In addition to the lobster and salty coastal air, one of the best things about Maine is the plethora of trails that exist in just about every town. While people are certainly familiar with crowd favorites such as Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park, there are plenty of smaller, community parks that offer just as much fun and beauty. This is one of the best hiking trails in southern Maine.

Horton Woods is part of the Saco Bay Trails system.
Michelle Starin
The Saco Bay Trails is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization committed to maintaining recreational trails in the Saco Bay Area.

The trails begin off of Buxton Road where there's a small parking lot and notice board with a map.
The entire preserve is about 100 acres and the maintained trails are comprised of about 3 miles of paths.
Michelle Starin
Each of the three main trails are very clearly marked, including wooden signs and blazes.
Michelle Starin
Much of the woods are surrounded by private land, but signs located throughout the area make it clear where you should stop.
Michelle Starin
Volunteers have made sure the the trails are well-maintained which includes very easy-to-follow signs marking where trails lead.
Michelle Starin
There are three main trails - Blue Heron, Big Pine and Red Maple - along with a few smaller paths.
Michelle Starin
Most of the paths are flat and easily traveled.
Michelle Starin
Almost as soon as you begin, you'll catch a glimpse of the many ecological habitats.
Michelle Starin
This includes forest, fields, marsh, stream, vernal pools and wetlands.
Michelle Starin
There are a few benches located throughout each trail which allow for some rest, or for some healthy arm dips for those looking for extra exercise!
Michelle Starin
Take a moment to appreciate those who have made these trails possible.
Michelle Starin

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Depending on the time of year, the trails can get quite muddy.
Michelle Starin
But, volunteers have made every effort to ensure that trails accessible despite the mud.
Michelle Starin
Michelle Starin
There are even a few well-marked information boards to add a bit of education.
Michelle Starin
The Blue Heron Trail, which is marked by blue blazes and crosses over the Stackpole Creek, is our favorite.
Michelle Starin
Follow this trail for about 30 minutes and you'll eventually come to this bridge, which was built in 2007 The Appalachian Mountain Club.
Michelle Starin
From here, you'll have the opportunity to continue to the end of the Blue Heron Trail or cross the bridge to the Beaver Path along the other side of the stream.
Michelle Starin
Alternatively, you can take the Big Pine Trail beginning at the other end of the bridge.
Michelle Starin
Marked by green blazes, the Big Pine Trail is named for the big white pine tree located by the bridge.
Michelle Starin
From here you can continue over a series of planks leading to the start of the Red Maple Trail, marked by red blazes.
Michelle Starin
This trail gets its name from the huge red maple found on it.
Heading back, you'll find the Woodcock trail which is marked with yellow (we think they look white) blazes.
Michelle Starin
This leads more directly to the parking lot by crossing the Blue Heron Trail.
Michelle Starin
The entire network of trails can easily take up a good two hours depending on how often you stop. We recommend taking time to listen to the creek, the wind and the forest noises.

For more information on the Saco Bay Trails, check out their website by clicking here.

Access to the outdoors is plentiful here in Maine. For more ways to get outside, check out these 11 gorgeous hidden lakes.

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