A Pocket of Wildness
The Scarborough River Wildlife Sanctuary is easy to drive past without noticing. A small sign on Route 1 in Scarborough marks the entrance to a gravel parking lot that holds maybe 15 cars. Beyond the lot, a 1.5-mile trail loops through 52 acres of forest, marsh edge, and river frontage that Maine Audubon has protected and maintained as a wildlife sanctuary since 1953.
This is not a destination hike. Nobody drives three hours to walk 1.5 miles of flat trail in suburban Scarborough. But that is not the point. The sanctuary exists as a refuge, for the birds and mammals that live here year-round, for the migrating species that stop over twice a year, and for the people who need a quiet walk in the woods without driving to Acadia to find it.
The trails wind through mature mixed forest, oak, maple, white pine, and hemlock, then emerge at the edge of the Scarborough River salt marsh, one of the largest salt marshes in Maine. From several overlook points, you can see across the marsh to the river, watching the tide fill and drain the channels that crisscross the grass. The transition from forest to marsh is abrupt and beautiful, two completely different worlds meeting at a line of shrubs and tall grass.
The Loop
The main loop trail starts from the parking area and heads south through dense forest. The path is well-maintained, packed earth and wood chips, with a few boardwalk sections over wet areas. The terrain is flat throughout, and the loop takes most people 30 to 45 minutes without stops.
The forest sections are shady and quiet. Old white pines tower overhead, and the understory is thick with ferns, mosses, and shade-tolerant shrubs. In spring, the forest floor erupts with wildflowers, trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, starflower, and various violets. The birding in the canopy is excellent during migration, when warblers, vireos, and thrushes pass through in waves.
The sanctuary is a different place at 6:30am versus 10am. The early morning chorus of birdsong in the forest is intense, the marsh is alive with wading birds, and you will likely have the trails to yourself. Bring coffee in a thermos and binoculars.
About halfway around the loop, the trail reaches the marsh edge. A short spur trail leads to a viewing platform overlooking the salt marsh and the Scarborough River beyond. This is the prime birding spot, scan the marsh for great blue herons, snowy egrets, and glossy ibis in summer, and for northern harriers and short-eared owls in migration.
The Marsh
The Scarborough Marsh is the largest salt marsh in Maine, covering over 3,000 acres at the mouths of the Dunstan, Libby, and Scarborough rivers. The wildlife sanctuary protects a small but important section of the marsh edge, providing buffer habitat between the upland forest and the open marsh.
Salt marshes are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth. The grasses filter water, absorb storm surge, and provide nursery habitat for fish, crabs, and shellfish. The birds that depend on these marshes, saltmarsh sparrows, seaside sparrows, clapper rails, are among the most threatened species in the Northeast, and sanctuaries like this one help maintain the habitat they need.
Dogs are not allowed at the Scarborough River Wildlife Sanctuary. The property is a Maine Audubon wildlife sanctuary, and dogs disturb the birds and other wildlife the sanctuary was created to protect.
When to Go
Spring
Warbler migration in May is outstanding in the forest canopy. Wildflowers on the forest floor. Wading birds return to the marsh.
Summer
Nesting season. Wading birds active in the marsh. Mosquitoes can be heavy near the forest-marsh edge. Visit early morning.
Fall
Fall migration in September brings hawks, shorebirds, and songbirds. Marsh grasses turn golden. Fewer insects.
Winter
Wintering raptors patrol the marsh. Waterfowl in the river. The forest is quiet and open through leafless hardwoods.
Pair this with a paddle at the nearby Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, which offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the marsh from the water. The two experiences complement each other perfectly, the sanctuary gives you the land view, the paddle gives you the water view of the same ecosystem.
What to Bring
Scarborough River Wildlife Sanctuary Packing List
- Binoculars (this is a birding sanctuary, essential)
- Bird identification guide or app
- Bug spray (summer, the marsh edge breeds mosquitoes)
- Comfortable walking shoes (flat, easy terrain)
- Camera
- Water
FAQ
Is the Scarborough River Wildlife Sanctuary free?
Yes. The sanctuary is free and open to the public year-round, dawn to dusk. No fees or reservations required.
Are dogs allowed at the Scarborough River Wildlife Sanctuary?
No. Dogs are not permitted. This is a wildlife sanctuary managed by Maine Audubon, and dogs disturb the birds and other animals the sanctuary protects.
How long is the trail at Scarborough River Wildlife Sanctuary?
The main loop is about 1.5 miles and takes 30 to 45 minutes. With birding stops at the marsh overlook, plan for an hour.
What birds can you see at the Scarborough River Wildlife Sanctuary?
The forest supports migrating warblers and year-round residents like chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers. The marsh edge attracts great blue herons, snowy egrets, glossy ibis, and various shorebirds. Raptors including northern harriers hunt over the marsh.
