Scarborough Marsh

While the marsh offers many ways to explore, the Eastern Trail is a prominent option for walkers, cyclists, and cross-country skiers, providing excellent views of the marsh. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center provides access to shorter nature trails with interpretive signs. Paddling routes through the salt creeks are also very popular, especially for wildlife viewing.

Scarborough Marsh is characterized by its low-lying, flat terrain, typical of a salt marsh ecosystem. The elevation is generally very close to sea level, with an average elevation around -1.8 meters. Trails are mostly flat and easy, making them suitable for visitors of all fitness levels. There are no significant inclines or challenging ascents, focusing instead on gentle walks and paddles.

Absolutely. The marsh itself is a vast natural feature, offering expansive views of salt hay grasslands and tidal creeks. The confluence of the Dunstan and Nonesuch Rivers is a key ecological point. For birdwatchers, any elevated spot along the Eastern Trail or near the Audubon Center can offer excellent vantage points. The marsh's diverse habitats, including salt-hay saltmarsh, dune grassland, and pitch pine bog, are all notable natural features to observe.

While parking is available, public transport options directly to the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center are limited. Visitors typically rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services. For those coming from further afield, local bus services might connect to Scarborough, but a final leg by taxi or ride-share would likely be needed to reach the marsh's main access points.

While the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center typically closes for the season in late fall and reopens in May, the trails remain open daily from dawn to dusk year-round. Winter visits can offer a unique, serene experience, especially for cross-country skiing on the Eastern Trail. However, wildlife viewing might be less diverse than in warmer months, and facilities like restrooms or rentals may not be available.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails at Scarborough Marsh, provided they are kept on a leash. It's important to be mindful of wildlife, especially nesting birds, and to clean up after your pet to help preserve the marsh's delicate ecosystem.

The flat and generally wide paths of the Eastern Trail offer some accessibility for wheelchairs, particularly in drier conditions. However, specific designated wheelchair-accessible trails with paved surfaces or boardwalks are not extensively highlighted. The Audubon Center itself may have accessible facilities, but it's best to contact them directly for the most current information on trail accessibility.

For any visit, appropriate footwear is highly recommended, especially for potentially damp or muddy areas. Binoculars are essential for birdwatching, given the marsh's reputation as a prime birding spot. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is advisable due to open exposure, and insect repellent can be very useful, particularly during warmer months. If paddling, bring your own canoe or kayak, or plan to rent from the Audubon Center when it's open.

Scarborough Marsh is a critical habitat for a vast array of wildlife. It's an exceptional spot for birdwatching, with 72% of water-dependent birds identified statewide found here. You can expect to see various waterfowl, egrets, herons, Glossy Ibis, and many shorebird species. It also hosts grassland songbirds and birds of prey. Beyond birds, the marsh is home to muskrat, mink, otter, and deer, and supports valuable fish and shellfish populations.

While the main trails are well-known, the extensive 3,200-acre marsh system means there are many smaller, less-trafficked paths and access points, particularly along the Dunstan and Nonesuch Rivers. Exploring by canoe or kayak can reveal hidden channels and secluded areas not accessible by foot. Local conservation groups like the Scarborough Land Trust also manage adjacent properties that may offer additional, quieter walking opportunities.

Scarborough Marsh is conveniently located near the towns of Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, and Old Orchard Beach, all of which offer a variety of dining and accommodation options. You'll find everything from casual cafes and seafood restaurants to hotels and guesthouses within a short drive. Portland, a larger city with extensive choices, is also just a short distance north.