Type: Trail, Loop/Out-and-back
Difficulty: 3 / 10
Dog Friendly: Yes
Jog-Stroller Friendly: Unknown
Filed Under: Running
This 85-acre Maine Audubon Society preserve offers beautiful natural views, including Jewell Falls, Portland's only natural waterfall, as well as an interesting cultural history as the site of the Cumberland and Oxford Canal. The lowland area, where salt and freshwater marsh meet, often provides great bird-watching opportunities. Red oak and white pine contribute to a habitat for many songbirds and small mammals in the upland area. The land around the falls was donated to Portland Trails by the family of Tom Jewell, one of Portland Trails' founders. The Maine Audubon Society asks that bikes, ATV's and pets not be brought into this wildlife sanctuary. Open from dawn to dusk, year-round.
Description: From the Congress Street trailhead, the trail passes over the bridge and runs along the former canal towpath at a flat grade for over a half-mile before turning north to cross two boardwalks along wetland areas. As the trail heads uphill into hilly terrain, there is a loop trail which, at its highest point, leads to Jewell Falls. A short walk down Congress Street sidewalks leads to the Fore River Trail and Stroudwater Trail.
Trail access: To enter at east end of sanctuary, park in the Maine Orthopedics lot at 1601 Congress Street, at the corner of Frost Street. To enter at west side of sanctuary, take Brighton Avenue to Rowe Avenue. METRO BUS routes 4 and 5.
Posted by: Moxieman and last modified on Feb 02, 2006 by thoos
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