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PEDAL, PADDLE, WALK
Come frolic in some of Greater Portland's top
spots to enjoy the outdoors!
The 4-mile Peaks Island Loop follows
paved roads that circle the island nearest to
Portland, a mere 15 minute ferry ride away.
The road is mostly flat with minimal traffic,
and periodic benches allow you to stop and
enjoy the views to the Atlantic.
Cycle off-road in South Portland on the
5.6 mile Greenbelt Walkway, from the
Wainwright Athletic complex, near the
Scarborough town line, to Bug Light
Park, where Liberty Ships were built
during WWII. Along the way, enjoy
vistas of the Portland waterfront.
Just west of Freeport, Pineland Farms has
over 5,000 acres of beautiful woodlands
and fields open to the public. Their 18 mile
groomed trail system is perfect for mountain
biking. With its rolling terrain, the River Loop
is excellent for family rides. Add the Valley
Farm Loop for more of a challenge.
Take off from Peak’s Island, Portland’s East
End Beach, or Willard Beach in South
Portland for an afternoon or full day
exploring the nooks and crannies of Casco
Bay and the nearby Calendar Islands.
To explore ScarboroughMarsh—an import-
ant resting, breeding and feeding grounds for
birds and animals—put in at the Maine
Audubon Center on Rt 9 in Scarborough.
Be careful of the tides which make it more
difficult to paddle in a certain direction,
depending on which way the tide is flowing.
Paddlers can enjoy a beautiful stretch of the
Presumpscot River between Saccarappa
Falls and the Cumberland Mills Historic
District in Westbrook. The river’s calm
water makes it an ideal location for all skill
levels. You can also put in at Lincoln Street
and enjoy 5 miles of splendid scenery
between Westbrook and Windham.
An easy 1.5 mile trail offering excellent views
of Casco Bay circles 100-acre Mackworth
Island, connected to Falmouth by a cause-
way. Generally level with no major barriers
to wheelchairs on the main loop. Small side
trails follow steep slopes to the shore.
Popular for walking and running, the 3.6mile
Back Cove Trail offers fantastic views of
Portland’s skyline from a paved path nestled
along the water. The loop trail is mostly flat,
with a slight rise along the stretch that paral-
lels I-295. Connects to the Bayside and Eastern
Promenade Trails under Tukey’s Bridge.
Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal
provides 21 miles of hiking trails ranging
from easy to advanced . Although only 485
feet high, the summit offers sweeping views
towards Casco Bay and stunning fall foliage.
Reward your exertions with a good meal in
nearby Freeport.
BIKE
KAYAK
HIKE
PHOTO: CHRIS RICCARDO/VISITPORTLAND
Bicycle tour at Portland Head Light at
Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth
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