Ferry Landing Trail
Enjoy a unique walk through a southern-feeling forest on the Ferry Landing Trail. This short loop trail starts and ends on Ferry Road, just a few hundred yards west of Camp Ellis. Keep an eye out for the three large tupelo trees, a rare sight for Maine! The trail winds through a mixed hardwood-softwood forest and offers a peaceful escape. Saco Bay Trails would like to thank everyone who made this trail possible: Ferry Landing developer Diane Doyle for donating the land and funding, the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club for their volunteer work on the path, and the Saco Conservation Commission for their contribution to the resting benches.
Trail Rules
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Trails are open from dawn until dusk.
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Stay on marked trails and respect private property.
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Follow all posted warnings and signs.
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Keep your dog leashed and clean up all pet waste.
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Leave No Trace & pack out all your trash.
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No alcohol or tobacco.
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No camping or campfires.
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No motorized vehicles.
Trail Description
Ferry Landing Trail (0.7 Miles)
This trail starts at the kiosk and follows the dirt road (Commonwealth Avenue) between the Ferry Landing development on the left and a neighboring house on your right. After a short distance (about 250 yards), the trail turns left off the dirt road and continues into the woods.
Shortly after entering the woods, you'll find an extensive boardwalk leading to a junction where the trail splits. Walkers who go right will find themselves on a second boardwalk with a resting bench. From this vantage point, you can see the first tupelo tree standing out amongst the others, about 85 feet away.
After leaving the boardwalk, the trail curves left, offering closer views of the first tupelo. Soon, you'll reach the second of these massive trees. A few steps further is a second resting bench, a perfect spot to relax and admire the third tupelo. The trail then continues, making a sharp left turn before returning to the junction. Follow the trail back to the parking area.
Estimated walking time: 20 minutes (round trip)
Walther Pond Spur
The entrance to this spur is opposite the point where Ferry Landing Trail leaves the woods road. This trail leads hikers down a short path to the edge of a small vernal pool. There are two granite resting benches where walkers can contemplate the pond and its associated wildlife. This land was donated to Saco Bay Trails by sisters Sandra Greenier Chipman and Tamera Devine in honor of their grandmother Ina Walther, who once lived nearby and who enjoyed watching the birds attracted by the water.
Trailhead Information
From Main Street in downtown Saco, take ME Route 9 (Beach Street) 3.8 miles. Look for and turn left into the parking area just past Landing Road (before you cross the salt marsh). Please only park in the available space next to the kiosk. The first part of this dirt road also serves as the neighbor's driveway.