Take advantage of the glorious summer weather and get outside!  Not looking to escape the city? No problem! Head on over to the Back Cove Trail, most commonly referred to by locals as the Boulevard.

Maintained by Portland Trails (more on this tomorrow – stay tuned), the Boulevard is Portland’s most popular trail.  Bordering, you guessed it, Back Cove and even crossing Tukey’s Bridge at one point, the Boulevard is a dog-friendly 3.6 mile loop for use by walkers, runners, and bikers.  Though it’s Portland’s most popular trail, don’t be turned away.  I’ve walked it well over 50 times in my life and have never felt like it’s crowded.  There are multiple parking lots.  A sizeable one across from Hannaford on Back Cove by Marginal Way and 1 by Payson Park – both easily accessible locations with ample space.  The Boulevard is a primarily level, gravel path.  Some people, like myself, choose to walk it clockwise while others go counterclockwise.  It’s open year round, and I can’t say one season is particularly better to walk it in than others.  I love all of Maine’s seasons, so it’s super hard for me to choose.  Portland Trails maintains it, and enough people traverse it, you don’t have to worry about it being too icy or buried with snow in the winter.

 

My one warning is look out for the occasional benefit walk or race.  Parts of the path narrow and it’s no fun shrinking against a fence as 100 people come towards you racing to end Alzheimer’s or cancer.  It’s great to show support though, especially if you’re participating.  I supported my cousins at the Presumpscot School 5K Run/Walk & 1 mile family fun run last Saturday.  My cousins came in 1st and 2nd for the age group/gender, so I was feeling very proud of both of them.

The trail offers beautiful views of the Portland skyline, offering a unique vantage point.  I think any local will cross paths with the Boulevard at some point in their lives.  This trail has always been a part of my life.  I still look for the Minnie Mouse sunglasses I lost their when I was 3 and being pushed in a stroller most of the way.  When I played field hockey at Cheverus High School, my team would have to run the boulevard multiple times per day for captain’s practices in the summer.  My best friend and I were looking for something to do where we’d be able to talk and not spend money, so we walked the boulevard – it takes about an hour to walk.

 

As long as I live in Portland, the Boulevard will be a part of my life full of memories.  Stay tuned for more about Portland Trails tomorrow!