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Back Cove Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 27 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 Trail'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.
What runners say about Back Cove Trail
“Great trail and well-maintained.”
“Beautiful views all the way around and close to several other trails and a children’s park.”
Went for a walk on a really nice day in Portland, Maine… not too crowded but plenty of people out and about… the loop is about 3 1/4 miles… there is a nice parking area and it seems that everyone walks clockwise around the cove… you do have to cross a bridge that is on a main road but not too terribly loud…
This is a great waterside trail for walking, jogging or biking. It connects to various trails in the Portland area. It also provided many access points in and around town.
3 mile loop, not paved but flat and smooth for running or pushing a stroller. Beautiful views all the way around and close to several other trails and a children’s park.
Great trail and well-maintained. While not a lot of shade, there were several water stations (bubblers) as well as a fierce-looking "playground" (workout station) at the end (we walked clockwise from the lot). All in all, a great hike with lots of friendly folks, dogs, and the occassional bike.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful views all the way around and close to several other trails and a children’s park.”
“3 mile loop, not paved but flat and smooth for running or pushing a stroller.”
“Parking can be found on the side of the road or small lots found around.”
“They have lots of benches to sit on as you walk around too and I noticed a water fountain that also had a spout for dogs.”
“While not a lot of shade, there were several water stations (bubblers) as well as a fierce-looking "playground" (workout station) at the end (we walked clockwise from the lot).”
“3 mile loop, not paved but flat and smooth for running or pushing a stroller.”
Plan your run at Back Cove Trail
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) 775-2411
- 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.
Back Cove Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 169 reviews
Large park featuring a 3.5-mile, waterfront loop trail for jogging & biking, plus open green space.
Eastern Promenade Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 243 reviews
Scenic waterside trail that leads to a beach that’s dog-friendly.