Back Cove Trail

One of the oldest and most popular trails in Portland, the beautiful loop around the Back Cove offers great views of the Portland skyline.
Trail Activity
Accessible Adventure Mountain-biking Walking
Length
3.60 miles, Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Town
Portland
Surface
Gravel/Crushed Stone, Pavement
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

The Back Cove Trail is a 3.5 mile loop ideal for walking, running, biking and dog walking that provides beautiful views of the Cove, harbor, and downtown. Near Turkey Bridge the trail connects to both the Eastern Promenade and the Bayside Trail allowing for a continued trail experience. The paths are 5+ feet wide and compacted stone dust and paved surfaces that are mostly flat. There is a hill up to up to and down from the stretch of the Back Cove Trail that parallels I-295.

There are several benches and three seasonal water fountains (for people and pets) along the trail, and there are distance markers along its route in both miles and kilometers. Portable toilets are available in the parking areas at Preble Street Extension and Payson Park.

Read about MTF Accessibility Ambassador Enock Glidden's visit to rail trail using his wheelchair at MTF Stories

Other Information

The Back Cove Trail is a public park owned and managed by the City of Portland. 

Trail Manager

Visit Portland Trails online for more information and a printable map or contact:

City of Portland, Department of Public Services

City of Portland, Department of Public Services
55 Portland St.
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 874-8493

Portland Trails

Portland Trails
305 Commercial Street
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 775-2411
info@trails.org

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Dispose of Waste Properly
Dispose of solid human waste in a cathole 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp, or trails. Don't forget to cover it up when you're done!
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Trailhead Information

From I-295 take Exit 6B US-302/ME-100/Forest Ave. Turn right on Forest Avenue. Take your next right on Baxter Boulevard and your next right to Preble Street. There is a large public parking area on the Back Cove. Mileage markers start at Preble Street Extension parking lot, although trail can be joined anywhere along Baxter Boulevard. Parking is available in the lot off Preble Street Extension and on the north side of Baxter Boulevard at Payson Park. METRO Bus Route 8.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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