Fore River Sanctuary
Riptide Trail, a new side trail designed for mountain biking, has officially opened! The trail will be added to our map very soon.
Trail Details
| Activities |     |
| Distance | 5.0 miles |
| Surfaces | Packed earth, crushed gravel, stone dust |
| Amenities | Waterfall, benches, scenic views |
| Dogs | Must be under voice control or on a leash |
| Bus Route | |
| Parking | Southern Maine Pediatric Dentistry’s lot on Frost Street (map) – marked spaces only Hillcrest Ave. (map) Rowe Ave. (map) Westbrook St. (map) Starbird Rd. (map) |
Trail Description
The Fore River Sanctuary is an 85-acre preserve that is home to Jewell Falls, Portland’s only natural waterfall, Jewell Falls. The land around the falls was donated to Portland Trails by the family of Tom Jewell, one of Portland Trails’ founders. This network of trails encompasses some of the most diverse habitats in Greater Portland, from the lowland area where salt and freshwater marsh meet, to the upland forest. There are great birdwatching opportunities in the sanctuary! Please use caution when crossing the railroad tracks.
The trail at the top of Jewell Falls is an Improved Access Trail, meaning it is flat, wide, and smooth. Now, more trail users with disabilities can visit the falls than ever before.
The Riptide Trail, built in partnership with the Greater Portland chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association (GPNEMBA) and Maine Trail Builders, is a new 3/4-mile long side trail in the sanctuary designed specifically for mountain biking (although users of all types are welcome). You can access Riptide from the Technology Park Dr. trailhead. Note that this is a one-way trail and that faster trail users should yield to those traveling more slowly.
The Fore River Sanctuary trail network can be accessed from trailheads on Congress St., Hillcrest Ave., Rowe Ave., Westbrook St., Starbird Rd., and Technology Park Dr.
These trails are maintained by Portland Trails. Is there a problem with a trail? Report an issue.
Accessibility Information
The Fore River Sanctuary is primarily a rustic natural area with varied terrain from flat but narrow trails along an old canal path to steep and rooty upland slopes. There are multiple bridges and boardwalks. The steepest sections of trail are on each side of the railroad tracks and beside Jewell Falls.
Starting in 2025, the top of Jewell Falls is accessible to people of all mobilities for the first time! This section of trail is wide, flat, and smooth with stone dust and features a lookout spot with benches to take in the beautiful views of the falls. There are benches near the top of the falls. Parking for this more accessible section is at the end of Hillcrest Ave. (with one steep section at the beginning) or on Rowe Ave., where there is a gravel access road with space for two vehicles (accessible parking only).
Adopt-A-Trail
This trail is sponsored by Adopt-A-Trail partners Central Maine Power, Dr. David Kerr, Rock Row, and Wyman’s.
