5 Easy Nature Walks around Portland, ME
Updated: Mar 7
Take a break from the urban bustle and explore some of Maine's scenic habitats with an easy nature walk.
Portland, Maine has a wealth of things to do within the city: nationally known breweries, first-class restaurants, and an adorable downtown shopping experience. But where do you go when you want to break away from the city life for a bit and just enjoy nature?
While there are plenty of more challenging hikes for the avid hiker, here are a few options for short, casual walks close to Portland to get you outdoors and moving!
#1 Mackworth Island
Maine State Park | Falmouth, ME | 10 min from Portland | 1.25 mi | $
Mackworth Island is so close to Portland it can actually be seen from the Eastern Prom! Although the island is accessible by causeway, the small parking lot fills up quickly during the busy seasons.
The trail around the island is a loop so you can walk either direction, but I typically go counter-clockwise. Starting out to the right of the parking lot, you'll first come across a short set of wooden steps down to a beach (where the sunset photo above was taken). As you can tell, if you're here anytime around sunset, you're in for a treat!
Within the first quarter mile or so you'll see a few buildings in the center of the island. These are part of the Baxter School for the Deaf, founded in 1957.
About halfway around the island, you will see signs for Governor Baxter's Pet Cemetery. Baxter was the final owner of Mackworth Island prior to his donation of the island, and his summer home residing on it, to the state of Maine in 1943. Here you will find graves for his beloved pets: fourteen Irish Setters and several horses. There's just something about Maine and our pet cemeteries...
Mackworth Island is also known for it's collection of "Fairy Houses". You'll find these just past the pet cemetery on the northern side of the island. Feel free to contribute some of your own creations to the fairy community, but please be respectful of the existing houses, and be sure to use only found, natural materials from the island.
This island is included in the Maine State Parks Pass OR the current 2022 fees are as follows: $3 fee for Maine residents, $4 for non-residents. $1 for children ages 5-11.
Other Activities: dog-friendly, trail running, kid-friendly, strollers, benches, birding
*biking not allowed*
#2 Winnick Woods
Town Greenbelt | Cape Elizabeth, ME | 9 min from Portland | 1.7 mi loop & other trails
Just 9 minutes from downtown Portland, Winnick Woods is perfect for escaping the city for a casual exploration of New England wildlife. The well-marked and carefully groomed trails are popular for dog-walkers & trail-joggers in the warm months and cross-country skiers & snowshoers in the winter.
The trails are maintained by the town of Cape Elizabeth and are a part of their Town Greenbelt. Throughout the trails you'll see short boardwalk sections for improved access, wetland areas, meadows, and other scenic landscapes.
NOTE: The parking area is quite small, only 8 spots! If you plan to visit at a busy time of day there is a good chance you may not find parking.
The trails are free and open to the public.
Other Activities: dog-friendly, trail running, birding. mountain biking
Winter: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
#3 Bradbury Mountain
Maine State Park | Pownal, ME | 28 min from Portland | 0.3-2.6 mi | $
Bradbury Mountain has a fantastic collection of a dozen or so trails for the entire family, ranging from a short switch-back to the summit (Summit Trail, 0.3 mi) to longer, meandering (Tote Road, Northern Loop Trail, Ginn Trail). The state park is divided into West and East sides, with the West Side trails being the more heavily trafficked.
Now, "mountain" might be a bit deceiving - the summit itself is only 407ft (lol!). But the 800 acre state park is perfect for a casual summer nature walk or winter cross country skiing. Visit in the fall for an incredible foliage display from the summit!
I've probably hiked all the trails at Bradbury Mountain. In fact, one afternoons when I had time to spare, I did nearly all of them in just a few hours! Typically when I take visitors however, I'll choose either Northern Loop (1 mi) or Summit Trail (0.3 mi switchbacks) to the summit face to see the view, then will loop around via Boundary Trail/Northern Loop (2 mi) or Tote Road/Northern Loop (1.5 mi) back to the parking lot.
These are all considered fairly easy trails, with the Summit Trail switchbacks considered more moderate. Although the trails are mostly all well marked, if you are out around the Boundary Trail, be careful to stay on state park property. There was at least one trip that. as dusk was encroaching, I missed the trail marker I was searching for a few times. We made it out in plenty of time for park closing, but I'm not a fan of hiking after dark personally (ha!).
Camping is offered on this property! Make reservations or learn more about Maine state camping policy here.
Bradbury Mountain is included in the Maine State Parks Pass OR the current 2022 fees are as follows: $4 fee for Maine residents, $6 for non-residents. $1 for children ages 5-11.
Other Activities: dog-friendly, trail running, birding, picnicking, camping, mountain biking (some trails), horseback riding allowed (some trails)
Winter: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing (some trails)
#4 Fore River Trail
Portland Trails | Portland, ME | 6 min from Portland (downtown) | 2.4 mi there-and-back
Fore River Trail is a part of Fore River Sanctuary, and 85-acre wetland preserve in the heart of Portland. I love a destination hike, and Fore River Trail conveniently leads from Jewell Falls to Thompson's Point - home of Bissell Brothers brewing, Rosemont Wine Bar, Stroudwater Distillery, and Rwanda Bean Coffee. So - whatever your pleasure - there's a treat at the end of the hike! Although of course you do need to hike back afterwards...
Fore River Trail starts at a very non-descript small parking area on Starbird Road and leads you first to the only naturally occurring waterfall in Portland, ME. You'll encounter several wooden bridges over the marshiest areas and peaceful views of wetland habitats.
Note that there are two areas where you will need to cross a busy road, and for a time you will be following train tracks. Just be aware of the posted trail signs to make sure you're staying on course.
You'll recognize the end of the trail when you arrive at a series of parking lots and a large brick event venue in front of you (Brick South). Bissell Brothers and the other establishments mentioned above are just across the parking lots from the trail's end!
Enjoy your treats! But don't forget you do have a 1.2 mi walk back, so plan accordingly.
ALSO NOTE: We hiked this trail in the middle of July and it was BUGGY. You will not want to forget the bug spray on this hike. It is mostly wetland so the mosquitos were in rare form.
Other Activities: dog-friendly, trail running, mountain biking, birding
Winter: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
#5 Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
Maine State Park | Freeport, ME | 32 min from Portland | 0.5-3mi | $
Wolfe's Neck is one of the most beautiful state parks in Maine, in my opinion. Here, the rocky shoreline meets 200 protected acres of land, a "choose your own adventure" trail system, and bird habitat!
Osprey nest on the neighboring Googins Island and can often be seen from overlook on White Pines Trail.
Wolfe's Neck has a great picnic area for the family, including picnic tables, pavilions, charcoal grills, and compostable toilets. ALL TRASH is carry-in, carry-out.
If you're just interested in getting to the shoreline, follow the signs marked "To Shore & Casco Bay." If you're looking for more of a hike, try the 1.8 mile Harraseeket Trail that starts at the parking lot.
There is almost nothing more "Maine" than this scenic nature walk by the coast. No matter the year I always get great photos as well!
Other Activities: picnicking, dog-friendly, trail running, mountain biking, birding
Winter: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
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