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Presumpscot River Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 240 Google reviews · Running trail in Portland, Maine · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 100 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Presumpscot River Preserve'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 riverside park with a waterfall, hiking trails, for-leash dogs and open spaces.
What runners say about Presumpscot River Preserve
“Visitors appreciate the clean, serene environment and the chance to experience the region’s natural beauty up close.”
“The preserve offers a mix of easy to moderate trails that loop along the Presumpscot River, with a few spots that open up to beautiful views and even a small waterfall.”
“The trails are well-marked, but bringing a map or using a hiking app isn’t a bad idea for first-timers.”
“Presumpscot River Preserve is a beautiful natural area offering scenic trails, peaceful river views, and abundant wildlife.”
“The trail markers are a bit confusing, and we got a little bit lost getting back to our car, but other than that, it was a great easy hike.”
This place is amazing. Easy quick hike, great for relaxing walk through the woods. River is beautiful, air is fresh, and there is a small waterfall. Totally worth a visit. It takes around 2 - 3 hours if you take your time exploring, but I bet you can get it done in less than 2 if you just go point A-B and back.
Gentle, relaxing out-and-back hike with absolutely stunning views. The trail is peacefully quiet, save for the pleasant roaring of the waterfall. Dogs are welcomed, as well, and the people passing by are friendly.
Gorgeous forest walk. Dog friendly. One word of caution: the surface is calm but the current made for a challenging swim for our dog. Otherwise a perfect day!
Just found this trail a couple of weeks ago and we cannot wait to do it again! The trail markers are a bit confusing, and we got a little bit lost getting back to our car, but other than that, it was a great easy hike. A lot to look at and soak in with a waterfall area which was quite nice.
Trail conditions & character
“The preserve offers a mix of easy to moderate trails that loop along the Presumpscot River, with a few spots that open up to beautiful views and even a small waterfall.”
“It’s a great spot for a casual hike, a trail run, or just a walk with your dog (and yes, you’ll meet plenty of dogs along the way).”
“Parking can be a little tight on Overset Road, so it’s smart to come early or later in the day.”
“The trail markers are a bit confusing, and we got a little bit lost getting back to our car, but other than that, it was a great easy hike.”
“Presumpscot River Preserve is a beautiful natural area offering scenic trails, peaceful river views, and abundant wildlife.”
“The preserve offers a mix of easy to moderate trails that loop along the Presumpscot River, with a few spots that open up to beautiful views and even a small waterfall.”
“Steps and bare soil trails likely inaccessible for those with wheeled mobility devices.”
Plan your run at Presumpscot River Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitetrails.org
- Phone(207) 775-2411
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
Oat Nuts Park Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 85 reviews
Park featuring hiking and cycling trails plus views of the Presumpscot River.
Presumpscot Falls Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 119 reviews
Park featuring a trail, kid-friendly hiking, and swimming.
River Point Conservation Area
4 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews
Falmouth Community Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 94 reviews
Sprawling outdoor space featuring dog-walking trails and grassy fields.