The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Portland
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Family friendly hiking trails around Portland offer a diverse range of outdoor experiences, from extensive urban forests to scenic river gorges and volcanic landscapes. The city is characterized by its numerous green spaces, including one of the largest urban forests in the United States, providing accessible natural escapes. Beyond the city limits, the region features dramatic cliffs and waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge, as well as alpine terrain around Mount Hood. This varied topography ensures a wide selection of trails suitable for families seeking different types of natural environments.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Portland
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Eastern Promenade Trail, a 2.3 miles (3.7 km) trail that takes 57 minutes to complete, offering waterfront views and urban park scenery.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Back Cove Trail, an easy 2.4 miles (3.8 km) path. This route provides flat terrain ideal for families, with continuous views of the cove and city skyline.
- Local hikers also love the Evergreen Woods Loop, a 3.6 miles (5.8 km) trail leading through mixed woodlands, often completed in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Hiking around Portland is defined by urban forests, riverfront paths, and accessible trails leading to waterfalls. The network offers options for various ability levels, including many easy routes suitable for families.
- The routes in Portland are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 800 hikers have used komoot to explore Portland's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
8
hikers
3.72km
00:57
10m
20m
The Eastern Promenade Trail offers a delightful escape along Portland's waterfront, providing constant, expansive views of Casco Bay and its islands. This mostly paved, multi-use path is incredibly accessible, making it a fantastic choice for a relaxed outing where you can spot everything from massive cruise ships to vintage trains of the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. You'll find plenty of spots to pause and soak in the scenery, especially around East End Beach or Fish Point.
Planning your visit is straightforward for this easy 2.3-mile (3.7 km) hike, which takes about 57 minutes with only 48 feet (15 metres) of elevation gain. It's a popular destination, so consider an early start for easier parking. The trail is well-equipped with benches and picnic tables, and it's both family-friendly and dog-friendly, with specific off-leash areas available.
More than just a scenic walk, the Eastern Promenade Trail is part of a larger historic landscape designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers firm. It's also a segment of the East Coast Greenway, connecting to other popular Portland trails like the Back Cove Trail for those looking to extend their adventure. This trail is a true recreational hub, perfect for a quick, rewarding dose of coastal beauty and history.
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3.81km
00:58
10m
10m
The Back Cove Trail offers a refreshing urban escape, circling the tidal basin with continuous views of the Portland skyline and harbor. You'll find yourself on a mostly flat path of stone dust and pavement, passing by horticultural gardens and offering excellent opportunities for birding, with sightings of great blue herons and mallards. It's a gentle, tree-lined loop that feels surprisingly natural despite its city location.
Planning your visit is straightforward for this popular route. The trail is easily accessible, with amenities like benches, seasonal water fountains, and portable toilets available in parking areas such as Preble Street Extension and Payson Park. This easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) loop, with just 17 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 57 minutes, making it ideal for a quick stroll or a leisurely outing at any time of day.
This historic multi-use pathway, completed in 1917, is one of Portland's oldest and most cherished trails, connecting to other prominent routes like the Bayside Trail and Eastern Promenade Trail under Tukey's Bridge. It's a fantastic option for families and dog owners, providing a low-difficulty experience that highlights the natural beauty and wildlife of the urban estuary habitat.
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3
hikers
5.77km
01:30
30m
40m
Discover the peaceful atmosphere of the Evergreen Woods Loop, an easy hike that covers 3.6 miles (5.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 98 feet (30 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 1 hour and 29 minutes, making it ideal for a quick escape into nature. The trail winds through a scenic forest, offering a serene experience as you explore the historic grounds of Evergreen Cemetery. It’s a perfect setting for a leisurely outing, allowing you to connect with nature without strenuous effort.
Planning your visit to the Evergreen Woods Loop is straightforward. You will find easy access to the trailhead, with parking likely available near the main entrance of Evergreen Cemetery. This makes it convenient for a spontaneous outdoor adventure. The route is known to be family-friendly, so it’s a great option if you are looking for a relaxed walk with children. It is also dog-friendly, allowing your canine companions to join you on this pleasant journey through the woods.
What makes the Evergreen Woods Loop unique is its location within the historic Evergreen Cemetery. This provides a distinctive blend of natural beauty and local heritage, offering more than just a typical forest walk. As you hike, you will experience a quiet environment, perfect for reflection and enjoying the natural surroundings. The trail offers a chance to explore these historic grounds, adding a layer of interest to your outdoor activity.
