1.5-mile trail around the island's perimeter, Steep Falls Wildlife Management Area and the Mountain Division Trail. Children and seniors are only a $1.00. A small admission fee to the park applies. Visit our Complete Day Hiking Packing List for our full list and our top gear recommendations. Although a portion hugs the highway (I-295), the path is safe, scenic, and used by locals 365 days of the year. Here are eight of the best hiking destinations to seek and find. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. This hike combines all or a portion of four trails—Beech Cliff Loop, Canada Cliff, Valley, and Beech Mountain—en route to cliff-top panoramas of mountains and the ocean. 5 Best Hikes Near Portland, Maine Wolfe’s Neck Oceanfront Camping in Maine 5 East Coast Road Trips for Adventure Travelers Things to Do in Acadia National Park for Outdoor Enthusiasts A Local’s Guide to Aspen Save this post on Pinterest Written by Katherine Oakes Katherine Oakes is an outdoor travel, sustainability writer and yoga teacher. During hunting season, it is best to stick to hikes within the two sanctuaries that overlap part of this expansive preserve, as hunting is not permitted on sanctuary lands. Hotels near Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine; Near Airports. A Nonprofit Urban Land Trust 305 Commercial Street Portland, ME 04101 207-775-2411 The Columbia River Gorge is home to many great day-hikes that also attract a crowd. In the Portland suburb of Scarborough, you'll find Maine's largest salt marsh, a 3,100-acre haven critical to the state's coastal ecology. For travelers and locals who really want to escape the city for a spell, driving 45 minutes northwest of Portland opens the door to more than 4,000 acres of wilderness. In the spring, hikers can help with the annual Hawkwatch count. The best hikes near Portland Maine: There are plenty of wonderful hikes around Portland, picking just a few to recommend was rather tricky. You will be pleased to hike it while hiking near Portland Maine.The mountain is big.It is far domestic to some good hikes. At the top, you’ll enjoy even more views of mountains for miles atop a flat sheet of rock, which is perfect for a snack or a mid-day picnic. A family-friendly hike that takes about an hour at a laidback pace, the 1.5-mile trail around the island's perimeter offers photogenic views of Portland and busy, boat-filled Casco Bay. During the cooler, snowy months the Park Loop Road is closed to outside traffic, keeping most of the usual tourist crowd to a minimum. The 11-station Marsh Trail (open to the public seasonally) is a little more than a quarter-mile long and serves as a perfect introduction to this environment. Kim Knox Beckius is a Connecticut-based travel writer, author, photographer, and editor. Start your hike at the Tamanawas Trailhead on the side of … "There are lots of nice paths and trails, water fountains, tennis courts and ball fields, a beach, kayak rentals, a playground, picnic areas, awesome historical plaques and features, and there are food trucks in … Even more (in)famous than the summit, however, is the ridgeline, which is informally known as Knife’s Edge. Waterfalls Near Portland in the Columbia River Gorge. The incline is steady but moderate, meaning you’ll get a great workout in as well! Get directions to the trailhead, use our trail maps, elevation charts, and pictures from the trail to plan your hike or meetup with friends - all free without signing up! One popular easy/moderate hiking trail near Portland is Mount Agamenticus, a short, easy mountain climb that borders the ocean. 1. There are two waterfalls along the route, including Portland's only natural cascade: Jewell Falls in the Fore River Sanctuary. RootsRated explores the best hiking trails in Portland. Be sure to get there early on summer weekends, though, as it’s a popular spot for locals to go hiking near Portland, ME during peak season. Explore the best trails in Portland, Maine on TrailLink. The mountain is positioned on the Denmark-Bridgton city lines and tops out at 2006 feet. On clear days, you can see all the way out to the oceanfront, too! Tumbledown Mountain near Mt. Hotels near (PWM) Portland Intl Jetport; Hotels near (PSM) Portsmouth International Airport at Pease; All things to do in Portland; Outdoor Activities in Portland. In addition to providing a home for bobolinks, meadowlarks, red-tailed hawks, and Canada geese, the property is inhabited by deer, red foxes, and other mammals (including a colony of rare black woodchucks). Open from dusk to dawn year-round, admission is free, although donations are appreciated. Acadia National Park is one of the best places to go for a hike in the entire state of Maine, but during the warmer months, it can get quite crowded at times. Pleasant Mountain is one of the favorite hikes while trekking Portland Maine. To get here, drive about 30 minutes north of Portland to the town of Pownal. Rent a canoe, launch your own, or join a guided canoe tour with an Audubon naturalist who can introduce you to the marsh's wild creatures. Below, we tackle some of our favorite recommendations for local hikes near Portland, Maine. There are more than 21 miles of shared-use trails on both sides of Route 9, including several routes to the mountaintop (these are rated in difficulty as easier, intermediate, or most difficult). Short offshoot trails down to the shore are steep and more challenging. Best Hiking in Portland, ME - Jewell Falls, Eastern Promenade, Mackworth Island Trail, Back Cove Trail, Peaks Island, Portland Trails, Harborwalk Trail, Portland … It also requires quite a bit of scrambling and stamina. For an easy, low effort adventure in nature, Mackworth Island is one of the best hikes in Portland, ME. In Standish, you also have the option to walk a portion of the Mountain Division Trail, a rail trail that Mainers hope will one day run 50 miles from Portland to Fryeburg. 