OUR TRAILS
Our network of trails covers over 670 acres of fields, forest, and marshland with 11+ miles of trails, more than a dozen bridges that cross 5 different brooks & streams, beautiful views of the Saco River, a 20’ horsetail waterfall, a prehistoric landslide site, old-growth & rare trees, and an old slate quarry. These trails are all maintained by volunteers, there is something for everyone!
Saco Bay Trails cooperatively managed these trails with private landowners, community and commercial organizations, and government agencies. Please be a responsible trail user. Make sure to keep your dog on a lead, pack out all pet waste, and follow Leave No Trace practices as outlined by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
Horton Woods
This 100-acre wildlife preserve has a network of trails that cross diverse ecological habitats including upland softwood & hardwood forest, marsh, stream, vernal pools, bog, and evidence of a pre-historic landslide.
Wildwood & Branch Brook Loop
These trails connect two Saco neighborhoods and lead walkers into the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. The area contains over 300 acres of saltmarsh habitat along with a forest of white pines, birch, and maples, and spectacular views of the Goosefare Brook Marsh.
Atlantic Way, Plymouth & Vines Trails
These trails lead walkers into the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge from two subdivisions that surround the refuge marshland. This area is in the eastern part of Saco, near the shore.
Middle Goosefare Trails
This area, which lies within a few feet of US Route 1, is beautiful, surprisingly quiet, and has a wide variety of land types including hardwood and softwood with Goosefare Brook running through the property.
Mary Merrill Trail
This short trail on the grounds of The Ecology School leads to a scenic overlook with a beautiful view of the Saco River. Trail users can link this trail to the trail network of Horton Woods via the Stone Bridge Trail to create a longer hike.
Ferry Landing Trail
This loop trail starts and ends on Ferry Road a few hundred yards west of Camp Ellis and features three large tupelo trees of the type normally found in southern climates. The trail passes through a mixed hardwood-softwood forest.
Sylvan Trail
The Sylvan trail is a mostly wooded loop with sections along fields, situated on privately owned land. The trail winds through mixed hardwood and softwood, old logging roads, and mowed farm fields.
Cascade Falls
This historic area has been popular since the late 1800’s for picnicking, fishing, hiking and viewing the falls. The Trout Pond Loop is a gently sloping trail surfaced with stone dust that allows easy access for wheelchairs, elderly and children.
Ted Wells Memorial Trail
This trail leads through a forest of white pines, red maples, and cinnamon ferns and transitions through an area of mixed shrubs and pitch pines, ending at an overlook of the salt marsh at Goosefare Brook.
