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Smelt Brook Preserve

5 ★★★★★ 5 Google reviews · Running trail in York, Maine · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Smelt Brook Preserve yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicDog-friendlyTrailhead parking

What runners say about Smelt Brook Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (5 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“Beautiful place, so peaceful and the gorgeous view of the York River”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“Trail is easy to follow and well marked.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Peaceful, easy loop that's appropriate for all ages.”

Beautiful trail system located across from Highland Farm Preserve. Much less foot traffic than Highland Farm. Peaceful, easy loop that's appropriate for all ages. Can be extremely icy during the winter months.

★★★★★ — Zach , Feb 2020

Really pretty and easy walk around the marshes. Trail is easy to follow and well marked. The only concerns would be it can be root heavy in places. It also gets waterlogged after it rains and will therefore be biting bugs heaven

★★★★★ — Niles , Jun 2021

Lovely woods and floodplain habitat with loops. Spectacular sunsets over the York river. Park at the Highland preserve.

★★★★★ — Justin , Feb 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 5 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 4 mentions

“Beautiful place, so peaceful and the gorgeous view of the York River”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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🐕 Dog-friendly

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Plan your run at Smelt Brook Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Trail mapOfficial trail map
  • Websiteyorklandtrust.org
  • Phone+1 207-363-7400
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Smelt Brook Preserve

31280_215, #069, York, ME 03909

Get directions

Running trails near York

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Highland Farm Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 61 reviews

York, ME

Natural surfaceShadedScenicDog-friendly

Well-marked network of hiking paths past old graveyards, many with maps.

under a mile away

Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region

4.8 ★★★★★ 912 reviews

York, ME

ScenicDog-friendly

Stunning eco-destination known for its expansive, panoramic views, dense landscape & hiking trails.

3.8 miles away

Kittery Town Forest

4.3 ★★★★☆ 17 reviews

Kittery, ME

Dog-friendly

4.1 miles away

Remick Preserve - Kittery Land Trust

3.3 ★★★☆☆ 3 reviews

Kittery, ME

4.3 miles away

Fisherman's Walk

4.7 ★★★★★ 179 reviews

York, ME

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Scenic walking trail along a harbor, past homes, and under a bridge.

4.5 miles away

Hartley Mason Reserve York ME

4.7 ★★★★★ 166 reviews

York, ME

40 miScenic

Hillside park overlooking a beach, featuring lawns and a cliff walk.

4.8 miles away

All running trails in York, ME →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.