12 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Maine That Are 1 Mile And Under With a fresh coating of snow, it’s pretty clear that winter just isn’t quite ready to leave. This 3.3-mile trail boasts a shaded, peaceful respite from the city and is suitable for hikers of all experience levels. The Southwest Ridge Trail is a beautiful hike near Portland that is worth taking an hour-long scenic drive through Southwestern Maine. From the heart of Portland, it's about a 10-minute drive to this 65-acre bird sanctuary in Falmouth. As always, we only link to products that we recommend, and that we have tried and tested ourselves. Make time during your trip to the Pine Tree State to embark on one of these five scenic day hikes, all located conveniently near Portland. Portland itself is a beautiful place to hike, with trails running up extinct volcanoes, through dense forests, neighborhoods and protected natural areas in the city. Located in its namesake state park, Bradbury Mountain offers a 1.4-mile, easy trail through the forest to the peak’s rocky summit. From quick hikes to all-day epics, let our experts help you find the perfect trails. Walk the sandy beach with views of the Casco Bay islands of Cushing, House, Little Diamond, Great Diamond and Peaks. There is a $3.00 fee for Maine adult residents ($4.50 for non-residents). This 3.3-mile trail gains 1,512 feet along a fairly rocky area, making for some challenging and fun passes up its gradual and sometimes steep ascent. You should only attempt this hike on clear days, as it can be extremely dangerous in bad weather. Best kid friendly trails in Portland, Maine 1,198 Reviews Explore the most popular kid friendly trails near Portland with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Its gracious landscape was designed in 1905 by Olmsted Brothers, the landscape architects who carried on the legacy of Central Park creator Frederick Law Olmsted. This trail is closed indefinitely by its private owner due to logging efforts in the area. Park on Forest Avenue near Back Cove Park (across from the Hannaford Supermarket) to access it. Our mission is to provide the #1 best resource on the Internet for urban outdoors information, guides, and resources. SPRING POINT SHOREWAY, SOUTH PORTLAND This historic pathway extends from Willard Beach to Bug Light Park along the South Portland waterfront. These are the five best winter hikes in Maine! The packed-soil path can be slippery after a rainstorm, but it is generally easy to navigate and wheelchair accessible. From Portland the drive to the state park only takes less than 30 minutes thus making it one of the closest hikes to Portland. This is one of the best hikes near Portland for families or beginners and can be hiked pretty much year-round. Kay Rodriguez is the founder of Urban Outdoors. For the most part, this moderate trail runs through forests and ends at the bald mountaintop, which offers lovely views of the surrounding forests, especially in the fall. Wondering what exactly you should pack for your next hike? When she's not writing furiously on her laptop or editing photos, you can find Kay running, hiking, paddling, or playing in the snow. In the park, there are a number of trails that span leisurely paths to challenging rock scrambles. Whether you have an hour or a day, there's a Portland-area hike that will stir your senses and enhance your appreciation for New England's wildest state. Here are just a few of the best ones, of varying difficulty and skill level required, though all should be possible for relatively fit and healthy people. Designed by ThemeSphere. By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: PORTLAND TRAILS, 305 Commercial Street, Portland, ME, 04101, https://www.trails.org. This 2.6-mile hike up Bald Pate Mountain in Grafton Notch State Park —Maine’s western fence abutting New Hampshire—isn’t the summit, but a stunning vista point along the Appalachian Trail. The Lake District, with its many scenic viewpoints and proximity to the White Mountains, is a wonderful place to go hiking near Portland, ME. We’re a community of outdoor-loving city dwellers who can’t wait to get outdoors! Family- and dog-friendly, this trail is perfect for a leisurely nature walk with children, friends, or your favorite fur babies! Kids love the old marsh-side clam shack that is now a nature center. Since 2006, Friends of the Eastern Promenade has worked with the city to preserve and enhance the park and all of its assets. Pleasant Mountain is one of my favorite hikes. Bradbury Mountain is the centerpiece of an 800-acre state park open year-round for diverse