Beach and Bog
Ferry Beach State Park is a 117-acre pocket of sand, forest, and wetland tucked between Old Orchard Beach and Camp Ellis in Saco. The park is named for a ferry that once crossed the nearby Saco River, carrying beachgoers to the shore before the roads caught up. What sets Ferry Beach apart from the other beaches along this stretch of coast is what sits behind it: a network of nature trails passing through a rare tupelo swamp, a pitch pine forest, a white birch stand, and a sphagnum bog. The beach is the introduction. The trails behind it are the reason to stay.
The park is small enough to explore in a half day but rich enough in natural variety that birders, botanists, and families with curious kids can spend much longer. It is one of the most ecologically diverse state parks in southern Maine, and most people driving past on Route 9 have no idea it is here.
The Beach
The beach at Ferry Beach is a stretch of white sand facing the open Atlantic. It runs roughly a quarter mile within the park boundaries and extends in both directions beyond them. The sand is fine and clean, the surf is moderate, and the south-facing exposure catches sun from morning through late afternoon.
Swimming is straightforward here. The bottom slopes gradually, making it safe for children. Lifeguards are not on duty, so supervise kids closely. The water temperature follows the typical southern Maine pattern: low 50s in June, upper 50s to low 60s by August. Warmer than Downeast but cooler than Cape Cod.
The dunes between the beach and the parking area are fragile and critical for erosion protection. Stay on the designated boardwalk paths through the dunes. Walking on the dune grass kills the plants that hold the sand in place. The dunes also serve as nesting habitat for piping plovers, a threatened species.
The Tupelo Trail
The park’s most distinctive feature is the Tupelo Trail, a 0.4-mile boardwalk loop through a stand of black gum trees (also called tupelo). This is one of the largest stands of tupelo at this latitude in North America. The trees are more commonly found in the southeastern United States, and their presence here is a botanical rarity.
Visit the Tupelo Trail in October. Black gum trees are among the first to turn in autumn, producing deep scarlet and purple foliage while the surrounding forest is still mostly green. The contrast is striking, and the boardwalk makes it easy to photograph.
The boardwalk is flat, accessible, and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Interpretive signs along the route explain the ecology of the swamp and the unusual presence of the tupelo trees this far north.
The Trail System
Beyond the Tupelo Trail, the park has about 1.7 miles of interconnected trails that loop through several distinct habitats:
- Tupelo Trail (0.4 miles): Boardwalk through the tupelo swamp. Flat and accessible.
- Red Oak Trail: Passes through a mature red oak and white pine forest.
- Greenleaf Trail: Connects the beach area to the interior trails through a mixed woodland.
- Birch Trail: Winds through a stand of white birch.
The trails are mostly flat or gently rolling, with packed dirt and root surfaces. Most sections are barrier-free. The entire trail system can be walked in about an hour, or you can take your time and spend longer examining the plant life and watching birds.
The trail network is excellent for birding, especially during spring and fall migration. Warblers move through the varied habitats in waves during May and September. The bog and swamp edges are productive for wood thrushes and hermit thrushes. Bring binoculars.
Practical Details
Ferry Beach State Park is open from Memorial Day through October, 9 AM to sunset. Entrance fees are $4 for Maine residents and $6 for non-residents. Seniors 65 and older pay $1. Children under 5 are free.
The park has a picnic area with tables and grills, portable restrooms, and a bathhouse with cold-water showers. A small group picnic shelter is available by reservation.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1 through September 30. During the off-season (October through March), dogs are welcome on leash on the trails and beach. The trails are accessible year-round even when the park gate is closed; park on Bayview Road and walk in.
The parking lot is moderate in size. On the hottest summer days, arrive before 10 AM to avoid a full lot.
Getting There
From Portland, take I-95 South to Exit 36 (Saco), then Route 1 to Route 9 East (Ferry Road/Bayview Road). The park entrance is at 95 Bayview Road. The drive is about 25 minutes. From Bangor, take I-95 South to the same exit. About 2.5 hours.
The park sits between Old Orchard Beach and Camp Ellis. If you are staying in the Old Orchard Beach area, it is a 5-minute drive.
When to Go
Spring
Wildflowers on the trails, migrating warblers, quiet beaches. Water too cold for swimming. Trails may be muddy in April.
Summer
Warmest swimming, full facilities open. Beach and picnic areas busy on weekends. Trails stay relatively quiet.
Fall
Tupelo trees turn vivid red and purple in early October. Fall migration birding. Beach is empty and beautiful.
Winter
Park gate closed but trails accessible on foot from Bayview Road. Quiet winter beach walks. Dogs allowed.
Ferry Beach Essentials
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sunscreen
- Water shoes (beach has some rocky sections)
- Binoculars (birding on the trails)
- Camera (tupelo foliage in fall)
- Picnic lunch (tables and grills available)
- Bug spray (near the bog in summer)
- Cash for entrance fee
FAQ
What are tupelo trees?
Tupelo (black gum) trees are deciduous trees more commonly found in the southeastern United States. Ferry Beach State Park contains one of the largest stands of tupelo at this northern latitude, making it a botanical rarity. The trees turn vivid red and purple in early autumn.
Are dogs allowed at Ferry Beach State Park?
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1 through September 30. From October through March, dogs are welcome on leash. The trails are accessible year-round.
How much does Ferry Beach State Park cost?
Entrance fees are $4 for Maine residents and $6 for non-residents. Seniors 65 and older pay $1. Children under 5 are free.
Is Ferry Beach good for swimming?
Yes. The beach has fine sand and a gradual slope. Water temperatures reach the upper 50s to low 60s by August. No lifeguards on duty.
Can you visit Ferry Beach in winter?
The park gate closes after October, but the trails are accessible on foot year-round. Park on Bayview Road and walk in. Winter beach walks are quiet and scenic.