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Fore River Sanctuary
4.7 ★★★★★ 231 Google reviews · Running trail in Portland, Maine · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 100 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Fore River Sanctuary'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.
Tranquil hiking trail with a waterfall winding through woods, marsh and bridges.
What runners say about Fore River Sanctuary
“Beautiful wooded trail system right in the heart of Portland.”
“There are some light slopes, but the trail is well marked, well maintained.”
While on a recent trip to Maine my wife and I were looking for a short hike to break up the drive. Fore River Sanctuary was a great pick with lots of trails and lots to see. We happened to go after it had been raining for the last two day so the trails were a little muddy.
This is a short walk to a lovely waterfall. There are some light slopes, but the trail is well marked, well maintained. I really appreciate all the signage. Wear bug spray. It is very buggy, lots of mosquitos. Having said that, still take the walk. It's lovely. Take your dog. Take your family. Dip your toes?
Definitely an old favorite... Beautiful views through the marsh... Lots of greats little loops. Jewel falls is a must see. A beautiful piece of woods you'd be surprised to find tucked in Portland. However trails can be quite busy especially in summer months and the falls end is often quite busy
I hiked here with my dog while visiting Portland. It’s a lovely hiking area with a waterfall, marshlands, and boardwalks. There’s several trails you can take, so you can spend a couple of hours here if you want to!
Trail conditions & character
“It’s a lovely hiking area with a waterfall, marshlands, and boardwalks.”
“Not a bad trail but I don't like that dogs are freely running around and owners don't warn you if they will jump on you or not!”
“Free parking, but a small lot at the entrance.”
“The landscape goes from hills and forests to open marshland, with lots of egrets and other birds along the way.”
“There are some light slopes, but the trail is well marked, well maintained.”
“Great shady loop (we went on the pink trail) with a little bit of hills and tree roots, but fairly easy.”
Plan your run at Fore River Sanctuary
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance100 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — 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
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.
Jewell Falls - Rowe Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 89 reviews
Short and long woodland trails with maps of the area, leading to a waterfall.
Mayor Baxter Woods
4.6 ★★★★★ 211 reviews
Pine forested, dog-friendly park offering shaded trails for walking, running & cycling.
