Eastern Trail Saco Scarborough
A scenic, flat gravel trail winding through marshes and woods, perfect for walking, biking, and wildlife observation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Eastern Trail Saco Scarborough
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic, flat gravel trail winding through marshes and woods, perfect for walking, biking, and wildlife observation.
"Beautiful scenery with lots of birds and flowers. Trail passes through salt marsh and wooded areas."
Gravel Path Comfort
Opt for a hybrid or mountain bike; road bikes may be challenging on the gravel. 🚲
Dress for the Wind
The marsh sections are exposed. Bring layers, especially in cooler months. ☁️
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 198 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Address
Website
easterntrail.orgHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scarborough Marsh Views
Southern sections of the trail
Stunning salt marsh scenery teeming with diverse birdlife and occasional seals. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Wooded Serenity
Sections north of Pine Point Road
Enjoy peaceful walks and bike rides through shaded wooded areas, offering a tranquil escape from the coast.
Wildlife Spotting
Throughout the trail
Keep an eye out for a multitude of birds, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a seal! Bring binoculars.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Surface & Bike Choice
Weather Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Gravel Path Comfort
Opt for a hybrid or mountain bike; road bikes may be challenging on the gravel. 🚲
Dress for the Wind
The marsh sections are exposed. Bring layers, especially in cooler months. ☁️
Long Running Trails?
Looking for long (7 plus miles) rather flat trails/favorite running routes near and around Portland (please exclude Back Cove, Eastern Prom). Willing to drive to surrounding areas for views!
New to Portland; Trying to Plan a Good Cycling Route. Need a Local's Advice!
hey guys i know portland has been lauded as having great biking! and i think thats mostly true, but its not great for people who are new here because sometimes bike lanes just disappear. it was brought to my attention, that most places where it disappears, its because it has…
Dog-Friendly Fun
Leash your furry friends and enjoy the trail together! 🐕
Birdwatcher's Paradise
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for incredible bird and wildlife photography. :camerawithflash:
Construction begins to close 1.6 mile gap on Eastern Trail between SoPo & Scarborough
This is awesome! Really hope they start construction on connecting the Biddo/Saco Gap soon too. You'll be able to go all the way from Kennebunk to Portland once completed and eventually all the way to the New Hampshire border.
Tips
from all over the internet
Gravel Path Comfort
Opt for a hybrid or mountain bike; road bikes may be challenging on the gravel. 🚲
Dress for the Wind
The marsh sections are exposed. Bring layers, especially in cooler months. ☁️
Dog-Friendly Fun
Leash your furry friends and enjoy the trail together! 🐕
Birdwatcher's Paradise
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for incredible bird and wildlife photography. :camerawithflash:
Trailhead Variety
Multiple access points, including Pine Point Rd, offer different starting points and experiences. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Eastern Trail's beautiful scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and abundant wildlife, especially birds. It's praised as a well-maintained, flat, and dog-friendly path ideal for casual walks and bike rides. Some note the trail can get windy and the gravel surface may challenge road bikes.
"Beautiful views! It's incredibly peaceful and calm here (at least on the Scarborough Marsh / Audubon side where these pics were taken.. it's a very long trail.) There are typically other people and a lot of bicyclists that travel this part of the trail though, so it's not the best spot if you're looking for some alone time with mother nature. Enjoy the scenery; it's worth visiting!"
Amber H.
"Beautiful scenery with lots of birds and flowers. Trail passes through salt marsh and wooded areas. It used to be a rail bed, so it is nice and level. You can even bring your dog, just keep them on a leash"
ERIC Schlussel
"Great trail for casual easy-going walks. Flat straight gravel path with no hills to climb and dog-friendly. Plenty of birds and stunning views of the marshes. From the Pine Point Rd. trailhead you can either head North into Scarborough or South (across the street from the parking lot) where the trail continues for miles and miles. Either way is awesome! Can get very windy and cold if you choose to go North through the marsh in the spring/winter/fall as it's wide open so bring warm clothes."
Chris Slesarchik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Eastern Trail has multiple access points. A popular trailhead is at Pine Point Road in Scarborough, which offers parking. You can also access it from various points along its extensive length.
Yes, there are designated parking areas at several trailheads, including the one on Pine Point Road. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
While direct public transport to specific trailheads might be limited, you can explore local bus routes that get you close to the Scarborough area, followed by a short walk or bike ride to an access point. Check local transit schedules for options.
The trail is a former railbed, meaning it's generally flat and level, making it quite accessible for wheelchairs and strollers in many sections.
The Eastern Trail is a very long trail, stretching for many miles. The Scarborough section alone offers extensive opportunities for exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Eastern Trail is a public access trail and does not require any tickets or admission fees. Enjoy your visit for free!
The trail is open year-round from dawn until dusk. There are no specific operating hours, allowing for flexible visits.
Generally, no permits are required for casual walking, biking, or dog walking. However, always check local regulations if you plan on organizing larger events or activities.
There is no entrance fee to access and use the Eastern Trail. It's a free public resource for recreation.
The Eastern Trail is a public space, and reservations are not necessary or possible for individual use. Enjoy it on a first-come, first-served basis.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Eastern Trail is primarily a flat, gravel path, as it was built on a former railbed. This makes it easy for walking and biking.
Yes, it's excellent for cycling, especially for casual rides. However, road bikes might find the gravel surface challenging; hybrid or mountain bikes are recommended.
You can see a wide variety of birds, especially in the marsh areas. Some visitors have also reported seeing seals.
Absolutely! The Eastern Trail is dog-friendly, but please ensure your dog is kept on a leash at all times.
Restroom availability can vary by trailhead. It's advisable to check specific trailhead amenities or plan accordingly before your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The Scarborough Marsh sections offer stunning views of salt marshes, diverse birdlife, and coastal landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset.
A camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended for capturing wildlife, particularly birds. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots of the marsh.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) provide beautiful lighting for photography, highlighting the marsh scenery and wildlife.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits, so it's best to check with local authorities if you plan professional shoots.
Birdwatching enthusiasts and nature photographers flock here for the abundant avian species. The unique marsh ecosystem and coastal views are also popular subjects.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit