Atlantic Way Trail :
Atlantic Way Trail (0.9 miles) runs from the end of Atlantic Way (a cul-de-sac off Wildwood Drive) through parts of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge to Seaside Avenue. From the Atlantic Way trail head, the trail passes through a pleasant mixed growth of young pine and white and gray birch. It’s not completely unexpected to come across deer or wild turkeys on this trail. Two-thirds of a mile along the trail, you will see a sign for Plymouth Trail, which intersects from the right (south). Continuing on Atlantic Trail, about 0.1 mile, the trail opens into the Goosefare Brook marsh. The trail continues on about another 0.2 mile through the marsh to Seaside Avenue. As you pass through the marsh, keep your eyes open for various species of ducks and an occasional heron. Estimated walking time (round trip): 40 minutes.
Plymouth & Vines Trails:
Before this land was donated to Rachel Carson National Wildlife Sanctuary, these two trails were cut to connect Plymouth Settlement with Atlantic Way. Both trails pass through a pretty, fairly mature forest of hardwoods and evergreens. Both trails are a bit bumpy with roots and dips. Signs on Plymouth Drive and Vines Road mark the entrances to each trail. Walking time from each street to Atlantic Way trail is about 10 minutes.
The Plymouth Trail (0.45 miles) extends from the trail head on Plymouth Drive, connects with Vines Trail and terminates at the Atlantic Way Trail about halfway along its length. About 0.2 mile after starting on the trail you will come across a link trail leading to the right that connects to Vines Trail. Continue on to the left. The trail makes a shallow curve before connecting again with the link trail. Continue straight for 0.1 mile until you connect with the Atlantic Way Trail. Estimated walking time: 15 minutes.
The Vines Trail (0.38 miles) extends from the Vines Road trail head to the short link trail that connects it with the Plymouth Trail. Estimated walking time: 10 minutes.
The trails are built and maintained by volunteers and members of Saco Bay Trails. Please make sure to leave no trace, keep your dog on a lead, and use poop bags. If you do see vandalism or excessive trash, please visit our website below and click on Trail Condition Report to notify us.
In spring, summer, and fall, ticks and other biting insects may be plentiful. Visitors should take precautions to avoid these, especially ticks with possible exposure to Lyme disease.
During deer and waterfowl hunting season, shotgun hunting is allowed in the Rachel Carson Sanctuary, except on Sundays, so it is advised to wear blaze orange.
Visit Saco Bay Trails online for more information, or contact:
Wildwood Drive Trailhead: From Main Street in downtown Saco, take ME Route 9 (Beach Street) 2.4 miles (becomes Ferry Road) and turn left onto Wildwood. Drive 0.6 mile on Wildwood and turn right onto Atlantic Way. You’ll see the trailhead kiosk directly ahead of you. Park on the shoulder.
Seaside Avenue Trailhead: Follow the above directions, but instead of turning on Wildwood, continue straight for another 0.4 mile and turn left on Bayview. Go 0.7 miles and turn left at the stop sign to get back onto ME Route 9 (now Seaside Avenue). Go 0.2 miles and look for the trailhead kiosk and a wide shoulder for parking on your left.
Plymouth Drive Trailhead: From Main Street in downtown Saco, take ME Route 9 (Beach Street) 2.8 miles and turn left onto Bayview Drive. In 0.3 miles, turn left onto Plymouth Drive. Travel 0.4 miles and look for the parking area and trail head kiosk on your left.
Vines Road Trailhead: Follow the directions for Plymouth Drive, but travel for 0.4 mile on Bayview before turning left onto Vines Road. In another 0.2 miles you will see the trail sign on your right. Park on the shoulder of Vines Road.
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