Portland Trail System: Get Out And Take A Hike City Style

Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer: Portland has a fantastic network of thirty walking trails that lead you in and around the whole city. Now that the weather is cooler, taking a hike on the trail system is a fun thing to do on a brisk fall afternoon. You can choose your walking path whether you decide to take a run around the trail the circles Back Cove or one that goes deep into the forest like Baxter Woods, there are plenty of places to discover right here in Portland. One of my favorite places to go is the Eastern Promenade trail that follows the waterfront along Portland’s working harbor. This is a scenic trail that runs along the railroad tracks and offers great views of some of Portland’s famous landmarks such as Fort Gorges and the Ocean Gateway Terminal. Another great place to check out is Stroudwater Trail where it is not unheard of to stumble across deer grazing along the Stroudwater River. This 2.75 mile loop provides scenic lookout points and tucked away benches where you can sit and enjoy the view and the quiet sounds of nature. The trail system provides visitors with an opportunity to see a different side of Portland. The entire network of trails totals over 50 miles and stretches over the entire city to its borders. The trails are all maintained and well marked making it easy to find your way around. There are trail maps at many local businesses so you can plan your trip making sure you put this on your “things to do” list this fall. Grab your walking shoes and head out and discover why the folks in Portland love this well developed urban trail system right here in their own backyard.