What a Gorgeous Day!!!

Today was one of those perfect Maine days-lots of sunshine and clear air. We took advantage of the day by walking the Fore River Sanctuary trail.

There are many ways to enter this trail. We happened to enter at the end of Rowe Avenue, near Nasson’s Corner (our entrance is pictured here),


but you can also pick up the trail at the end of Starbird, and through the entrance on outer Congress Street. According to the website, parking is available on Hobart Street.

The Fore River Trail offers residents and tourists alike the opportunity to take a nice, long hike right in Portland. If you were to explore all of the trails smaller trails, as well as the main trail, you would probably spend a couple of hours in the area; this would include time to photograph the wildlife and beautiful vistas from the trail.

One exciting bonus to this trail is Jewel Falls, Portland’s only waterfall. When we passed the falls, there were several people resting in the area and enjoying the view. It would be a great destination for a picnic lunch!


Overall, the trails are well marked, although we felt there were places where additional markings were needed.
The Portland Trails map does not show all of the smaller trails that are off-shoots of the main trail.

Finally, a lesson in history along with a walk along the trail would be the perfect day activity for middle school students and their parents. In 1996 the Julie N, an oil tanker, was involved in an oil spill in this area. Young people could read about the oil spill online and then hike the trail to see what has happened to this area in the last 15 years. A very appropriate lesson given our daily news.

Enjoy the beautiful views at the Fore River Trail!