Eastern Promenade
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If you’re looking for a peaceful activity to unwind, a walk or a jog on the paved trail of the Eastern Promenade by the old rail corridor will do the trick. The sight of Cruise-ships, ferries and boats sailing around the islands of Casco Bay is almost therapeutic.
In for a swim or want to practice your rowing… The East End Beach is where you should be heading. Bathrooms, changing rooms and rental of kayak and dinghy racks are available to make life easier. This park also has Basketball, Softball and Tennis courts. The Mid Slope trail is a rustic hike for wildlife enthusiasts. With the park being a haven for around 190 bird species, a bird watching tour is worth considering. Your four-legged friends are welcome in the park on a leash, or running freely in the designated voice control areas
Designed in 1905, by the Olmsted Brothers landscape firm, who designed New York’s Central Park, the park has 5 different trails which can take you in a loop or to different areas. The Back Cove Trail passes under the Tukey, 8 Lane Steel Bridge, Portland’s oldest bridge. Another trail leads to Fort Allan Park, originally built as a Revolutionary Way Fort in 1775. Along the park you will find The USS Portland’s memorial and the USS Maine Memorial Cannon, which was restored following the battleship explosion. Other monuments are the World War II Arctic Memorial and the more recent 9/11 memorial, remembering the 7 Maine victims who died during the attack.
4th of July celebrations at the Eastern Prom attract large audiences as the firework display and the views of the bay are a perfect match. In Winter, the park is equally special covered in snow providing a sledding opportunity, not to mention ice-skating for the bold.
If you’re in the area, a drive to this park is a good idea. The views alone make it worthwhile but whether it’s a harbor walk, a kayak trip, or a wild life tour, I’m positive you’ll find an activity you’ll enjoy doing