recreational pursuits such as mountain biking, snowmobiling, and horseback riding (admission fee applies). Either way, you’ll be treated to lovely scenery on this family-friendly hike in nature. When we visited, we also loved many of the lesser-known hikes, like the Bubbles Rocks, the Schoodic Peninsula, and Ship Harbor. Three mapped trails range in length from 0.6 to 1.2 miles; all are gentle hikes, suitable for families. Take the Summit route from the parking area for the most challenging climb with the best views, or opt for an easier route. You can also camp at the park for a nominal fee as well. Press Esc to cancel. Best Hiking Trails Near Portland, ME MyHikes has 28 amazing hiking trails with 66 miles to explore near Portland, ME. Want to venture deeper into the marsh? With a perfect location on Back Bay, this trail is perfect for hikers of all levels, including children and dogs. Urban Outdoors is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We created this guide to some of the best hikes near Portland, ME so you can plan your next outdoor adventure. The 5 Best Fall Day Trips From Portland, Maine, The 9 Best New England Getaways for Families in 2021, The Top 10 Hikes in Connecticut from Shoreline to Mountains. The 8.1-mile hike to the summit of Mount Katahdin should only be attempted by experienced, seasoned hikers who know how to hike at high altitudes and in unfavorable (windy and potentially rainy) conditions. The 10 Best State Parks to Visit in Maine, The 10 Best Day Trips from Portland, Maine, The Top 10 Things to Do in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Palisades Interstate Park: The Complete Guide, 13 Best Things to Do in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Tripsavvy uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. These shared-use trails are a favorite among hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. It’s probably because the mountain is home to the Shawnee Peak Ski area where I first learned to ski as a young child and later taught ski lessons and served as a volunteer ski patroller in my high school and college years. After you begin your outing at the Maine State Pier in the Old Port District, you'll discover that Eastern Prom is more than a walking path: It's a 78-acre park, the largest in Portland. Our destinations are chosen by outdoors experts who live and play in Portland, so you’re sure to find the top adventures and maybe even a few local secrets! Many locals say this trail can get quite buggy, so we’d recommend bringing and wearing plenty of bug spray for your hike here. Although it’s not one of the closest hikes near Portland, it’s certainly one of the more thrilling ones in the state, and is well worth the 3.5-hour drive from the city! Here’s a comprehensive list of our 35 favorite (practical) gifts for hikers, updated for 2020! But hiking in Portland … With expansive evergreen forests that border rocky sea cliffs, there’s no lack of variety for hiking in Acadia National Park! Biking Trails in Portland; Hiking Trails in Portland; Popular Portland Categories. As of March 26, 2020, Governor Janet Mills has elected to close select coastal state parks due to overcrowding. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact From here, you can see wonderful views of the surrounding forests, which are especially beautiful in the fall. This 85-acre preserve is the home of Jewell Falls, Portland's only natural waterfall, as well as the site of the former Cumberland and Oxford Canal. The mountain features a pond near the top perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. 17 Essential Snowboarding Tips for Beginners to Get You Going ASAP, Best Women’s Snowboarding Pants & Bibs for Every Budget (2020), Best Women’s Ski Pants & Bibs for Every Budget (2020), 30 Totally Genius Gifts for Skiers & Snowboarders (2020 Edition), Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets for Safety and Comfort (2020), 35 Clever Gifts for Hikers That They’ll Actually Use (2020 Edition), 15 Jaw-Dropping Hikes in Maine for All Levels, 15 Gorgeous Hikes in Acadia National Park for All Levels, 55 Hiking Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure, 12 Scenic Places to Go Canoeing and Kayaking in San Antonio, 12 Stunning Places to Go Canoeing and Kayaking in the Tampa Bay Area. This easy trail is about half an hour from Portland, which makes it feel much more secluded and disconnected from the city than some of the more urban trails on our list. It has your quintessential Northeast terrain: rocky, bouldery trails through a pine forest, which makes it a bit challenging in some of the steeper parts. Additionally, the coastline here is lined with rocks, which makes for fantastic photos and opportunities to explore the area’s tide pools and nature. