🏆 Official Guide: Ferry Beach State Park — A scenic beach-and-forest park in Saco, Maine, between Old Orchard Beach and Camp Ellis — featuring a white sand swimming beach, 1.7 miles of nature trails through diverse forest ecosystems, a unique Tupelo Swamp boardwalk (rare at this latitude), a nature center, picnic areas with grills, and seasonal beach facilities. Open Memorial Day – September 30.
Ferry Beach State Park combines a classic Maine sandy beach with a surprisingly diverse network of forest trails — including access to a rare tupelo (black gum) swamp that’s unusual this far north. The park offers an intimate, family-friendly alternative to the busy beaches of Old Orchard Beach just to the north.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Saco, ME — between Old Orchard Beach + Camp Ellis |
| Season | Memorial Day – September 30 (trails accessible off-season on foot) |
| Beach | White sand — swimming, sunbathing |
| Trails | 1.7 miles — flat, family-friendly |
| Facilities | Changing rooms, restrooms, nature center |
| Pets | Leashed (4 ft) in park — NO dogs on beach Apr 1 – Sep 30 |
Trails
| Trail | Details |
|---|---|
| Tupelo Trail | 0.4 mi — raised boardwalk through rare tupelo swamp |
| Red Oak Trail | Deciduous forest — oaks, understory |
| White Oak Trail | Deciduous woodland |
| Greenbriar Trail | Coniferous — pine + hemlock forest |
| Witchhazel Trail | Mixed forest — pine + hemlock |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | White sand beach — seasonal |
| Hiking | 1.7 mi — 5 trails through diverse forest types |
| Nature Study | Tupelo swamp boardwalk — rare at this latitude |
| Nature Center | Guided programs — local flora + fauna |
| Picnicking | Tables + charcoal grills — covered shelter available |
| Bird Watching | Dune nesting birds — protected habitat |
| Fishing | Shore fishing from beach |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit in the off-season?
The park facilities are closed from October through Memorial Day, but visitors can still access the trails and beach on foot during the off-season. You’ll need to park outside the gate and walk in. No facilities (restrooms, changing rooms) are available off-season.
What makes the Tupelo Trail special?
The Tupelo Trail traverses a black gum (tupelo) swamp on a raised boardwalk — this is one of the northernmost tupelo stands in the Eastern US, making it botanically rare at this latitude. The swamp ecosystem supports unique plant and animal communities.
More parks nearby: Two Lights State Park is a short drive away, while Scarborough Beach State Park lies a short drive away.
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