We hadn't been here since before the pandemic, so we thought we'd come and take a late afternoon…read morestroll here recently... it's just as special as we remember! Some of my former review holds up: "It's a 1/2 mile boardwalk (a beautifully maintained structure with planks the color of the seaside) that winds through a coalesced bog (essentially what this means is that, a long time ago, two dying ponds filled with decaying matter so much so that they became one and turned into a peatland) - the southernmost example of its type - and ends with a small loop in the forest making it about 2 miles roundtrip. It's absolutely one of the most unique and stunning landscapes in Maine I've ever seen: it seems to include a variety of different flora from different climates (even though I know that can't be true). If I was plunked in the middle of here without knowing where I was, I wouldn't be able to tell you if I was in Iceland, Arizona, Mars, New England, or Scotland. It's so stunningly varied. From what I've heard, this is absolutely the kind of place you return to every few months because of how different it looks from season to season. Winter features sparkling whites and chocolatey brown colors, offering sweeping views of wide open spaces; during spring, the heath becomes incredible with pink and purples of the blooming plants and regrowth; in summer, the heath seems smaller because of the fullness of the rich green plants; and, autumn is ablaze with various warm colors from the range of plants all getting ready to rest. This is a very special place." A couple things of note now that it's become more popular though: 1. Some people use this as their running/power walking/exercise route, and that can be a little overwhelming when they're coming at you fast on such a small space, segue... 2. A stroller takes up almost the entire width of the three foot wide boardwalk. In both instances, be prepared to very carefully balance on the edge as these folks pass by. DO NOT STEP INTO THE BOG EVER.

This trail is gorgeous! There are a couple of points that you don't feel like you're in Maine…read moreanymore. For the main path, there's a cute rainbow-like boardwalk. This would make it easy for those with strollers. There's not as much mud to deal with like other trails. If you choose to, there is a more natural wooded loop that you can do when the boardwalks end. This part is more traditional, where you'll need some muddin' boots or sneakers you don't mind getting dirty. We've hit up multiple preserves and this is by far the best maintained location. Definitely give it a try!

Greetings all! If you're interested in a reasonably short hike in Old Orchard Beach I would highly…read morerecommend the Milliken Mills Trail. The entrance to the trail is located on Portland Road just shortly after Milliken Mills Road. It is near the Eastern Trail. The trail has many different routes you can take and all are relatively short. All the trails are well-marked and full of nature.

With so many amazing places to hike and walk nature trails and wooded paths in Maine, I'm not sure…read morethis is a spot I'd personally need to come back to (or even recommend you come out of your way to find). It seems this is more of a gem for hyperlocals (i.e. those that live within walking distance): plenty of folks here when I came midday, midweek walking their off-leash dogs with open containers, and loads of people on inflatable tubes in the Presumpscot River (note: the sound carries clear as day, so I could hear every single thing everyone in the river was saying... some of it pretty R-rated stuff, so maybe just be thoughtful if you're out there tubing). This is a one mile loop that goes up through the hemlock forest (note: many of the boarded planks to cross streams or muck were broken up here; see photos for proof), behind Great Falls Elementary School, then follows along the river (along the historic Cumberland/Oxford Canal Towpath). I came because I saw it was recommended as a shady hike good for summer, but it seems like a better spot to jump into the river (and there's Paddle Access to do so).

Any trail that has a nice water view is great in my book. I've been to most of the local trails in…read morePortland so I've been trying some others in the nearby towns. My goal is a trail that's light and easy for my grandpa pup and has some interesting sights. This preserve was nicely maintained and is short, only about a mile, but goes by two ponds and a section goes along the presumpscot river. There's a good portage for kayaking or tubing and the water is gentle. We found some frogs, which is always exciting. A little leaf peeping too! Wouldn't go out of the way for this, but if you're in the area, it's nice.

Northern Trailhead - this is my first time hiking this preserve and while the hiking was really…read morenice the lack of trail markings once you get onto the trail was a bit concerning as at beginning of the trail there were white signs and soon turned to blue markings on the trees but for some time there was no markings at all and as there are multiple looking trails, I got a bit turned around but was lucky enough to meet some locals that assured me I was on the actual trail ....... I would have hiked meeting up with the other sections of the preserve I just was not feeling secure in the marking to be able to find my way back. I will probably try some of the other sections but start at the other trailheads and hope the trail markings are better.

