Celebrating the Rich Natural Legacy of Saco

Mary Merrill Trail

The Mary Merrill Trail is a lovely walk, about half a mile long, on the grounds of the Ecology School. The trail follows the north bank of Stackpole Creek, goes through hay fields, wildflower gardens, and hardwood forests, passes a milkweed pond and historic stone bridge, and leads to a stunning overlook on the Saco River. It is named after the late Mary Merrill, a pioneering Saco conservationist and former owner of this property. The neighboring Horton Woods is accessed by a trail connector that begins at the stone bridge on Simpson Road. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset, and pets are allowed but must remain on a leash. Parking is available at the Ecology School at 184 Simpson Road. Turn into the driveway and then turn right to the trail parking lot. No parking is allowed on Simpson Road.

Foss Road Sports Complex

Designed for enthusiasts of outdoor sports, this locale delights in all seasons. Large fields are groomed for a variety of after-school competitions organized by Saco Parks & Recreation. Summer team sports programs also are offered. Sandy Brook Trail, Bass Pond Trail and Wood Trail Loop entice joggers in summer and snowshoers in winter. Walking a dog along any of these forested trails is a pleasure. However, dogs are not permitted on the sports fields. A covered picnic area is for gatherings of friends and family. Catch-and-release is available at Bass Pond, which features a dock for fishing with a freshwater permit. Swimming is not permitted. In the winter, trails are groomed for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. An ice-skating rink and sledding hill also are open for public use, weather permitting. Free winter equipment loans are available by contacting  Parks & Recreation . 

Saco Heath Trail

Journey through a raised peat bog that stretches for hundreds of acres. This heath is truly a sight to behold. The half-mile boardwalk offers easy access to an  unusual landscape  of plants and trees that flourish in this nutrient-poor soil. Access the boardwalk through a woodland trail that begins at the parking lot off Route 112. Pets are not permitted. Learn more about the ecology of the Heath from Saco Middle School students’  StoryMap .

Atlantic Way Trail

Here’s a neighborhood trail designed for all types. Put your dog on a leash and go for a walk from Atlantic Way to Seaside Ave, it’s just under one mile. Don’t be surprised if a mountain biker is also enjoying the trail. Begin in a pine and birch forest and end with views of the Goosefare Brook Marsh, which is part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. Parking along the shoulder of the road is available at the end of the Atlantic Way cul-de-sac off Wildwood Drive, and along the shoulder of Seaside Ave at the eastern point of the trail. Explore a linked set of paths via Plymouth and Vines Trails. Each is less than a half-mile with a direct spur from the Atlantic Way Trail. If you’re curious about the trail’s ecosystem, check out a  StoryMap  from Saco Middle School students.

Cascade Waterfall Trail

A 20-foot horsetail waterfall awaits visitors to this 14-acre site. Upon entering from the parking lot off Cascade Road, follow the trail and bear left at the fork. Traverse Cascade Brook as you wander through the forest of pines and hardwoods, where ferns and wildflowers abound in warm weather. Use caution when viewing the waterfall at this elevated spot. Another steep trail leads to the base of the waterfall. Dogs must be leashed at all times. 

Front Street Park & Riverwalk

Saco’s half-mile river walk begins at Front Street Park just off Pepperell Square in downtown. Bear left to the steps leading to a boardwalk adjacent to a 49-foot waterfall at the Cataract Dam where the river narrows across from Saco Island. A splendid view down river is found at the overlook point. The walk continues past a public boat launch and along the riparian shoreline that includes a gazebo overlooking a cozy cove. Parking for vehicles with boat trailers is directly across from the boat launch. Begin a kayak trip to explore the upper section of the estuary from this spot. When smallmouth bass are biting, the public dock and adjacent shoreline are great spots to cast a line. Swimming and diving are not permitted. Picnic tables and benches are nearby.

Eastern Trail

Enjoy biking or walking a portion of this seven-mile trail through the woods, past Goosefare Brook and continuing northeast to the scenic Scarborough Marsh. Park at the nearby grocery store plaza. Bikes are for rent at the corner of Woodman Ave and Route One, close to the trail’s entrance. Watch for caution signs at five road intersections along the wooded trail. Additional trailheads with street parking are located at Mill Brook Road and Thornton Academy at Clark Street.  The Eastern Trail  is a multi-use greenway spanning portions of Southern Maine east of the Turnpike.