Maine Coast Life's Guide to Portland Walking Trails
Photo by Madison Ellingsworth
Written by Madison Ellingsworth
Portland is a wonderful place to walk. With about 100 miles of trail maintained by the local nonprofit Portland Trails, 40 miles owned by the city of Portland, and new paths in progress all the time, there are plenty of places to get your steps in, just on the peninsula alone! Here are a few of the many picturesque plodding spots worth checking out around the city.
The Fore River Sanctuary features nearly six miles of wooded trails with winding roots running along the path. Mountain bikers, trail runners, and walkers alike can meander along the brackish Fore River marsh, access Capisic Pond, and explore all the way to Jewell Falls — Portland's only natural waterfall. This popular reserve is perfect for both summer and winter sports, and dogs are allowed to run off-leash year-round. Just keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! It's common to see bald eagles, osprey, fishers, and more in this tranquil area.
The Eastern Promenade is known for its sandy beach, half a dozen food trucks, and rolling green hill. However, this massive park also maintains about two miles of paved path for those wanting to take it easy on their ankles. The oceanside winds from Bell Buoy Park on Commercial Street all the way to Bayside. Trail-goers can use this for commuting or for basking in the sea breeze. East End Beach can be accessed directly from the path, so make sure to bring your pups — dogs are permitted off-leash on the sand during the summer before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. As this is one of the more developed trails in Portland, it is also a great place to see seabirds and for cruising on a road bike, roller skates, or skateboard.
The Presumpscot River and its two and a half miles of wooded trail snake through North Deering, connecting Falmouth with Casco Bay. The trails are shaded and well-trod, maintained in part by the many swimmers who visit to access the river. This is also a popular preserve for mountain biking in the summer, and for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Walkers hoping to witness local wildlife should keep their eyes peeled for muskrats, turtles, and beavers wading along in the water.
The Back Cove is arguably Portland's most popular trail, with 3.6 miles of graded flat — except for one slight hill up to Tukey's Bridge. People walk, run, and bike this path all day long, every day of the year. It is not uncommon to see someone trudging through the unplowed snow, even during heavy storms. If you swing by on summer Wednesdays, you could even join in on Marathon Sport's weekly 5K. The oceanside trail has picture-perfect views of downtown, the inner islands, and the East Deering neighborhood. It is also a great place to spot herons, cormorants, and egrets.
With less than a mile of wooded, weaving trails, Baxter Woods is known for being the prime place in Portland to walk your dog. Dogs are only allowed off-leash at certain times of the year (to respect nesting native birds), but when they are permitted, the frolicking canines are a sight to behold! Baxter Woods is also a great place to mountain bike or to bring children and curious adults, as the pond along the Forest Avenue side of the park is stocked with frogs. For the adventurous types, try lifting up one of the many fallen trees; you might find salamanders of all sizes and colors. Of course, just make sure to return them to their moist, leaf-litter homes after saying hello.
Evergreen Cemetery is Portland's second-largest publicly owned open space, and it is a wonderful place to walk. With 4.5 miles of both paved and wooded trails, it is highly accessible and is great for trail or road runners, mountain or road bikers, and walkers of all types. There are also multiple duck ponds on the northeastern side of the cemetery. These are filled with frogs and snapping turtles. Deer, herons, and geese are often spotted on the banks. On a sunny day, bring along a picnic lunch, and eat in the quiet beauty of this peaceful, profound place.
Deering Oaks is popular throughout Portland for its Ravine Splash Pads, adorable Victorian duck house, and elegant rose circle. This park also has about one mile of paved trails, which meander through the trees and around the fountain. This is a perfect path for walkers, runners, and road bikers of all ability levels. It is also a great place to walk if you are looking for an activity, as the park features Shakespeare in the Bandstand and a weekly Farmers Market. There is a new path under construction as well, stretching between I-295 and the playground and tennis courts in the park.
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Let us know which of these is your favorite place to walk! Or, if we missed yours, send us a note — we are always looking for new places to walk in our beautiful city.