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5.35km
01:23
20m
40m
Embark on an easy hike along the Thompsons Point via Fore River White Trail, a 3.3-mile (5.3 km) route that offers a pleasant escape within Portland. You will gain a gentle 67 feet (20 metres) of elevation, taking about 1 hour and 22 minutes to complete. As you explore, you will encounter diverse landscapes, from forests to salt marshes, with a highlight being Jewell Falls, Portland's only natural waterfall.
This trail provides an accessible natural experience right in the city. While specific parking details are not provided, the Fore River Sanctuary is generally easy to access. You can also reach the Thompsons Point Trail by walking a short distance along Congress Street sidewalks, making it convenient for many visitors.
Discover a rich natural environment featuring various wildlife, especially birds, throughout the sanctuary. The route also includes sections that follow a former canal towpath, adding a historical element to your journey. Enjoy views of the Fore River as you approach Thompsons Point, making this trail a notable urban green space.
5.93km
01:32
30m
30m
This easy 3.7-mile hike in Fore River Sanctuary follows the historic Oxford Cumberland Canal Trail, offering a pleasant outdoor escape.
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Tips from the Community
A place with a nice overlook. Good to have a short stop.
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The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum has maintained a narrow gauge railway since 1993, which runs approximately 2.4 km along the coast of the Portland Peninsula and parallel to the Eastern Promenade Trail. The railway tracks date from a time when the Atlantic & St. Lawrence Railroad and later the Grand Trunk Railroad ran from Portland to Montreal. After the East End Rail Bridge was badly damaged by fire in 1984 and was not repaired for economic reasons, the railway line was no longer used. This led to the founding of the non-profit organization with the aim of preserving the railway and making its history unforgettable. https://mainenarrowgauge.org/
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The gigantic military fortress Battery Steele was built during World War II to house heavy guns to protect the North Atlantic fleet. After the war, the site came into the possession of the Casco Bay Island Development Association and later the Star Foundation, a non-profit organization, became the owner of the fortress. When Battery Steele was put up for sale again, a grassroots campaign was launched by a group of islanders. In 1995, the group bought the 5.5-hectare property to preserve it as a recreational and historical site. This is how Peaks Island Land Preserve, a volunteer organization, was created. In 2005, Battery Steele was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Walking through the more than 100-meter-long dark tunnel inside Battery Steele creates indescribable impressions. The walls are covered in graffiti, many of which unfortunately do not claim to be classified as ‘street art’. https://www.peaksislandlandpreserve.org/battery-steele
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The Atlantic bay off Portland is called 'Casco Bay'. The approximately 520 sq km bay is part of the Gulf of Maine and lies between Cape Elizabeth south of Portland and Cape Small, a peninsula in eastern Maine that extends far into the Atlantic. Six inhabited islands lie in the bay and can be reached by ferry all year round. You can find detailed information about the bay on the website of the 'Friends of Casco Bay - Casco BAYKEEPER'. https://www.cascobay.org/casco-bay/
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The 'Jewel Falls' is a natural waterfall in Portland's 'Fore River Sanctuary'. The waterfall is located on the 'Portland Trails' network in the nature reserve. At the end of May 2024, the water will only flow as a trickle over the rocks down into the wetland. https://www.newenglandwaterfalls.com/me-jewellfalls.html
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The Cumberland and Oxford Canal was built between 1827 and 1892 to connect Long Lake and Sebago Lake with the seaport of Portland in southeastern Maine and to transport mainly lumber and agricultural products by boat. The canal followed the Presumpscot River from Sebago Lake and branched off the river at Westbrook to the Fore River and the port of Portland. The navigable distance was about 61 km from Harrison at the northern end of Long Lake to Portland. Horses on the shore path pulled the boats along the canal. After the completion of the railroad from Boston to Portland in 1842, the canal company was no longer economically competitive and went bankrupt in 1857. The canal was closed in 1870. The canal was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. https://www.mrlakefront.net/newsdetails.taf?date=01/21/2009&link=cumberland--oxford-canal-played-big-role-in-regions-history- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumberland_and_Oxford_Canal
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The Fore River Sanctuary is an 85-acre nature reserve that includes Jewell Falls, a natural waterfall and site of the historic Cumberland and Oxford Canal. Small parking lots are located at the Stroudwater Trailhead and the Jewel Falls Rowe Trailhead. Parking is also available at the Southern Maine Pediatric Dentistry parking lot, but only in the five marked spaces near Frost Street. The sanctuary provides important wildlife habitat, particularly in the lowland area of the Fore River, where saltwater and freshwater wetlands meet. Red oak and white pine dominate the higher elevations. The Fore River Sanctuary is owned by Portland Trails, a Portland-area nonprofit. https://www.trails.org/our-trails/fore-river-sanctuary/ Railroad tracks from the former Portland-Lunenburg (Vermont) railway line, which is now largely closed, run through the protected area. Today, only freight traffic runs from Portland to Cumberland Mills. Interestingly, the tracks of the ‘Conway Scenic Railroad’ tourist train in the ‘White Mountains’ are part of this historic railway line.
