As we continue our quest to walk the off-road portions of the Eastern Trail and East Coast Greenway, we visited the South Portland Greenbelt Walkway. The Greenbelt Walkway is the eastern end of the Eastern Trail, and is also part of the route for the East Coast Greenway that goes from one Florida to Maine. This approximately 5.5 miles stretch begins at Bug Light Park and winds its way past scenic water views, through neighborhoods to the Wainwright Recreation Complex.
On the day we visited, we were lucky to find a parking spot at popular Bug Light Park. Parking is also available at the opposite end of the trail at the Wainwright Rec. Complex, and approximately midway at the Mill Creek Park. From Bug Light we followed the path through the park, to a small stretch of sidewalk past the commercial area, to return to the off-road section of the trail. Please note although the majority of the paved trail is off-road, there are a few road crossings.
Along the trail there were water views, historic markers, and interesting architecture in the neighborhoods, making for a fun urban walk. That is until we reached “Goose Poop Alley” and “Goose Poop Park.” Alright, not the official name of that section, but it should be based on the amount of goose droppings everywhere. The real name is Hinckley Park. And although it appears to be a beautiful park with a gazebo and benches by the pond, the geese have clearly marked this park as their space. Not wanting to continue walking through the mess, or upset the mother geese and their goslings, we turned around here and headed back to Bug Light Park.
Dogs are allowed on-leash on the South Portland Greenbelt Walkway. Would we recommend this trail? Well yes and no. There are parts of the trail that are interesting for a walk, but we definitely recommend avoiding the Hinckley Park area, at least in the spring through fall. Perhaps in the winter when the geese have left for the winter, we will give that section another chance. We do recommend spending the day at Bug Light Park. If you’re looking for a scenic walk in the area, we also recommend the Eastern Promenade in Portland, and the Spring Point Shoreway in South Portland.
To read our reviews of other off-road sections of the Eastern Trail and East Coast Greenbelt, please visit our Dog Friendly Places recommendations.
