The Trout Pond Loop is a gently sloping trail (0.25 mile loop) surfaced with stone dust that allows easy access for wheelchairs, elderly and children. As you leave the parking lot, you’ll see the start of the trail just to the right of the kiosk. You will quickly come to a point where you’ll need to turn left or right. This description assumes the left turn. The trail slopes gently through a mixed pine and hardwood forest and turns to the right along the Cascade Brook. In the warmer months, you can find a variety of forest wildflowers, mosses and ferns along the sides.
Eventually, the trail turns away from the brook and follows a rise to an open area. From here you can follow the trail back to the trail head or turn to the left where there is a steep trail to the base of the falls. This is marked with FALLS sign. The trail to the base is unimproved and quite steep so take care. When you reach the bottom, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the falls. If you visit in the summer or fall, you can easily cross the brook to the other side. You’ll notice the large amount of slate here which at one time was mined. This area masqueraded as the Alaskan Yukon to film an old silent movie back in the 1930’s. Once on the other side, you’ll find a trail that leads up to the top of the falls. Along the way you’ll see a nice bank on the left filled with Lady Slippers (in June) and an old cage which during the 1950’s featured a bear for the amusement of tourists. Continuing up, you can turn to the left and follow the trail across an old dam that was built many years ago to create the Trout Pond. If you continue on this trail through the pines you will find yourself standing at the top of the falls.
The trails are built and maintained by volunteers and members of Saco Bay Trails. This trail system is a work in progress. Because of the location and popularity of this site, trash and vandalism are constant problems. Please make sure to “leave no trace” and to keep your dog on a lead. In addition please use poop bags. If you do see vandalism or excessive trash, please use the Trail Manager contact information below and visit our website and click on Trail Condition Report to notify us. Thank you for helping us keep this trail clean.
In spring, summer, and fall, ticks and other biting insects may be plentiful. Visitors should take precautions to avoid these, especially ticks and possible exposure to Lyme disease.
Visit Saco Bay Trails online for more information or contact:
From downtown Saco, take US Route 1 north to Cascade Road (ME Route 98). Take a right onto Cascade Road; go about 0.25 mile and turn left into the parking lot.
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