This Hidden Gem in Maine Becomes a Magical Wonderland Every Spring

During the long winters, Mainers (and New Englanders in general) often say the same thing when thinking about the region’s natural beauty: "I'll just go in summer." This applies not just to the beaches (don't count it out), but pretty much every natural attraction in the state.

In Maine, literally known as "Vacationland," this can be a real missed opportunity.

What Is the Saco Heath Preserve?

The Saco Heath Preserve, while pretty under the radar, turns out to be a real surprise in the spring as the famous multi-colored boardwalk (somewhat officially called the  "Calico Causeway") experiences much less foot traffic, and you get much more of an opportunity to listen to the birds as they return from migration.

For those not versed in botany, the name can be a bit confusing. What the heck is a heath preserve?

The Nature Conservancy says the natural wonder formed "when two adjacent ponds filled with decaying plant material called peat." Sounds ominous, but not really. Over time the two ponds combined forces to create a "coalesced bog."

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But all you really need to know is that it's really darn pretty.

Amateur naturalist and nearby resident Adam MacDonald recently visited the preserve for the first time in the spring and was impressed at how vibrant and alive everything seemed, given Maine is known for such a late spring (mud season, anyone?).

The blend of forest and marsh makes the landscape feel almost otherworldly - some parts wooded, some boardwalk, all of it peaceful. It's a nice place to soak up the quiet and breathe in Maine's wild beauty.

The boardwalk plays an important role in the survival of the Heath Preserve. Not only is it pretty with its seemingly random series of colors, but it also allows visitors to enjoy a self-guided tour while preserving the vulnerable natural landscape below.

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And while the preserve is home to the usual Maine suspects, like hare, deer and moose, one less-than-popular resident is not as common: mosquitoes. Due to the acidity found in the standing water in the heath, mosquitoes are not as common as you might think.

And that might also be the very reason you make a return visit in the summer.

The Saco Heath Preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and directions can be found here.