QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 60 acres
- Trail Mileage: ~2 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Sights: Saco River, old cemetery
If you like jumping off cliffs, this is the park for you. This 60-acre town park borders more than a mile of the Saco River. The river here is deep (~50 feet), and there are several places people like to jump from riverside cliffs. It looks dangerous to me but it must be okay since so many kids do it.
On a hot summer day, this place is busy! But I didn’t run into many people midday during one of my visits mid- week. (Some people have pointed out that this spot attracts partiers and recommended the lovely Indian Cellar Preserve, on the other side of the river, as being more quiet.)
For me, the nicest part of this park was the southern side, where there are several benches and picnic tables by the river, as well as an old cemetery (and no rope swings). The interior paths are less frequently used, so I found them to be overgrown. But I have a high tolerance for scruffy trails! Scruffy or no, they allow you to make a roughly 1.8-mile loop from one end of the park to the other.
Directions: From 202 in Buxton, turn onto Route 117. Soon after turning, you’ll come across an old entrance to the park (it’s been around a long time), but you are not allowed to park alongside the street here. Continue up the 117 another ~0.35 miles, and turn right onto Simpson Road. In 0.3 miles, a large parking lot will be on your right.
The town does not maintain the property well .During the summer it becomes a haven for under aged drinking making it unsuitable for young children. The best time to visit is spring or fall. Indian Cellar does not appear to have the same problems and is well maintained.
That’s too bad! I visited during the week when it was quiet and empty. I can make a note in my write up.
The park needs imaintainance and has become haven for drinking. During the summer you might be better off trying the Indian Cellar preserve. It is better maintained. and more suited to families looking for some outdoor fun.