Trail Details
- Map/Directions: Google Map – Rowe Ave trailhead OR Google Map – Congress St trailhead
- Accessible by: Bus 4 and Bus 5
- Length: 5.6 miles
- Activities: Dogs allowed off-leash, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, birding, wildlife spotting, contemplative waterfall gazing
This 85-acre preserve is the home of Jewell Falls, Portland’s only natural waterfall, as well as the site of the former Cumberland and Oxford Canal. The lowland area, where salt and freshwater marsh meet, provides great bird-watching opportunities. This network trails encompasses some of the most diverse habitats in Greater Portland. The land is owned by a mix of private landowners, Portland Trails, and the city, and is great example of the unique collaboration that takes place in order to preserve green spaces.
Trails are blazed in different colors–refer to map to the left, or our Digital Map page. We also have some maps posted on the ground for wayfinding.
The land around the falls was donated to Portland Trails by the family of Tom Jewell, one of Portland Trails’ founders.
A short walk down Congress Street sidewalks leads to the Fore River Trail and Stroudwater Trail. To connect to the Capisic Brook Trail, follow a path from Frost Street up to Riverview Street.
You can park your vehicle in several places, including Maine Orthopaedic Center’s lot (ONLY in the 5 marked spaces closest to Frost St.), at the end of Rowe Ave., on Hillcrest Ave., across the street from the Westbrook St. trailhead, and on Starbird Lane (ONLY in the designated spaces). Please follow all posted parking signs.
