Vaughan Woods State Park
Old-Growth Forest on the Salmon Falls River in Southern Maine — 250-Acre State Park Preserving Some of the Oldest Trees in Southern Maine, Walking Trails Through Towering Old-Growth White Pine and Hemlock Forest, Peaceful Riverside Setting Along the Salmon Falls River on the Maine-New Hampshire Border, Historic Hamilton House Overlooks the River From the Park Boundary, Wildflower Displays and Fern Gardens in the Forest Understory, Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in Winter, Near South Berwick York County Southern Maine Seacoast Region
Vaughan Woods State Park is a 250-acre state park in South Berwick, York County, southern Maine, managed by Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. The park preserves some of the oldest trees in southern Maine, featuring walking trails through towering old-growth white pine and eastern hemlock forest — trees that predate European settlement, peaceful riverside trails along the Salmon Falls River on the Maine-New Hampshire border, views of the historic Hamilton House — an elegant Georgian mansion that overlooks the river from the park boundary, wildflower displays and fern gardens in the forest understory during spring and summer, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the trail system in winter, birding opportunities in the mature forest canopy, and a tranquil woodland escape just minutes from the bustling southern Maine seacoast tourist corridor.
The old-growth trees are the star attraction — towering white pines and hemlocks create a cathedral-like canopy that’s increasingly rare in New England. Most of the region’s original forest was cleared centuries ago, making Vaughan Woods a precious remnant of what southern Maine looked like before settlement.
The Salmon Falls River setting adds scenic variety — the trail along the riverbank provides water views and gentle breezes that complement the deep forest interior trails. The historic Hamilton House visible across the water adds a cultural dimension to the natural experience.
Things to Do
- Old-growth forest — ancient pines
- River trails — Salmon Falls
- Hamilton House — historic views
- Wildflowers — spring displays
- XC skiing — winter trails
- Birding — mature canopy
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | South Berwick, York County, ME |
| Size | 250 acres |
| Forest | Old-growth white pine & hemlock |
| River | Salmon Falls (ME-NH border) |
| Camping | Not available |
| Managed By | Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands |
| Coordinates | 43.2167° N, 70.7833° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vaughan Woods have old-growth forest?
Yes — Vaughan Woods State Park in South Berwick, Maine preserves some of the oldest trees in southern Maine, including towering old-growth white pine and eastern hemlock that predate European settlement. The 250-acre park features riverside trails along the Salmon Falls River on the Maine-New Hampshire border, views of the historic Hamilton House, wildflower displays, and winter cross-country skiing. Managed by Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
Last updated: May 2026
