Ted Wells Memorial Trail
This trail is one of many blazed by the late Ted Wells, a longtime resident of Ocean Park. He was an extraordinary naturalist, teacher, and musician who saw the importance of the salt marsh ecosystem and worked to preserve it. Ted originally named this trail the White Dot Trail for how it was marked with white blazes. When Saco Bay Trails rebuilt this trail in 2002-04 it was renamed in Ted's honor.
In 2017, Saco Bay Trails dismantled the old wooden boardwalk due to its deterioration. The trail was rerouted in 2020 and now leads to a new overlook of the salt marsh at Goosefare Brook. There are plans to add a bench or viewing platform to the new overlook in the future.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Saco Bay Trails cooperatively manage the trails that traverse the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge Goosefare Brook Division. The trails are built and maintained by volunteers and members of Saco Bay Trails.
Trail Rules
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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 alcohol or tobacco.
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No camping or campfires.
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No motorized vehicles.
Trail Description
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Ted Wells Memorial Trail (0.4 miles)
Starting point: The trail starts on the property of the Oceanwood Camp. Park in front of the camp office. Walk to the right of the main building and locate the swimming pool in the back. The trailhead kiosk is to the left of the pool, at the edge of the woods.
Trail description: The trail, marked with white blazes, begins with several bog bridges as it enters the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. It then turns right through a forest of white pines and red maples. You'll pass a few informal paths before the trail turns left towards Goosefare Brook. The landscape transitions to an area of mixed shrubs, pitch pines, and ferns as it again crosses several bog bridges and culminates in a marsh overlook, almost directly across from the Branch Brook Loop overlook.
Estimated walking time (round trip): 25 minutes.
Return along the same path.
This trail is great for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Trailhead Information
Ted Wells Memorial Trailhead:
From downtown Saco, go north on US-1 and then right onto ME-5 (Ocean Park Road). Pass through the "Halfway Intersection" in Old Orchard Beach and continue on Temple Avenue toward Ocean Park. Cross the railroad tracks and turn right on Royal Street. Drive to the end where you will find parking on the left in front of the Oceanwood Camp office.
Walk to the right of the camps main building and look for the trailhead kiosk that is to the left of the pool at the edge of the woods.