cultivated highbush blueberries found in grocery stores. Maine wild blueberries are a different plant entirely — small, intensely flavored, with a complexity and depth that cultivated varieties simply don’t match. Picking wild blueberries in Maine in August is one of those seasonal rituals that defines summer in the state.
What Are Maine Wild Blueberries?
Maine wild blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) are not planted — they grow naturally on the rocky, acidic soils of the Downeast barrens, spreading by underground rhizomes into vast carpets of low-growing plants. The particular combination of thin acidic soil, cool summers, and proximity to the ocean creates a berry with more antioxidants, more flavor compounds, and more intensity than any cultivated variety.
When to Pick
Peak season: Late July through late August. Washington County (Downeast): Typically peaks in the first two weeks of August — the barrens around Cherryfield are the most productive. Midcoast: Usually a week or two before Washington County. Western Maine highlands: Sometimes into early September at higher elevations. Year-to-year timing varies — contact the Maine Wild Blueberry Commission (wildblueberries.com) before your visit for current conditions.
Where to Pick
Pick-Your-Own Farms: Several Maine farms offer PYO wild blueberry experiences. Ridgeberry Farm in Jonesboro (Washington County) is one of the most visitor-friendly operations. The Maine Wild Blueberry Commission maintains a current list of PYO farms at wildblueberries.com.
Public Lands: Wild blueberries grow extensively on Maine’s public lands. Acadia National Park — particularly the open summit ledges of Acadia Mountain and Beech Mountain — has abundant wild blueberries (personal picking in small quantities permitted; check nps.gov/acad for current rules). Baxter State Park, Maine State Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas throughout the state also have abundant blueberries.
Important: Always confirm land access and picking rules before harvesting. The Washington County barrens are primarily private commercial farmland — trespassing on private operations is a real legal issue.
The Washington County Barrens
The blueberry barrens of Washington County are one of the most distinctive landscapes in Maine — in early August, a deep blue-grey carpet of ripening berries extending to the horizon. In September and October, the plants turn brilliant crimson and gold. Cherryfield — the “blueberry capital of the world” — is the center of the commercial industry. Driving Route 1A through Cherryfield in early August is one of the more unusual Maine road trip experiences.
How to Pick
Hand pick by grasping a cluster and stripping berries into your palm with a gentle rolling motion. Blueberry rakes — traditional wooden or metal rakes with tines — are more efficient for open barrens and available at hardware stores throughout Downeast Maine.
What to bring: Gallon bucket or flat box, sun protection (barrens are fully exposed), more water than you think you’ll need, long pants, bug spray for sheltered areas.
What to Do With Your Blueberries
Maine wild blueberries freeze exceptionally well — spread in a single layer, freeze until solid, transfer to bags. Classic Maine uses: blueberry pie, blueberry pancakes, blueberry jam, blueberry grunt (a traditional Maritime dessert of blueberries simmered with dumplings). If you can’t pick your own, Wyman’s of Maine (wymanswild.com) sells fresh and frozen wild blueberries direct and through retailers.
The Machias Wild Blueberry Festival
The Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, held annually in mid-August in Machias (Washington County), celebrates the harvest with music, food, craft vendors, and a blueberry recipe contest. One of the most atmospheric Maine summer events, coinciding with peak blueberry season in the surrounding barrens.
Combining with a Downeast Trip
Wild blueberry picking fits naturally into a Downeast Maine itinerary. See our Downeast Maine Road Trip guide, our Things to Do in Eastport Maine guide, our Things to Do in Lubec Maine guide, and our Puffin Watching at Machias Seal Island guide.
MaineGuide.com has been helping visitors plan their Maine trips since 1995.