Eastern Trail: short Scarborough Marsh return
Maine · Rail-trail
Head north on the main Eastern Trail through Scarborough Marsh toward Eastern Road. Turn after two outward miles or before the first public-road crossing, work barrier, high water or soft tread; retrace. Stay out of the newer Nonesuch connection beyond Eastern Road and do not add a road leg toward South Portland.
Plan your ride
- Location
- Scarborough · Maine
- Ride length
- Up to 4 miles return
- Ride format
- Out-and-back
- Surface
- Firm gravel / crushed stone; use dry conditions
- Road crossings
- Head north on the main Eastern Trail through Scarborough Marsh toward Eastern Road. Turn after two outward miles or before the first public-road crossing, work barrier, high water or soft tread; retrace. Stay out of the newer Nonesuch connection beyond Eastern Road and do not add a road leg toward South Portland.
- Elevation
- The local directory describes this railway reach as flat and easy. That is qualitative; lot approaches and repaired surfaces are unmeasured. Exposed marsh winds, loose stone and flooding can increase effort.
- Starting location
- Eastern Trail Pine Point parking, 138 Pine Point Road, Scarborough, ME 04074
Chosen four-mile maximum return within the described 2.5-mile Pine Point–Eastern Road marsh reach. It is not the full eight-plus-mile Saco section or evolving regional route.
Approximate street-address point. Follow signs for the designated park or trail entrance.
Eastern Trail: short Scarborough Marsh return — detailed guide
Source review: 2026-10-21. A dated source review does not guarantee current-day conditions.
Scarborough, Maine · Up to 4 miles return · Firm gravel / crushed stone; use dry conditions
Start: Eastern Trail public lot at Pine Point Road brick pump station, Eastern Trail Pine Point parking, 138 Pine Point Road, Scarborough, ME 04074. Manager-linked Maine Trail Finder identifies the public trailhead lot beside the brick pump station on the left when approaching east from US 1. Use signed trail spaces and walk to the northbound main trail on the marsh side; do not park at private businesses or cross ME 9 to lengthen this outing. If full, choose another ride.
Ride: Head north on the main Eastern Trail through Scarborough Marsh toward Eastern Road. Turn after two outward miles or before the first public-road crossing, work barrier, high water or soft tread; retrace. Stay out of the newer Nonesuch connection beyond Eastern Road and do not add a road leg toward South Portland.
Distance: Chosen four-mile maximum return within the described 2.5-mile Pine Point–Eastern Road marsh reach. It is not the full eight-plus-mile Saco section or evolving regional route.
Permission and effort: Eastern Trail Alliance explicitly includes cyclists; the manager-linked local route directory describes the bicycle marsh section and its public head. The local directory describes this railway reach as flat and easy. That is qualitative; lot approaches and repaired surfaces are unmeasured. Exposed marsh winds, loose stone and flooding can increase effort.
Planning: Daylight only; follow any posted gate and lot limits. The local route directory lists no trail fee. Follow posted lot terms; beach-parking fees concern different facilities. Yield to walkers, keep right, announce passes and walk vehicle interfaces. Ordinary pedal cycling covered here.
Access reviewed October 20, 2026 Central (October 21 UTC): Fresh Alliance conditions page dated August 29, 2026 says marsh repairs are complete and the trail reopened. This replaces an older closure, not a current-day tread or flood inspection. August gap opening does not make all regional 65 miles off-road or approve every new narrow connector.
Bring water and choose suitable weather. Parking walking is extra. No surveyed parking-space pin or navigable GPX is supplied.
Sources: Alliance current reopening notice · Alliance permission and courtesy · Manager-linked course, surface and parking · Alliance official parking context