Home › Maine › Bangor › Essex Woods
Essex Woods
4.5 ★★★★★ 182 Google reviews · Running trail in Bangor, Maine · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Essex Woods' 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.
Tranquil woods featuring hiking and dog-friendly trails as well as a dog park.
What runners say about Essex Woods
“I know it's supposed to be a bike path but I never see bikers and my dog loves walking here”
I always saw some people walking on a path near a bog beside the interstate, but I never knew where it originated until now. I am so glad I found it. This area not only has a walking/jogging trail, but there are bike trails, a dog park, a kids park, as well as a basketball court, and plenty of parking space.
Great walking/bike trail system that’s good for dogs and kids. Had a fun time here
Great place to bring your dog to play with other dogs in a safe cage setting or take for a walk. Fun to bring children to see the ducks or just a short walk. Trail does not go all the way around pond. The trail comes to an end to nowhere on both ends.
A nice walk to wetland area. A bit noisy due to how close the marsh is to the interstate but there can be good birding in spring and summer. The area also has bike trails.
Trail conditions & character
“This area not only has a walking/jogging trail, but there are bike trails, a dog park, a kids park, as well as a basketball court, and plenty of parking space.”
“This area not only has a walking/jogging trail, but there are bike trails, a dog park, a kids park, as well as a basketball court, and plenty of parking space.”
“While most of the trails/paths are maintained well, the outer areas could use improvements, especially with the downed trees and slippery muddy areas.”
Plan your run at Essex Woods
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitebangormaine.gov
- Phone(207) 992-4200
- 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 Bangor
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Prentiss Woods
4.6 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
Forested preserve featuring many mature trees, walking trails & limited facilities.
Broadway Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 564 reviews
Grassy park with an outdoor gym, playground and shady benches.
Central Penjajawoc Preserve
4.2 ★★★★☆ 50 reviews
Vast, 182-acre preserve of forests & fields offering a narrow walking trail in a tranquil setting.
Chapin Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 191 reviews
Paved walking trails through a grassy space, plus a play area with slides and swings.
Cascade Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 912 reviews
Scenic park featuring a picnic area & fountain, plus trails through a variety of pine trees.