Visit 05 · Forest walk · Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park · South Berwick, Maine
Pine and hemlock at Vaughan Woods
Tsuga canadensis
- Walking
- Bridle Path Loop: 0.3 mile, plus approach
- Terrain
- Natural surfaces, roots and steep access
- Fees
- Adults: ME $3 / nonresident $4
View the park’s photographs and trail map ↗
Get to know Hemlock.
Species reference photographs from the Tree Library, photographed elsewhere. Use several features and local guidance to identify a tree at this destination.
Arrival & parking
Arrive at 28 Oldfields Road, South Berwick. From ME-236 south of town, turn onto Vine Street and follow it to Oldfields Road, then follow the park signs. Use the designated park parking when the gate is open. Off season, the Bureau permits parking outside the gate without blocking it or the road, then walking in. This is the South Berwick state park, not the similarly named Vaughan Woods in Hallowell.
Walking & terrain
The Bureau lists more than three miles of connected trails, including the 0.7-mile Bridle Path, 0.3-mile Bridle Path Loop and 0.8-mile Scenic River Run. These are named trail lengths, not a complete parking-to-parking itinerary. Choose a shorter return walk if needed. Natural surfaces include roots, slopes and stream valleys; the manager-supported Trail Finder warns that trail access descends a steep slope. Do not treat the short loop as an accessible route. Pine and hemlock stands are described by the Bureau; this guide does not identify one champion.
Access, fees & seasons
The Bureau lists 9 a.m. to sunset from Memorial Day through Labor Day, unless the gate says otherwise. Off-season walk-in visits use the same hours; facilities are closed and visitors should pay using the self-service canister. Bring cash or a check; the park does not accept credit cards. The current fee table lists $3 for adult Maine residents, $4 for adult nonresidents, and $1 for nonresident seniors. Maine residents age 65+ and children under five are free; ages 5–11 are $1. Confirm rates and notices before travelling. Pets must be on four-foot leashes.
Sources checked