If you love outdoor adventure, fresh air and nice people Maine is the place for you. But! Even if outdoor adventure isn’t number one on that list of things you love, there’s a good chance you’ll love time spent in Vacationland. It’s easy to explore the best of the state when so much of nature here is completely accessible. In fact, you might be surprised at just how many easy hikes will lead you to places of beauty. Just one example is this easy hike near Portland, Maine!
The Fore River Sanctuary is comprised of 85 acres, hidden in plain sight off Congress Street, right smack in the middle of Portland!
nhoulihan / Flickr
Here, the Fore River meets the ocean creating a marshland, which provides a wonderful opportunity to see local wildlife, such as birds.
nhoulihan / Flickr
Don’t you want to see this duck!?
nhoulihan / Flickr
To do it, enter at the south entrance by parking in the Maine Ortho lot.
Google Maps
This first section will be flat and easy to navigate!
nhoulihan / Flickr
You’ll make your way over a large bridge, entering the more forested area of the wetlands.
Corey Templeton / Flickr
Kim Seng / Flickr
The trail will become surrounded by forest, and you’ll find the looped path that leads to Jewel Falls.
Wendy G / TripAdvisor
The approach is beautiful — especially in the fall.
Kim Seng / Flickr
You may hear the gentle falls before you actually see them.
Corey Templeton / Flickr
Even in the winter, this small respite from the larger city is a welcome relief.
shiridh / TripAdvisor Once you’ve had enough of nature (as if that’s possible!) head back the same way you came in. And, head back to Portland to enjoy one of the restaurants that are in close proximity to this hidden trail.
Curious about Part One of the “Easy Hike” series? Click here to check out another Southern Maine gem that will lead you to a wonderful lighthouse park.
nhoulihan / Flickr
Google Maps
Corey Templeton / Flickr
Kim Seng / Flickr
Wendy G / TripAdvisor
shiridh / TripAdvisor
Once you’ve had enough of nature (as if that’s possible!) head back the same way you came in. And, head back to Portland to enjoy one of the restaurants that are in close proximity to this hidden trail.
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