Capisic Pond Park and Brook Trail, Portland

This is a short (a half-mile) there-and-back trail, but it is pretty, well-maintained, good for birdwatching and is close to other preserves and parks if you want to go for a longer walk. Additionally, it has a hardened surface and and is wide, so is passable for wheelchairs and strollers. You can dart off the main trail onto side trails that bring you closer to the brook and up around small fields to benches.

The city is restoring pond edge habitat and asks visitors to avoid certain areas by the brook.

Directions: To enter the park at the south end, turn onto Macy Street. There’s a large dirt parking area close to Capisic Street. Additional entrances are located at Rockland Avenue and Lucas Street.