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Print Friendly MapThe paved Back Cove Trail rings its namesake tidal basin and offers lovely views of the Portland skyline. You also might spot great blue herons or other birds along the tree-lined waterfront.
A good place to begin your journey is Payson Park, on the cove's north shore, where you’ll find parking and the Longfellow Arboretum, which is worth checking out before your journey. On the south side of the bay, Back Cove Park offers several athletic fields.
If you circle the cove in a counterclockwise direction, you’ll approach trail’s end near Turkey Bridge, where there are two other trails that you could hop on to extend your trip: the Bayside Trail and East Promenade Trail.
Parking is available at Payson Park (421 Ocean Ave.) and Back Cove Park (Preble St. and Highway 1).
Interesting to be able to see the entire loop from the starting point. Only one real incline at the overpass. We added an out and back on Eastern Promenade Trail to get 9.9 total miles.
This is a 3.6 mile loop around the bay. The trail gets a lot of use, which makes it very safe. Only one hill. Great trail for bikers, runners, or walkers.
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