At first glance, Portland, Maine might not seem like the place to go for outdoor adventures. Unless you want to spend some time on Casco Bay, most of the town feels like shops, restaurants, and bars. But after a closer look, you’ll find that opportunities to get outside abound! In fact, one of the most lovely is hidden just outside the hustling, bustling downtown area. This short hike leads to a beautiful waterfall and its proximity to town means you’ll still have time to get back, shower and be sitting down to dinner before sundown.

The Fore River Sanctuary includes 85 acres of Maine ecology and it's located just off of Congress Street! Inside the sanctuary, the Fore River meets the ocean resulting in a marshy landscape with lots of wildlife.
nhoulihan / Flickr
While the area includes about 6 miles of hiking trails, there's one that leads directly to a beautiful waterfall. And it's short and simple!
Phillip DeLuca / Google
You can begin the hike by choosing from a few different parking areas, including Frost Street parking in the five designated spaces at Maine Orthopaedic Center, at the end of Rowe Avenue, at Hillcrest Avenue or across from the Westbrook Street trailhead.
Phillip DeLuca / Google
If you start at the South entrance by parking behind Maine Orthopaedic Center, you'll follow a flat trail until you reach the bridge, leading towards the wetlands section of the hike.
Nathaniel Gach / Google

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This area is forested and full of shade for hot summer days. In the fall it's full of changing foliage.
coreytempleton / Flickr
From here, you'll access the loop towards Jewell Falls.
Ken Hilts / Google
The falls are about 30 feet tall and run heavily in the spring, early summer or after a strong rainfall.
just Doughty / Google
Most areas of the sanctuary allow dogs, but be sure to follow posted signs.
shiridh / TripAdvisor
While the hike itself is relatively short, you may want to spend extra time relaxing and enjoying the serenity around you. This is highly recommended!
shiridh / TripAdvisor

The Fore River Sanctuary is open from dawn to dusk all year round. Parking is allowed on Frost Street in the 5 designated spaces near Maine Orthopaedic Center as well as at the end of Rowe Avenue. There are a few other places you can park, which you can find by heading to this website.

The Maine Orthopaedic Center Address: 1601 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04102

For more beautiful Maine hikes, check out this article featuring 10 incredible hikes that are all under 5 miles.

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