Portland’s Front Yard
Back Cove Trail is a 3.5-mile paved loop around Back Cove, a tidal inlet in the heart of Portland. It is the most used trail in the city, and for good reason. The loop is flat, accessible, scenic, and close to everything. Runners use it for morning miles. Dog walkers claim it on weekday afternoons. Families stroll it on weekends. Birders scan the mudflats at low tide.
The trail circles the cove on a mix of paved path and stone dust surface, passing through open parkland, crossing under I-295, and running alongside Baxter Boulevard, one of Portland’s most scenic roads. Views shift from the Portland skyline to the Western Mountains on clear days.
The Trail
Start from any of the parking areas along Baxter Boulevard. The loop can be walked in either direction. Most people take about 1 to 1.5 hours to walk the full circuit at a comfortable pace. Runners complete it in 25 to 40 minutes.
The eastern side of the loop follows Baxter Boulevard with views across the water to the Portland skyline. The western side passes closer to I-295 but offers good birding habitat along the marshy edges of the cove. The northern end passes through Payson Park, a large green space with mature trees.
The cove itself is tidal. At high tide, it fills with water and reflects the sky. At low tide, extensive mudflats are exposed, attracting shorebirds, herons, and gulls. The transition between the two states happens quickly and is one of the more visually interesting things about the trail.
The best birding on Back Cove is during low tide in spring and fall migration. The exposed mudflats attract sandpipers, plovers, dowitchers, and occasionally rare shorebirds. Bring binoculars and scan the flats from the trail. The northern end near the culvert is often the most productive spot.
More Than a Run
Back Cove Trail is a fixture of Portland life. Saturday morning is a parade of runners, walkers, families with strollers, and dogs of every size. The Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s near the trailhead make it easy to combine a walk with errands. In summer, food trucks sometimes park near the Preble Street parking area.
The trail connects to Portland’s larger trail network via the Baxter Woods path and links to the Eastern Promenade trail, which extends the walk to the waterfront and Old Port.
For a longer walk, connect from Back Cove to the Eastern Promenade Trail via the Baxter Boulevard sidewalk and Congress Street. The Eastern Prom trail drops down to the waterfront and runs past East End Beach, the narrow gauge railroad, and views of Casco Bay. The combined loop is about 6 miles.
When to Go
Spring
Shorebird migration on the mudflats. Warming weather brings everyone outside. Wildflowers in Payson Park.
Summer
Long evenings, sunset walks along Baxter Boulevard. Can be hot and exposed with little shade.
Fall
Foliage in Payson Park, cool running weather, fall bird migration. Less crowded than summer.
Winter
Trail is passable but can be icy in spots. Fewer people. Ducks and gulls on the cove. Sunsets are dramatic.
FAQ
How long is the Back Cove Trail?
The full loop is approximately 3.5 miles. The surface is mostly paved with some stone dust sections. It is flat with only minimal elevation change along the I-295 section.
Is the trail paved?
Yes, mostly. The majority of the loop is paved asphalt, with some stone dust sections. It is suitable for walking, running, cycling, and inline skating. Strollers and wheelchairs can handle it.
Is there parking?
Yes. Free parking is available at several points along Baxter Boulevard and at the Preble Street lot on the south side of the cove. The Baxter Boulevard lots fill on nice weekend mornings.
Can I bike the Back Cove Trail?
Yes. Cycling is allowed and common. Be courteous to walkers, especially on busy weekend mornings. The trail is wide enough for passing in most sections.
Is Back Cove Trail good for running?
It is one of the most popular running routes in Portland. Flat, paved, scenic, and exactly the right distance for a 5K loop. Many running groups and individual runners use it daily.
