Saco MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Saco, Maine.
1. Cascade Falls Trail
HISTORIC WATERFALL HIKE
Cascade Falls Trail is a historic site in Saco featuring a beautiful waterfall, easy trails, and an old bear cage nestled in the woods. The area includes a wheelchair-accessible Trout Pond Loop surfaced with stone dust that spans 0.25 miles. This short, easy hike is perfect for all ages and especially enjoyable on hot days when visitors can appreciate the scenic falls.
2. Eastern Trail - Saco to Scarborough
FLAT EASY CONNECTOR TRAIL
The Eastern Trail from Saco to Scarborough offers over 8 miles of flat, easy trails connecting multiple communities. This off-road section is suitable for all skill levels and features river views along the route. The trail is popular for hiking, running, and mountain biking activities throughout the year.
3. Atlantic Way Trail
COASTAL FOREST EXPERIENCE
Atlantic Way Trail is a 4.7-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail located near Saco that showcases a great forest setting. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and mountain biking. Access to the trail is available in Kinney Shores on Route 9, making it easily accessible for visitors.
4. Rachel Carson Trail
NATURE CONSERVATION PATH
The Rachel Carson Trail is part of a 4.7-mile network connected to the Atlantic Way Trail near Saco. This trail honors the famous environmentalist and provides hikers with a serene forest experience suitable for all skill levels. Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be kept on a leash as visitors explore this natural conservation area.
5. Saco Heath Preserve
MAINE'S OVERLOOKED GEM
Saco Heath Preserve is a 1,218-acre natural area featuring a self-guided hike along woodland trails to a boardwalk through varied peatland communities. The preserve formed when two adjacent ponds filled with decaying plant material called peat, creating a raised coalesced bog. In spring, the heathland plants bloom, spreading a stunning carpet of lavender, pink, and white across the heath landscape.
6. Ferry Beach State Park
COASTAL NATURE ESCAPE
Ferry Beach State Park offers visitors a coastal hiking experience with trails winding through diverse natural environments. The park features beach access, forest paths, and opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Hikers of all skill levels can enjoy the relatively flat terrain while taking in the scenic beauty of Maine's coastline.
7. East Point Audubon Sanctuary Trail
COASTAL BIRDWATCHING LOOP
East Point Audubon Sanctuary Trail is a 1.5-mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Biddeford that offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The trail features an elevation gain of just 62 feet, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels year-round. Located on Ocean Avenue in Biddeford Pool, this path is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching.
8. Scarborough Marsh Eastern Trail
SCENIC WETLAND WALKWAY
The Scarborough Marsh section of the Eastern Trail offers beautiful views of Maine's largest salt marsh ecosystem. Hikers traverse a dirt walkway and small bridge while enjoying sightings of seagulls, terns, and ducks in their natural habitat. The best access point is the trail parking on Pine Point Road, which provides optimal views of the expansive Scarborough marsh landscape.
9. Saco Bay Trails Network
COMMUNITY-MAINTAINED PATH SYSTEM
Saco Bay Trails is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and maintaining recreational trails throughout the Saco Bay Area. Their trail network offers diverse hiking experiences ranging from easy walks to more challenging terrain. The organization regularly hosts events including bird walks and maintains trails that showcase the natural beauty of the region.
10. Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
PROTECTED COASTAL ECOSYSTEM
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge offers hiking opportunities through protected salt marshes and coastal ecosystems near Saco. Named after the pioneering environmentalist, the refuge is currently undergoing a salt marsh restoration project to enhance the natural habitat. Visitors can explore well-maintained trails while observing diverse wildlife in this significant conservation area.