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The Eastern Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 200 Google reviews · Running trail in Saco, Maine · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from The Eastern Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
Flat, graveled former rail track with scenic views of the Scarborough Marsh, a wildlife refuge known for birds.
What runners say about The Eastern Trail
“The Eastern Trail is a well-maintained trail that makes for a good walk/bike/ski and offers beautiful views of the marsh and its wildlife.”
“We come here very often because it's so beautiful and it's right on the beach we can spend hours walking the trail and just enjoying the view.”
“A great place to go for a walk,run or bike ride in the summer.”
Looking for a get away or just doing a little bird watching this trail will take you there. Bring a camera and some bug spray. This trail takes you near the flats.
Great trail for casual easy-going walks. Flat straight gravel path with no hills to climb and dog-friendly. Plenty of birds and stunning views of the marshes. From the Pine Point Rd.
This is a great trail for kids, as there are many sections without any road riding at all. It is flat and wide. The section through Scarborough goes through a marsh which had great bird watching. The section into South Portland is congested and not as nice as the Saco-Scarborough section.
The Eastern Trail is practically in our backyard and we regularly use it for walking and bike riding. The busiest part is along the Scarborough Marsh but if you continue South towards Saco becomes quieter and more woodsy. There isn't a section of the Eastern trail that we don't love.
Trail conditions & character
“We come here very often because it's so beautiful and it's right on the beach we can spend hours walking the trail and just enjoying the view.”
“Flat straight gravel path with no hills to climb and dog-friendly.”
“Flat straight gravel path with no hills to climb and dog-friendly.”
“trailhead you can either head North into Scarborough or South (across the street from the parking lot) where the trail continues for miles and miles.”
Plan your run at The Eastern Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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
- Websiteeasterntrail.org
- Phone(207) 284-9260
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Saco
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Eastern Trail Scarborough (Eastern Ave entrance)
4.7 ★★★★★ 106 reviews
Picturesque walking venue for strolling, jogging, biking, and horseback riding, featuring marshy vistas and birdwatching.
Memorial Park
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Public park with a pond, skateboarding area, 2 pickleball courts, and summer concerts.
Eastern Trail
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Nature preserve with marsh, woods, and benches offering opportunities to walk and bike.
Pleasant Hill Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
Forest known for trails for hiking and walking plus bird-watching opportunities.
Warren Woods Trail, Scarborough Land Trust
4.3 ★★★★☆ 64 reviews
Nature preserve offering easy, kid-friendly, and off-leash dog-friendly trails.
Eastern Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 76 reviews
Popular area with off-road and on-road sections for running, walking, and biking, plus birding.