Fore River Sanctuary Description:
This 85-acre 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. Portland Trails asks that bikes, ATV's and pets not be brought into this wildlife sanctuary. Open from dawn to dusk, year-round.

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 south end of the Sanctuary, park in the Maine Orthopedics lot at 1601 Congress Street, using their Frost Street driveway. From the corner of Frost and Congress Streets, follow the Congress Street sidewalk to the trailhead about 450 feet to the west. To enter the north end of the sanctuary, take Brighton Avenue to Rowe Avenue and park at the end of the street. A third entrance is located at the end of Hillcrest Avenue (at the intersection of Capisic Street and Brighton Avenue ). An unimproved path leads from Frost Street to a short hill up to Riverview Street . Walking the length of Riverview Street to Capisic Street will lead to the Macy Street entrance to the Capisic Brook Trail .

METRO Bus route:
4 and 5

2.0 miles