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The picturesque Jewell Falls, with its two main steps and small cascades, are the only natural waterfalls in Portland. They are accessible through the Portland Trail System trails, and you'll quickly forget that you're in the city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Portland?
There are over 40 family-friendly hiking trails around Portland, ranging from easy strolls to moderate adventures. You'll find a great variety to explore with your family.
Are there any easy, low-elevation hikes suitable for young children or strollers?
Yes, Portland offers many easy trails with minimal elevation gain, perfect for families with toddlers or strollers. Consider the Eastern Promenade Trail or the Back Cove Trail, both offering flat, scenic paths. Within the city, areas like Forest Park and Tryon Creek State Natural Area also have accessible sections.
Where can we find hikes with waterfalls near Portland?
The Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive east of Portland, is famous for its numerous waterfalls. While many trails there are family-friendly, iconic spots like Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Horsetail Falls offer stunning views and accessible paths. For a truly immersive experience, Silver Falls State Park, about 1.5 hours south, features the 'Trail of Ten Falls' where you can even walk behind South Falls.
Are there any circular routes that are good for families?
Absolutely! Many trails around Portland are designed as loops, making them ideal for families. The Evergreen Woods Loop is a great example, offering a pleasant walk through nature. Within the city, parks like Mount Tabor and Powell Butte Nature Park also feature various loop trails.
What are some popular points of interest or landmarks to see along these family-friendly trails?
Many trails offer fantastic sights! Along the coast, you can enjoy views of Casco Bay or visit Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park. For urban nature, explore Deering Oaks Park or the Eastern Promenade Trail. The region also boasts beautiful natural areas like Robinson Woods.
Are these family-friendly trails dog-friendly?
Many family-friendly trails in and around Portland are dog-friendly, but leash laws and specific park regulations vary. Always check the individual trail or park rules before heading out with your furry companion. Generally, urban parks like Forest Park and many trails in the Columbia River Gorge welcome leashed dogs.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Portland?
Portland's temperate climate makes hiking enjoyable year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while summer offers warm, sunny days perfect for exploring. Fall showcases vibrant foliage, and even winter can be beautiful with crisp air and fewer crowds, especially on lower-elevation trails. Always check weather conditions before you go.
Are there trails with good parking and restroom facilities for families?
Yes, many family-friendly trails, especially those in larger parks or popular natural areas, offer convenient parking and restroom facilities. Urban parks like Forest Park, Tryon Creek State Natural Area, and those along the waterfront often have these amenities. It's always a good idea to check specific trailheads for details before your visit.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family-friendly hikes in Portland?
The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly hikes around Portland, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of trails, the stunning natural beauty ranging from lush forests to dramatic waterfalls, and the variety of options suitable for all ages and abilities. The convenience of having such diverse outdoor experiences so close to the city is also frequently highlighted.
Can we reach any of these family-friendly trails using public transport?
Yes, several family-friendly trails within Portland are accessible via public transport. For example, parts of Forest Park, Mount Tabor Park, and the Eastbank Esplanade are well-connected by TriMet bus and MAX light rail services, making it easy to enjoy a car-free outing with your family.
Are there any 'hidden gem' family trails in the Portland area?
While many trails are well-known, exploring lesser-trafficked sections of larger parks can feel like discovering a hidden gem. For instance, beyond the main paths, areas within Powell Butte Nature Park or the less-traveled routes in Tryon Creek State Natural Area offer peaceful, immersive experiences. The Thompsons Point via Fore River White Trail also provides a lovely, often quieter, natural escape.
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