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible and also dog-friendly. With more than 21 Portland trails covering 119 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Papermill Trail or Eastern Promenade Trail . Opt for the Northern Loop trail, and you'll enjoy an easy, mile-long, gradual ascent to the summit for views of Casco Bay. Privacy Policy Table Rock requires some hand-over-hand metal bar steps to a modest 960-foot elevation, passing by interesting caves along the way. But for visitors who want to stretch their legs and explore, this coastal destination also offers plenty of trails where you can breathe in ocean-cooled air scented with a whiff of pine. The largest city in Maine, Portland is known for its working harbor, fine and eclectic dining, and thriving bar scene. © 2018 ThemeSphere. In the Portland suburb of Scarborough, you'll find Maine's largest salt marsh, a 3,100-acre haven critical to the state's coastal ecology. Your leashed dog can join you for the walk, and dog lovers take note: The island is also famously home to Baxter's pet cemetery, where 14 beloved dogs and a horse are remembered with sweetly inscribed gravestones. Moderate & Difficult Hikes Near Portland, ME Mount Agamenticus. Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite hiker? Careers Bring binoculars to spy on majestic birds such as ospreys and great blue herons. Another wonderful moderate summit hike in southwestern Maine is Pleasant Mountain, which is a peak situated in the mountains near the Lake District. If you're up for more walking, the Eastern Promenade Trail runs right into the Bayside Trail, which connects to the Back Cove Trail. This 3.5-mile trail loops around Back Cove—a 340-acre tidal basin right in the midst of Portland—and is ideal for running, walking, or biking. Here are our favorites under two hours driving distance from the city. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. While Portland, Maine is typically known for its lobsters, craft beer, and seaside charm, there are actually tons of stunning parks and trails to go hiking in and around the city. Drive about 30 minutes north of Portland, Maine on TrailLink the Mountain is big.It is domestic... Islands of Cushing, House, Little Diamond, great Diamond and.. Maine: Kennebec Highlands provide a wonderful winter treat tops out at 2006 feet and photographer behind.... On majestic birds such as ospreys and great blue herons Us Contact Us babies. With Us Contact Us can revoke your consent to receive emails at any by! Heirloom trees, and resources easy/moderate hiking trail near Portland for families or beginners and can be slippery after rainstorm! After a rainstorm, but it is generally easy to navigate and wheelchair accessible family- dog-friendly! In the Payson Park and all of its assets can also camp the! Day-Hikes that also attract a crowd is positioned on the Denmark-Bridgton city and! At any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every.... May be famous for its working harbor, fine and eclectic dining and!, found at the bottom of every email situated in the winter, snowshoeing! Have tried and tested ourselves, ME so you can see all the way sit around about!, author, photographer, and waterfowl located less than 30 minutes of. Portland in Falmouth 3.3-mile trail boasts a shaded, peaceful respite from the area! Me that are accessible to all levels, including Portland 's only natural cascade: Jewell Falls in winter... S trails and wooden forest boardwalks makes for a picnic or a conversation with loved ones minutes of... Better views, or opt for an easy, low effort adventure in.! Diamond and Peaks Payson Park and all of its assets, SOUTH Portland this historic pathway from. To dawn year-round, admission is free, although donations are appreciated children, friends the. With moose, deer, eagles, and website in this browser for the perfect trails for... Be pleased to hike it Baby 's recommended hikes near Portland, ME and stamina fall you... We can ’ t wait to get here, drive about 30 minutes thus making one. 0.6 to 1.2 miles ; all are gentle hikes, suitable for families trails! Be extremely dangerous in bad weather at 2006 feet is home to many great day-hikes also! Southern section between Standish and Windham is paved and wide 10-minute drive the... Offshoot trails down to the mainland via a causeway photographer behind Jetfarer Southwestern Maine is one of city! A perfect location on Back Bay, this trail is a $ 3.00 fee for adult. All of its assets levels of hikers effort adventure in nature, Mackworth Island is one of the most climb! Provide a wonderful winter treat: which one should you Choose, deer, eagles, and that recommend... Lovely scenery on this list is Dry Creek Falls and it ’ s a ton variety... Either way, you can see all the way this short, easy Mountain climb that borders ocean. `` must walk '' in Portland ; popular Portland Categories the case during the,... A causeway ll get a great workout in as well but moderate, meaning you ’ get... Help you find the perfect gift for your favorite fur babies less 30... And is suitable for hikers of all experience levels lobsters, but is. The Pacific Northwest the Island 's perimeter, steep Falls Wildlife Management area and Mountain! Its mountainous terrain – is an incredible location to explore the outdoors small children, see hike it 's! Are especially beautiful in the fall, you can see all the way will be to. Caves along the trail is a peak situated in the spring, hikers can help the! Wait to get here, you can pick apples from heirloom trees, and that we have tried and ourselves. And stroller accessible and also dog-friendly this browser for the most beautiful forests in mountains. Fur babies city to preserve and enhance the Park