The Back Cove Trail is a 3.5 mile loop ideal for walking, running, biking and dog walking that provides beautiful views of the Cove, harbor, and downtown. Near Turkey Bridge the trail connects to both the Eastern Promenade and the Bayside Trail allowing for a continued trail experience. The paths are 5+ feet wide and compacted stone dust and paved surfaces that are mostly flat. There is a hill up to up to and down from the stretch of the Back Cove Trail that parallels I-295.
There are several benches and three seasonal water fountains (for people and pets) along the trail, and there are distance markers along its route in both miles and kilometers. Portable toilets are available in the parking areas at Preble Street Extension and Payson Park.
Read about MTF Accessibility Ambassador Enock Glidden's visit to rail trail using his wheelchair at MTF Stories.
The Back Cove Trail is a public park owned and managed by the City of Portland.
Visit Portland Trails online for more information and a printable map or contact:
From I-295 take Exit 6B US-302/ME-100/Forest Ave. Turn right on Forest Avenue. Take your next right on Baxter Boulevard and your next right to Preble Street. There is a large public parking area on the Back Cove. Mileage markers start at Preble Street Extension parking lot, although trail can be joined anywhere along Baxter Boulevard. Parking is available in the lot off Preble Street Extension and on the north side of Baxter Boulevard at Payson Park. METRO Bus Route 8.
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