Vaughan Woods State Park

Take a stroll through the best of history and nature in Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park, located just outside South Berwick, Maine. This heavily-forested, 250-acre tract along the Salmon Falls River is a favorite destination for hikers, picnickers and all those with a love of nature.

A park with a past

The area that is now Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park was originally a farming area for Native Americans, who practiced slash and burn agriculture in the area for thousands of years. It was settled around 1785 by Jonathan Hamilton, a merchant who built a house in the area. Over the years, most of the forest was cleared for farmland until 1898, when Emily Tyson bought the property and redeveloped the forest. Her daughter Elizabeth donated the property to Maine in 1949.

A forested paradise

Today, visitors to the park can enjoy four different hiking trails that wind their way through the old growth pine and hemlock forests of the area, including the Bridle Path, the Bridle Path Loop, the Scenic River Run and Warren Way. There are also many picnic sites with grills and tables available for use, so you can enjoy your lunch while observing the plentiful wildlife in the park.

Location

Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park is conveniently located just a short drive south of South Berwick, off Route 236. Take a right onto Vine Street opposite the Junior High School and proceed a mile or so to Vine and Old Fields Road. Take one more right and look for the park entrance.

If you are looking for a quick, scenic getaway, keep Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park in mind. It is just minutes away from South Berwick in distance, but it is light years away from the daily grind.