Middle Goosefare Trail
This area consists of two sections of land north of downtown Saco on Route 1, owned by the Saco Valley Land Trust. Steeped in history, this land was once part of the holdings of the Pepperell family, prominent Saco residents who sided with the British during the Revolutionary War. After the war, the land was acquired by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and sold to Isaac Scammon in the late 1790s. Scammon and his family established a homestead nearby on the Portland Road. The property changed hands many times over the years, becoming home to the Brandt family in 1935.
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
Middle Goosefare Trail (0.2 Miles)
This trail leaves the parking area between the John Andrews Memorial Bridge and the Wagon Wheel Motel. From the kiosk, a grassy trail descends gently towards the brook. After about 300 feet, the trail forks. Left is a short dead-end spur that leads to the site of the old dam and offers views of the brook and marsh area. The right fork follows the edge of the marsh across a series of switchbacks and bog bridges. At roughly a quarter mile, you'll cross Philips Stream. The trail then climbs a moderate slope to the Goosefare Brook Picnic Area, a nice grove on a high knoll overlooking the brook, offering a peaceful spot for a picnic lunch.
Estimated walking time: 5-10 minutes (one way)
Old Camp Loop (0.3 Miles)
The Old Camp Loop starts from the parking location and trailhead kiosk at the Big Apple CITGO. Enter the woods traveling northwest. The trail is well marked with white blazes and the path is obvious. After a short distance (130 feet) the trail comes to a “T” from which you can walk the loop either clockwise or counterclockwise. At the far end of the loop, remnants of a cabin built in the early 1900s by Anton Hahn, a local Saco butcher, are still visible. Look closely for the base of the camp's fireplace on the inner side of the trail loop.
Also, off the backside of the Old Camp loop, a short spur trail leads to a memorial bench for Max Brandt. Take a moment to rest on the bench and enjoy the view, a favorite spot of Max's.
Estimated walking time: 10 minutes (one way)
Sweetser Link (0.4 Miles)
If you're looking to extend your hike beyond the Old Camp Loop, the Sweetser Link Trail will take you to the scenic Goosefare Brook Picnic Area. Keep an eye out for the trail branching off the Old Camp Loop approximately halfway from the T intersection near the site of the old cabin. Look for signs pointing the way.
While less frequented, the Sweetser Link is well-marked with white blazes. The trail heads south and descends for about 200 feet before following the bank of Philips Spring Brook. Cross the brook via a wooden bridge and take a peek downstream to see Anton Hahn's long cement dam, a remnant of the past.
The trail then proceeds over bog bridges before climbing moderately up a ravine. Once at the top, the trail turns left and traverses a bluff with views of the brook below. Remember to respect private property by staying on the marked trail as it crosses the property of the Sweetser School between the two Saco Valley Land Trust Parcels. The trail will end at the Goosefare Brook Picnic Area, a nice grove on a high knoll overlooking the brook, offering a peaceful spot for a picnic lunch.
Estimated walking time: 10 minutes (one way)
Trailhead Information
From Main Street in Saco, follow US Route 1 North for 2 miles.
Middle Goosefare First: This trailhead is located between the John Andrews Memorial Bridge and the Wagon Wheel Motel. The trail begins at the kiosk.
Old Camp Loop Trailhead: Just up the road on the left is the Big Apple Citgo station. There's limited parking available, so try to park considerately. Look for the grassy area to the right of the station. The trailhead is at the edge of the woods and features a Saco Valley Land Trust sign and a Saco Bay Trails kiosk.