Smelt Brook Preserve

Visiting the Preserve

Follow our Riverview Trail through a mature forest of shagbark hickories and oaks for about three-quarters of a mile to access outstanding views of vast salt marshes and the meandering York River. Please only travel on existing trails to protect this important ecosystem and respect abutting property owners.

Open for daytime use only.

Download a Trail Guide

Click here to download a PDF trail guide!

Natural History

As one of the Gulf of Maine’s least disturbed marsh-estuarine ecosystems, this region has long been recognized for its biological diversity and outstanding habitat for various waterbirds. Part of the York River Estuary, Smelt Brook Preserve provides you with the opportunity to see exceptional shorebirds including great blue herons, night herons, white egrets and kingfishers. The York River is also home to 28 species of fish, including rainbow smelt, alewife, American eel, and brook trout, and its salt marshes help protect the quality of our water, prevent erosion, and reduce flooding.

Cultural Heritage

This area surrounding the York River and Smelt Brook has a long history of traditional saltwater farms where families fished, pastured cattle, and harvested marsh hay. Fencing and “staddles,” wooden posts where hay was stacked to dry, can still be found on some stretches of riverbank.

We acknowledge that our preserves sit on Abenaki lands. We extend our sincere gratitude and respect to these original caretakers of this land, and to all other Wabanaki people who have a relationship with this land.

Amenities and Trails

Riverview Trail parking is located at the Highland Farm Preserve. From the junction of Routes 1 and 91 in York, follow Route 91 north three miles to the Highland Farm Preserve entrance on the right. The Riverview Trail is located across Route 91 directly opposite the entrance to the parking lot. Cross Route 91 and walk to the right of the gate where the trail begins. Use caution when crossing Route 91 as vehicles often travel at high rates of speed.

Landing Trail is accessible via boat from the York River. To reach the Scotland Bridge boat launch, travel from the junction of Routes 1 and 91 north two miles on Route 91 to Scotland Bridge Road. Turn left and travel 0.2 miles to the bridge and boat ramp. This is a six-mile roundtrip paddle with short quarter-mile footpath off Smelt Brook.

Allowable Uses

Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, nature study, and hunting are all allowed. Click here to read York Land Trust’s Hunting Policy.

Motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited.

Please keep dogs leashed at all times, pick up after your pets and  remember, “Take only pictures; leave only footprints.”

Precautions

Be aware of changing conditions and tides. Take precautions against and check frequently for ticks. Be aware that hunting is permitted in this area and Maine hunting laws apply.

Want To Learn More?

Interested in helping with our efforts to protect unique areas like Smelt Brook? Visit our volunteers’ page here.