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Back Cove Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 169 Google reviews · Running trail in Portland, Maine · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 100 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Back Cove Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Large park featuring a 3.5-mile, waterfront loop trail for jogging & biking, plus open green space.
What runners say about Back Cove Park
“Clean and well maintained trail with lots of birds to entertain during a walk.”
“The sculpture of the egrets Dancing For Joy is stunning!”
About 3.6 miles if you run 1 lap but you can pick up extra traffic-free mileage by heading under the bridge out towards eastern promenade. Been a favorite spot for many years.
There is plenty of parking, so even when it's crowded you can still find a parking space. The park has an obstacle course you can run through and the trail is about 3.5 miles long. The views are beautiful all around the trail. When the tide is low, it gets a bit smelly, but there's usually a good breeze.
Enjoy all seasons while walking around the Back Cove. Everyday you will find a different shade of colors, ocean color and currents and to top the adventure an amazing seacoast wildlife. Spring is also another a great season to photograph this natural area.
One of the best scenic routes I've ever run. On a nice sunny day, don't miss a chance to bask in the beauty of the north east at Back Cove bay's trail.
Trail conditions & character
“It has a park with a series of exercise stations, and many benches placed around the loop trail for those who want to rest and enjoy the view.”
“There is plenty of parking, so even when it's crowded you can still find a parking space.”
“6 miles if you run 1 lap but you can pick up extra traffic-free mileage by heading under the bridge out towards eastern promenade.”
“5 mile loop trail completely off road serving walkers, runners, and casual cyclists.”
Plan your run at Back Cove Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance100 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitetrails.org
- Phone(207) 808-5400
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Portland
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Eastern Promenade Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 243 reviews
Scenic waterside trail that leads to a beach that’s dog-friendly.