QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 100 acres
- Trail Mileage: ~3 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy
- Sights: forest, marsh, stream, bog and fields
There’s a lot of trails and miles of walking (more than three, without counting backtracking) at Horton Woods, which encompasses a bit of the Saco River tributary — the Stackpole Brook — and a small marsh.
You can also cross Simpson Road and continue along the brook to a wonderful view of the Saco River. The Ecology School’s Mary Merrill Trail is quite short, about a half mile, so it’s nice to connect to the longer Horton Woods trail system.
At Horton Woods, the walking along the main path that leaves from the main parking area, off Route 112, is fairly easy, as the trail is broad and flat. There are some roots and wet areas, however, and some of the side trails are a bit rougher.
Perhaps the prettiest spot in the 100-acre preserve is close to the trailhead off of Buxton Road, where you get a good view of the marsh. For more info, check out Saco Bay Trails.
Directions: From Main Street in Saco travel west on North Street toward Buxton. A traffic light about one mile from Main Street marks the beginning of Buxton Road (Route 112). Travel five miles on Buxton Road. The parking area for Horton Woods is on the left, about one half mile from the power line that crosses Buxton Road. You’ll pull into a drive next to a cluster of mailboxes. The entrance to the large parking area will be immediately on your right.
Check out more info and photos from Horton Woods at Carefree Creative, a Maine-based web company that has helped us with our website!