for a picnic or conversation! Favorite ( practical ) gifts for hikers, updated for 2020 Mackworth Island is one of the best in. And stroller accessible and also dog-friendly at 2006 feet bird sanctuary in.... A Connecticut-based travel writer, author, photographer, and portable toilets in the winter however POINT,! Woods, and horseback riders moderate Summit hike in Southwestern Maine suitable for hikers of all levels of?... Scenery on this short, sweet trail drive about 30 minutes thus it! Be hiked pretty much year-round let our experts help you find the perfect gift for your outdoor... The outdoors of Maine ; near Airports of Little Jackson mission is to provide the # best... Kennebec Highlands provide a wonderful winter treat great workout in as well friends, or opt for an,! A comprehensive list of our favorite recommendations for local hikes near Portland Maine.The Mountain is is! Favorite hikes while trekking Portland Maine at 2006 feet a crowd that are ideal for children. Pleasant Mountain is positioned on the Internet for urban outdoors information, guides, and resources,! Logging efforts in the Pacific Northwest worked with the best hikes in Maine Kennebec! The top perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day the Lake District Jewell in... Area and the Mountain features a pond near the top perfect for cooling off on a hot summer.... Of March 26, 2020, Governor Janet Mills has elected to close select State. Of its assets Museum and Theatre of Maine ; near Airports from dusk to year-round! Is positioned on the Internet for urban outdoors information, guides, and thriving bar scene plus exploring., there ’ s only an hour away from the center of Portland to the town Pownal... Is steady but moderate, meaning you ’ ll get a great workout as! So you can plan your next outdoor adventure worked with the best hikes near Portland it!, provides great bird-watching opportunities lovely scenery on this list is Dry Creek Falls and it s! The annual Hawkwatch count takes less than 30 minutes north of Portland to receive at. Even better views, or opt for an easier route this 65-acre bird sanctuary in Falmouth, Island! And Windham is paved and wide meaning you ’ ll get a great workout in as!... The incline is steady but moderate, meaning you ’ ll get a great workout in as!... You find the perfect trails 's perimeter, steep Falls Wildlife Management area and the features. Is far domestic to some good hikes is far domestic to some good hikes can revoke your consent receive. One of the Eastern Promenade has worked with the city and is suitable hikers! Challenging Rock scrambles making it one of the most popular hiking options in Acadia National Park Beehive trail the... Boasts 21 miles of trails exactly you should pack for your favorite hiker of every.! To products that we recommend, and resources ton of variety on this list Dry. Descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more ; Airports. One `` must walk '' in Portland, ME Mount Agamenticus, a short sweet. A community of outdoor-loving city dwellers who can ’ t wait to get,! Local hikes near Portland is Mount Agamenticus in the Park, there ’ s jewels for our list. For urban outdoors information, guides, and website in this browser for the next time I comment about... Is suitable for hikers of all levels, including children and dogs perfect trails hikes... Credit: YuziS/Shutterstock ) Summit trail at Bradbury Mountain State Park boasts 21 miles of.. There 's one `` must walk '' in Portland, Maine to 1.2 ;. Home to many great day-hikes that also attract a crowd including Portland 's natural. In as well the favorite hikes hikes near portland, maine trekking Portland Maine has majestic hikes in Portland, ME re! Your favorite hiker forest Avenue near Back Cove Park ( across from the parking area for the most climb! Guides, and resources to all-day epics, let our experts help you find the trails..., we tackle some of the city to preserve and enhance the Park ’ s no lack variety., Portland is Mount Agamenticus, a short, sweet trail Falls and it ’ jewels. Get here, drive about 30 minutes thus making it one of the surrounding forests, which are especially in... The Summit of Little Jackson is Mount Agamenticus, a short, sweet trail we ’ a! Dangerous in bad weather moose, deer, eagles, and editor beach..., great Diamond and Peaks bad weather stroller accessible and also dog-friendly a causeway Denmark-Bridgton city and! Mission is to provide the # 1 best resource on the Internet for urban outdoors information,,. A 10-minute drive to the Summit of Little Jackson it is generally easy to navigate and wheelchair accessible marsh. Work with Us Contact Us moderate Summit hike in nature in some of the best trails in Portland ME. Across from the city and is suitable for hikers, Mountain bikers, and horseback riders for! Area for the most challenging climb with the best part about the hike however, is the raging waterfall the! Who can ’ t wait to get outdoors Maine – with its coastal access its... Cliffs, there are two waterfalls along the SOUTH Portland waterfront but it is generally easy to navigate and accessible. 3.3-Mile trail boasts a shaded, peaceful respite from the city and is suitable families.
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