Very beautiful walk aside the water. There's a couple places to read history on the trail and…read moresurrounding area. Very clean and litter free. Quiet and there were no people when I went. The animals are very active on this trail so enjoy the squirrels, birds, and chipmunks! If you have 30 minutes this is definitely worth a try.

What a wonderful spot to talk a walk. Couple different trails or one loop that is super quick. They…read morehave garbages along the way. Lots of dogs and so many beautiful views!

It was beautiful but not well marked. We got lost and ended up on private property (oops!). It was…read morenice once we got back on track. Thank you!

Totally love this trail! I spend many summer days either walking or riding the first length. Of…read morecourse there is always time to jump off the railroad trestle to cool off. I have often wondered how high up off the river this structure is. Anyway, it's very exhilarating and the view from there is spectacular year round.

This is a lovely partly paved path that runs from the ocean to the mountains. The Sebago to Sea…read moreTrail runs to Portland via westbrook road to this location. You can mountain bike or walk. I love this trail because you can choose your own adventure. Go as far as you like, past the rolling farmlands and through the woods. My dogs LOVE this little hike. There is one part, in Windham, which goes over an old train bridge. The view over the river from this spot is magnificent. Sebago to Sea Map Link: http://sebagotothesea.org/ Mountain Division Trail Map Link: http://me-windham.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/219

I feel the need to preface all of my nature reviews with this: being 90% forested and having around…read more3500 miles of coastline, Maine has a tremendous amount of spaces, walkways, paths, and trails of all kinds and of all levels. There's something for everyone. What I'm reviewing is how a spot compares to similar outdoor spots in my personal opinion. Being in nature - and remembering to carry in, carry out - is always five stars! :) Parking? Yes. Loop trail? Kind of. Well marked signs? Kind of. Element of surprise? Yes. Mt Cutler feels like a work in progress. What I read about it online didn't entirely match what we found in real life; and those changes felt recent. Like the town of Hiram realized what a popular place this has become and they're trying to improve it to make it more accessible. That being said, here's what I would do if I were you: from the parking lot on Hiram Hill Rd (please DO NOT park on the road, there's plenty of space in the lot and if there's not... then have a Plan B) enter the woods near the Information Kiosk. Take the blue blazes (North Trail) to white blazes (White Flag Trail) to the yellow blazes (Boulder Trail). This will bring you to the Front Ledges on Mt Cutler, an overlook of a glacial moraine. Parts of this are a steeper climb, but the view is spectacular and an amazing spot to have lunch at. I would then doubleback and go home. AVOID THE RED TRAIL. Apparently this was the original trail and parts of it are basically just rock climbing while other parts are completely eroded (even the information kiosk reminds hikers of this hazard). You can also skip diverging left to the white and yellow blazes, and just keep following the blue trail for a while. It's a pretty steep climb and the views are almost as satisfying as Front Ledge (though there's more tree coverage and less space to enjoy yourself)... so it's A LOT more work for substantially less reward. I'm glad I did this; sitting on the Front Ledges looking at the foliage was special, but I'm not sure this is a trail I would need to repeat.

Great views, good hiking trails and not crowded. A hidden gem. Easy access and plenty of parking…read more Plus you may see a deer.

We finally visited this spot and feel fortunate we were able to find one of the few parking spaces…read moreopen (parallel street parking only). It was so beautiful, it was very easy to walk, and truly enjoy nature, the birds, the ocean, butterflies, our wonderful rocky coast. There was wonderful sun exposure, there were some shady spots further into the walk, the ocean breeze was amazing and refreshing. There were a few places where you could walk down on the rocks to the ocean. Fun to explore, but be careful, you can easily slip if you're not paying attention. A few people we observed were more interested in their conversation and each other, seemingly not paying attention to their footing... and we watched some lose their footing. Luckily they recovered. If I'm in the area and am looking to stretch my legs and enjoy nature, I will definitely stop here. Kudos to all that donate time and money making this a beautiful spot. To those future visitors - enjoy, and remember, leave nothing behind and take nothing with you. Let's keep this place beautiful! Highly recommend.

This was the perfect spot to enjoy the weather we had today. When you get a day in February that…read morereaches the 50s you take advantage and enjoy the outdoors in Maine. We were not alone in this thought as many others were here too. Lots of easy to walk trails (mud or snow may be present depending on the season) with beautiful coastal views with lots of rocks and beach-like spots to explore. If you are a fan of nature and the Maine coast this is a must check-out spot. In the distance you can also get great views of Wood Island Lighthouse.