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Back Cove Trail

Hiking trails & Routes

Back Cove Trail

Easy

3.1

(19)

hikers

Back Cove Trail

Q: Where can I park to access the Back Cove Trail?

Parking is available at several points around the loop. You'll find designated parking areas at Preble Street Extension and Payson Park, which also have portable toilets.

Q: Is this trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the Back Cove Trail is very dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times. There are even seasonal water fountains available for pets along the route.

Q: When is the best time to visit the Back Cove Trail?

The trail is enjoyable year-round, but spring through fall offers the most pleasant weather for walking, running, and biking. During these seasons, you can also take advantage of the seasonal water fountains. It's a popular spot, so consider visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.

Q: Are there any fees or permits required to use the Back Cove Trail or Back Cove Park?

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access the Back Cove Trail or Back Cove Park. It's free and open to the public.

Q: What is the terrain like on the trail?

The trail features a comfortable mix of compacted stone dust and paved surfaces, making it smooth and easy to navigate. It's mostly flat, with only a slight rise along the stretch that parallels I-295.

Q: What can I see along the route?

As you travel the loop, you'll enjoy lovely views of the Portland skyline, the tidal cove, and the harbor. Keep an eye out for the Back Cove Crane Sculpture and the historic East End Rail Bridge . The tree-lined path also offers opportunities for birdwatching.

Q: Does the trail connect to other paths?

Yes, it's well-connected! The route passes through sections of the Back Cove Trail (94%), Bayside Trail (46%), Washington Avenue bike route (14%), Baxter Boulevard Bike Route (4%), and the Eastern Prom Multi-Use Trail (13%). Specifically, it connects to the Bayside Trail and the Eastern Promenade Trail under Tukey's Bridge, allowing for longer continuous routes.

Q: Are there facilities available along the trail?

Yes, for your convenience, you'll find benches for resting, seasonal water fountains (for both people and pets), and distance markers along the loop. Portable toilets are located in the parking areas at Preble Street Extension and Payson Park.

Q: Is the trail suitable for families and those with strollers?

Absolutely! Its mostly flat terrain, wide paths, and accessible surfaces make it ideal for a wide range of users, including families with children and those pushing strollers. It's also suitable for individuals with disabilities.

Q: What are the conditions like in winter?

In winter, the Back Cove Trail remains a popular spot for walking and running, but conditions can vary. Expect potential snow and ice, especially after storms. While generally well-maintained, some sections might be slippery, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

00:58

3.81km

10m

Hiking

The Back Cove Trail offers a refreshing urban escape, circling the tidal basin with continuous views of the Portland skyline and harbor. You'll find yourself on a mostly flat path of stone dust and pavement, passing by horticultural gardens and offering excellent opportunities for birding, with sightings of great blue herons and mallards. It's a gentle, tree-lined loop that feels surprisingly natural despite its city location.

Planning your visit is straightforward for this popular route. The trail is easily accessible, with amenities like benches, seasonal water fountains, and portable toilets available in parking areas such as Preble Street Extension and Payson Park. This easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) loop, with just 17 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 57 minutes, making it ideal for a quick stroll or a leisurely outing at any time of day.

This historic multi-use pathway, completed in 1917, is one of Portland's oldest and most cherished trails, connecting to other prominent routes like the Bayside Trail and Eastern Promenade Trail under Tukey's Bridge. It's a fantastic option for families and dog owners, providing a low-difficulty experience that highlights the natural beauty and wildlife of the urban estuary habitat.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

894 m

Back Cove Crane Sculpture

Highlight • Monument

2.92 km

East End Rail Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The gigantic military fortress Battery Steele was built during World War II to house heavy guns to protect the North Atlantic fleet. After the war, the site came into the possession of the Casco Bay Island Development Association and later the Star Foundation, a non-profit organization, became the owner of the fortress. When Battery Steele was put up for sale again, a grassroots campaign was launched by a group of islanders. In 1995, the group bought the 5.5-hectare property to preserve it as a recreational and historical site. This is how Peaks Island Land Preserve, a volunteer organization, was created. In 2005, Battery Steele was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Walking through the more than 100-meter-long dark tunnel inside Battery Steele creates indescribable impressions. The walls are covered in graffiti, many of which unfortunately do not claim to be classified as ‘street art’.
peaksislandlandpreserve.org/battery-steele

Translated by Google •

Tip by

3.81 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.66 km

135 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

2.63 km

560 m

428 m

119 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Saturday 4 July

31°C

21°C

38 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park to access the Back Cove Trail?

Parking is available at several points around the loop. You'll find designated parking areas at Preble Street Extension and Payson Park, which also have portable toilets.

Is this trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the Back Cove Trail is very dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times. There are even seasonal water fountains available for pets along the route.

When is the best time to visit the Back Cove Trail?

The trail is enjoyable year-round, but spring through fall offers the most pleasant weather for walking, running, and biking. During these seasons, you can also take advantage of the seasonal water fountains. It's a popular spot, so consider visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.

Are there any fees or permits required to use the Back Cove Trail or Back Cove Park?

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access the Back Cove Trail or Back Cove Park. It's free and open to the public.

What is the terrain like on the trail?

The trail features a comfortable mix of compacted stone dust and paved surfaces, making it smooth and easy to navigate. It's mostly flat, with only a slight rise along the stretch that parallels I-295.

What can I see along the route?

As you travel the loop, you'll enjoy lovely views of the Portland skyline, the tidal cove, and the harbor. Keep an eye out for the Back Cove Crane Sculpture and the historic East End Rail Bridge. The tree-lined path also offers opportunities for birdwatching.

Does the trail connect to other paths?

Yes, it's well-connected! The route passes through sections of the Back Cove Trail (94%), Bayside Trail (46%), Washington Avenue bike route (14%), Baxter Boulevard Bike Route (4%), and the Eastern Prom Multi-Use Trail (13%). Specifically, it connects to the Bayside Trail and the Eastern Promenade Trail under Tukey's Bridge, allowing for longer continuous routes.

Are there facilities available along the trail?

Yes, for your convenience, you'll find benches for resting, seasonal water fountains (for both people and pets), and distance markers along the loop. Portable toilets are located in the parking areas at Preble Street Extension and Payson Park.

Is the trail suitable for families and those with strollers?

Absolutely! Its mostly flat terrain, wide paths, and accessible surfaces make it ideal for a wide range of users, including families with children and those pushing strollers. It's also suitable for individuals with disabilities.

What are the conditions like in winter?

In winter, the Back Cove Trail remains a popular spot for walking and running, but conditions can vary. Expect potential snow and ice, especially after storms. While generally well-maintained, some sections might be slippery, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

What kind of wildlife might I see?

Being a tidal estuary basin, the Back Cove is a great spot for birdwatching. You might see various waterfowl and shorebirds. The tree-lined path also provides habitat for common urban wildlife.