Saco Heath Preserve
Trail Name: Saco Heath Preserve
Location: Saco, Maine
Distance: 2.2 miles (out and back)
Elevation gain: 0 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Not Allowed
I came across the Saco Heath Preserve on a random November afternoon when I really needed a mental health break. Since that day, it has become my go-to trail for serenity in Southern Maine. It is such a unique preserve that all locals and seasonal visitors should see for themselves if they haven’t already.
The heath is open from sunrise to sunset, and is accessible through a wooded trail that eventually turns into a boardwalk. At the end of the boardwalk, there is a short loop trail through the woods. One of my favorite things to do is pack a lunch and have a small picnic on the benches in the middle of the preserve (about ¾ of a mile in). This trail is also great for nature watching and running (for those that are so inclined).
There are a few things to keep in mind with this trail. While I do find it to be very family friendly, the boardwalk is very narrow, which makes it hard to walk side by side with someone and may also not work well for large strollers. Dogs are also not allowed on this trail.
My favorite time to visit the preserve is in the Spring, when the plants are all blooming and the preserve is full of purples, whites, and pinks. A huge bonus of coming here during the summer months is the fact that there are no mosquitos, because the water is too acidic for mosquito larvae to survive in. All of that being said, the preserve is gorgeous year-round and needs to be on your Maine bucket list if it isn’t already!
You can view a map of the preserve by clicking here
