Mary Merrill Trail
The Ecology School partnered with Saco Bay Trails to create the “Mary Merrill Trail” on their grounds at Riverbend Farm. This trail offers visitors a short hike (0.4 miles one way) through a wooded path along Stackpole Creek. The trail has three short bridges and ends with a scenic view of the Saco River.
Saco Bay Trails completed Mary Merrill Trail in October 2021. Many thanks go to The Ecology School, Saco Parks & Recreation, and the Saco Conservation Commission for their partnership in its project.
Trail Rules
Mary Merrill Trail
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Trails are open from dawn until dusk.
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Stay on marked trails and respect private property.
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Follow all posted warnings and signs.
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Keep your dog leashed and clean up all pet waste.
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Leave No Trace & pack out all your trash.
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No water access is available from this trail.
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No alcohol, camping, or campfires.
Public access is courtesy of The Ecology School. Please respect the posted trail rules and do not trespass on school property.
Trail Description
Trail Map
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Marry Merrill Trail (0.4 miles)
The trail leaves the kiosk and heads to the northeast along a mowed path and the edge of the field past a small pond. The trail continues along the fence line and crosses the Ecology School driveway (please be careful of cars) before continuing through the field along the fence line and down the hill.
A short connector trail departs to the left at 0.2 miles and crosses the Simpson road to the Stone Bridge Trail. From this intersection, the Mary Merrill trail continues to the right along the edge of the field and at 0.23 miles, turns left and enters the woods. Once in the woods, the trail follows a series of blue blazes winding along the tops of several small ravines and crossing three short bridges.
Shortly after the third bridge, the trail takes a sharp left turn, crosses the site of an old stone wall, and follows the edge of the ravine above the stream. The trail along this section has great views of Stackpole Creek, and just before leaving the woods, it passes through a small area with Eastern Ironwood trees, also known as American Hornbeam.
At 0.39 miles, the trail reenters the fields and proceeds to the left along the edge of the field. The trail ends at a bluff with a bench and views of the Saco River.
From the terminus, retrace your steps to return to the parking lot. Please stay on the marked trails at all times.
Other Trail Options
Mary Merrill Trail users can connect to the extensive trail network of Horton Woods via the Stone Bridge Trail for a longer adventure. From the Mary Merrill Trail's scenic river overlook, it's roughly a 1.9-mile one-way hike (approximately one hour) to the Horton Woods parking lot on Route 112.
Please Visit the Horton Woods Trail page for the Horton Woods and Stonebridge Trail rules.
Trailhead Information
From Main Street in Saco travel west on North Street (which is ME-112 and becomes Buxton Road). After 4.9 miles, turn left onto Simpson Road and follow for 1.7 miles to the Ecology School driveway at 184 Simpson Road. Turn left into the driveway. Part way down the driveway you will see the Ecology School's welcome sign, with a smaller sign below directing trail users to turn right and follow the side road to the dirt parking lot and the trailhead kiosk.
There are six parking spots adjacent to the kiosk designated for this trail. If the six spots are full, please visit another day or visit one of our other trails. There is no parking available along Simpson Road.