Located in Saco in southern Maine, Ferry Beach State Park is a gorgeous 117-acre stretch of white sandy shoreline combined with surrounding woodland and hiking trails. The tupelo swamp is one of the park’s standout attractions as it’s home to awesome tupelo (or black gum) trees — which are an extremely rare sight in Maine. If you’re eager to learn about the area’s unique, swampy ecology and plantlife, why not go on a guided nature program (or hike) led by experienced park rangers. Or, you can simply sit back and relax on the beach if that’s more your style. Either way, there’s plenty to discover, see, and appreciate here. Ferry Beach State Park is located on Bay View Road off Route 9 between Old Orchard Beach and Camp Ellis.
Hiking trails — see Maine’s rare tupelo trees
The park’s Tupelo trail is a short, easy hike (just 0.36 miles long) and named after the beautiful tupelo trees en-route. Tupelo trees — which have thick, scaly bark that resembles alligator skin — usually prefer warmer climes, but Ferry Beach State Parks’ unique, swampy hydrology means they grow naturally here. Maple and willow trees are also in abundance.
If you want to make this a longer hike, you can add on the nearby White Oak and Red Oak trails to create a mile-long loop in total. On the Red Oak trail, you’ll see plenty of red oaks, as well as pretty yellow spindle coral mushrooms, while the White Oak trail leads through peaceful hemlock woods. This trail is also lined with gorgeous white oaks.
The park’s beach is also a popular spot to swim, fish, sunbathe, and birdwatch. You can also pack a lunch to enjoy at any one of the numerous picnic tables. Be aware, however, that dogs are banned on the beach between April 1st-September 30th.
Where to stay
Ferry Beach State Park is just under ten minutes away from the city of Saco, and you can’t go wrong with an overnight stay here. Described as “friendly by nature”, Saco is close to gorgeous beaches, forests, and, of course, the iconic Saco river, which is a popular spot to canoe, kayak, fish, and camp. Saco’s downtown is also packed with restaurants and shops, so there’s a nice mix of things to do.
Alternatively, Kittery — Maine’s oldest incorporated town and located in York County — is another great place to find accommodation. It’s about a forty-minute drive from Ferry Beach State Park, and full of comfortable and affordable hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts. York Cabin, for example, is a Scandinavian-inspired vacation rental that makes a great base to explore the area. With the mountains just ten miles away, and the ocean only seven miles away, Kittery is the ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor adventure alike.
Fun guided nature programs
Ferry Beach State Park also runs guided nature programs that can give you fascinating insights into Maine’s unique local ecosystem — this is a must for any nature lover. An experienced ranger leads a hike through the park and shares their knowledge on the various en-route habitats: ponds, bogs, and, of course, the rare tupelo swamp. The nature program also covers the amazing geology of Ferry Beach. So, you’ll learn fun facts like, for example, the beach’s sand is over 10,000 years old and originates from glaciers that melted after the most recent ice age.
Ferry Beach State Park in southern Maine is one of the area’s hidden gems. With plenty of amazing hiking trails, a gorgeous beach, and stunning ocean and river views, a visit here is something you won’t forget.