Fore River Parkway Trail

The Fore River Parkway Trail is primarily composed of a wide, paved sidewalk between the river and Fore River Parkway, across the street from Mercy Hospital.

But I think the nicest part is when you depart the paved sidewalk, heading toward Route 295, and descend a small hill. You’ll find a dirt path stretching ahead of you that passes birch trees, benches, and a perhaps a woodchuck munching grass and clover. In a quarter-mile, it ends at the railroad tracks, where there is a sign forbidding further exploration.

This dirt side path, though close to urban bustle, feels somewhat remote, though you will have good views of the ceaseless churn of automobiles zipping along highways and planes taking off overhead. If you’re lucky, you might have a refreshing breeze coming off the salty river.

I’ve also read that you might see some bird action around the little pond on the hospital’s campus — it’s part of a little wetland that wasn’t filled in when they constructed the facility in 2008.

The trails are maintained by the city of Portland.

Directions: I am going to go out on a limb and say you can park at Mercy Hospital or at the end of Frederic Street (and will correct this if anyone objects). Maine Trail Finder suggests parking in a small lot off Commercial Street. If you start at the hospital it is easy to cross the Fore River Parkway in front of the hospital on its crosswalks, where you can press a button to set off flashing lights.