Horton Trail welcomes you this fall

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A Newsletter by the City of Saco, Maine	November, 2009	Return to newsletter index

If you'd like to get out and enjoy the fall weather on a beautiful Saco site, then try the Horton Woods trail system. Hunting is limited so this trail can be a bit more welcoming this time of year.

This 2.5-mile trail is one of Saco Trails' newest trails.. It winds through a 100-acre parcel of land owned by the City of Saco at 464 Buxton Road. Hunting is not allowed on the property.

This 100 acre wildlife preserve was obtained by the City of Saco in 2007 under the Land for Saco's Future program, a voter approved bond for open space acquisition. Saco Trails is developing the trails in cooperation with the city.

The trail begins at a parking lot just off Buxton Road. There is a kiosk that has a trail map and description on it. The trail leads hikers from the kiosk, through the woods to the edge of a stunning wetland. There you will find a bench upon which you can rest. After leaving the bench, the trail follows Stackpole Brook for more than a mile, until coming to an end at a small loop. There is another bench at this point where hikers can rest and contemplate the brook before returning.

While you're on the trail, keep your eyes open for all manner of wildlife, from deer to ducks and everything in between. Although hunting is not allowed on this property, we do recommend that hikers wear some form of bright orange clothing, just to be safe.

The sanctuary comprises a diverse confluence of ecological habitats including upland softwood and hardwood forest, marsh, stream, vernal pools, bog and fields. Due to the fragility of these natural systems, please do not litter or remove any plants or flowers. The preserve is surrounded by private property. Please respect that and stay on the marked trails and other delineated public areas. Beware that porcupines are common throughout the area. It is important to keep dogs on leads, and to use poop bags which will be provided at the parking lot.

The bridge was constructed in 2007 by a crew from The Appalachian Mountain Club with funds provided by Saco Bay Trails. Future trails will be constructed on the other side of the bridge.

Many species of birds may be seen in the marsh. In the spring and early summer look for woodcock, several species of duck (especially mallards and black ducks), green, great blue and black crowned night herons. Look also for evidence of beaver and muskrat.