Land Trust Spotlight #4: Portland Trails
For our fourth installment in the land trust spotlight series, we’re thrilled to partner with Portland Trails! As you read, be sure to pull up the trail map to reference the locations in the greater Portland area!
About Portland Trails
Most people who visit Portland for the first time are surprised to learn that the state’s largest city is replete with beautiful trails. How can such an urban region be home to over 100 miles of trails?
Since 1991, Portland Trails has been creating connections between neighbors, communities, and the natural world. We build and maintain a network of trails that includes winding paths through forests and beside rivers, wide and smooth byways for off-street commuting, and short but vital neighborhood links. In total, our fifty trails are visited over one million times each year.
Because of its urban setting, the Portland Trails network is part of the region’s walking and biking infrastructure, along with sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and public transit. In addition to building and maintaining “destination trails,” we also focus our work on creating trails that could be someone’s off-street route to work or safe walk to school. Over the decades, we have strategically built a trail network that is within a 10- or 15-minute walk from every residence in Portland. And through our Healthier Neighborhoods for All program, we’ve introduced almost 1,000 New Mainers to the trails since 2023!
We’ve picked out three beautiful trails for you to explore the next time you’re in Portland. Despite how close some of these trails are to streets and neighborhoods, you’ll still feel like you’re in the middle of the woods.
1. Fore River Sanctuary
Above photos by Michael Richard
This 85-acre preserve is the crown jewel of the Portland Trails network. Here, you’ll find some of the most diverse plant and wildlife habitats in Greater Portland. The lowland area, where salt and freshwater marsh meet, is also the site of the former Cumberland and Oxford Canal. This is a perfect spot for birdwatching; you’ll often find a heron wading in the marsh hunting for lunch.
The upland forest leads to Jewell Falls, Portland’s only natural waterfall. This is one view you won’t want to miss!
Photo by Allagash Brewing Company
2. Presumpscot River Preserve
Located on the border of Portland and Falmouth, this 48-acre nature preserve is one of the most popular trails in our network—and for good reason! This trail follows a steep ravine, crossing small streams and brooks, and intersects with a trail that follows the edge of the Presumpscot River. You can choose whether to go left or right, upstream or down, but both directions offer spectacular river views.
Upstream, you’ll wander through wooded upland areas. Downstream, you’ll find the Presumpscot Falls, a majestic sight any time of year.
Photos by Michael Richard
3. Evergreen Woods
These woods, located behind the historic (and beautiful in its own right) Evergreen Cemetery, are home to a variety of trails perfect for all trail users. You’ll climb over steep ledge on the red and purple trails, but you’ll find an Improved Access Trail loop—upgraded to be more accessible to people with wheelchairs, walking devices, and strollers—on the white and green trails.
The woods are a popular place for birdwatching, so keep your eyes peeled and ears open for interesting birds. And be sure to visit the ponds! You might spot fish, turtles, or even river otters.
That’s a Wrap
These trails just scratch the surface of what’s waiting for you in the Portland Trails network. We encourage you to explore the city by foot next time you’re here and see where the trails take you.
As a nonprofit, Portland Trails relies on support from trail users to fund our mission. If you’d like to become a member, donate here. Any gift amount makes a difference! Our small (but mighty) staff also counts on help from nearly a thousand volunteers each year to keep the trails in good shape. If you’re interested in learning how you can lend a hand, learn about our volunteer opportunities here.
P.s. You’re Invited to Trail Fest!
Please join us for the first annual East Bayside Trail Fest, presented by Kennebec Savings Bank, on June 22nd! This one-of-a-kind celebration consists of three events:
The Trail to Ale 10K, presented by Martin’s Point Health Care, is a revival of Portland Trails’ long-running and popular 10K race, now with an updated course.
The Bayside Ride, presented by Mann Law, is a 15- and 30-mile casual group bike ride along the coast hosted by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.
The Trail Mix 2-Miler, presented by Martin’s Point Health Care, is a family-friendly two-mile fun run and walk.
You can learn more and sign up by visiting www.eastbaysidetrailfest.org. We hope to see you there!
About Land Trusts in Maine
Land trusts have worked tirelessly to conserve 12% of Maine’s total land, which is double the size of state parks, national parks, and national forests combined. There are 84 land trusts in Maine. While that number continually evolves, a couple of things stay the same:
Most of the permanent conservation of these lands is made possible by generous private landowners, who selflessly entrust their beloved family land to these trusts for conservation, environmental education, and community benefits.
Members and volunteers are the driving force behind land trusts, from creating and maintaining hiking trails, to environmental research, to nature-based community programs. Their efforts, both physical and monetary, make our favorite trails possible.