Through Maine’s Largest Salt Marsh
The Eastern Trail through Scarborough Marsh is one of the finest rail trail sections in Maine. The off-road segment offers over 8 miles of flat, easy trail connecting Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach, and Saco, passing through the heart of Scarborough Marsh, a 3,100-acre salt marsh that is the largest in Maine.
The marsh is a tidal ecosystem fed by the Nonesuch, Libby, and Dunstan rivers. Twice a day, the tide fills and drains the marsh, supporting a rich community of birds, fish, and marine life. The trail runs on a raised bed through the marsh, giving you an elevated view across waving salt hay grass, tidal channels, and open sky.
The Eastern Trail itself is a much larger project, a 65-mile route from South Portland to Kittery that will eventually provide continuous off-road access along much of southern Maine’s coast. The Scarborough Marsh section is the crown jewel of the completed portions, and in 2024 the trail was inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
The Trail
The most popular access point for the marsh section is the parking lot on Route 9 (Pine Point Road) in Scarborough. From here, the trail heads south through the marsh toward Saco. The surface is a mix of paved asphalt and crushed stone, flat and accessible for walking, running, biking, inline skating, and wheelchairs.
The marsh crossing is the highlight. For about a mile, the trail is surrounded by nothing but salt marsh and sky. Great blue herons stand in the channels. Ospreys hunt from above. In fall, the marsh grass turns gold and the light is extraordinary.
South of the marsh, the trail continues through wooded sections and connects to Saco. North of the marsh, the trail extends through Scarborough toward South Portland.
Scarborough Marsh is one of the best birding sites in southern Maine. The Eastern Trail gives you access to the interior of the marsh without needing a kayak. Spring and fall migration bring warblers, shorebirds, and raptors. Summer residents include glossy ibis, snowy egrets, and saltmarsh sparrows. Bring binoculars and a field guide.
Kayaking the Marsh
While the Eastern Trail gives you a land-based view, paddling the tidal channels offers a different perspective entirely. The Maine Audubon Scarborough Marsh Nature Center, located on Route 9, rents canoes and kayaks for self-guided paddles through the marsh. Guided nature tours are also available in summer.
Paddle at high tide for the most water access. At low tide, many channels drain to mud and paddling becomes difficult.
The best photography light on the marsh is in the two hours before sunset, when the low-angle sun turns the salt hay grass golden and the tidal channels reflect the sky. Fall is the peak season for this effect, and the combination of golden grass, blue water, and coastal light is hard to beat anywhere in Maine.
When to Go
Spring
Migrating birds return. Marsh greens up. Trail is dry when dirt paths are still muddy.
Summer
Full marsh ecosystem in action. Kayak rentals open. Can be hot and exposed with no shade. Bring water.
Fall
Golden marsh grass, fall migration, extraordinary light. The signature season for photography.
Winter
Quiet and spare. Overwintering raptors, including rough-legged hawks and short-eared owls. Trail is walkable.
FAQ
Is the Eastern Trail through Scarborough Marsh paved?
It is a mix of paved asphalt and crushed stone. The surface is flat and accessible for walking, biking, strollers, and wheelchairs.
How long is the Scarborough Marsh section?
The off-road section of the Eastern Trail from Scarborough through the marsh to Saco is over 8 miles. You can walk or bike as much or as little as you want and turn back. The marsh crossing itself is about 1 to 2 miles.
Can I kayak in Scarborough Marsh?
Yes. The Maine Audubon Nature Center on Route 9 rents canoes and kayaks for self-guided paddles. Paddle at high tide for the best access. Guided tours are available in summer.
Is there a fee?
No fee for the Eastern Trail itself. Parking at the Route 9 and Route 207 access points is free. Kayak rentals at the Audubon center have separate fees.
What birds can I see?
Great blue herons, ospreys, glossy ibis, snowy egrets, saltmarsh sparrows, and a wide variety of shorebirds and raptors depending on the season. Spring and fall migration bring the greatest diversity.
