Atlantic Way, Plymouth and Vines Trails
These trails lead walkers into the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge from two subdivisions that surround the refuge marshland. This area is in the eastern part of Saco, near the shore.
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.