Portland, Maine
Eastern Promenade
Passed the flower filled slopes and meadows are stellar views of anchored sail boats and distant islands.
My favorite part of visiting the Eastern Prom, other then the wildflowers, is venturing past the World War II monument and paved pathways to this little forest trail that takes you down the cliff and to the beach front walkway.
The beach walk is a paved/gravel walkway that runs along side a narrow gauge railroad. This path is often busy with bicycle riders and runners so watch your step and keep your Doggo on a leash!
Like many Maine destinations, the rocky shoreline away from the paved walkway is almost always void of tourist. You may run into a few people collecting beach crystals and sea shells but it is totally cool to let your dog run free under voice control along the rocks.
This rock outcrop is the best place to sit and watch the sea birds dive for fish. It's amazing how fast the zoom under the surface of the water!
Bubba Duke is always waiting to meet a seal friend. 😺
There is a pretty little sandy beach to the left of the bedrock shore with crystal clear water for swimming, although puppers are not welcome during peak season daylight hours. They are permitted from dawn to 9 am and 7 pm to dusk on the sandy shore during the summer. During the fall and winter this beach becomes a very popular dog beach, it is a good place to take your pooch for some socializing.
Try packing a picnic to enjoy on the meadows and then venturing down to the shore for an afternoon stroll. The people of Portland, Maine are extremely friendly and welcoming, don't be surprised if you make a few friends on the way!
🖤 Annie
Here is a trail map of the area:
And some more information from trails.org:
"This waterfront trail built along an old rail corridor offers spectacular harbor and ocean views. Benches and picnic tables are located along the route and at East End Beach. The Beach offers swimming and a public boat launch, as well as public toilets and changing areas during the summer months. Dogs are allowed on the Beach during off season. Kayaks and canoes can be stored on rental racks and launched from the beach or the boat ramp.
Parallel paved and stone dust trails follow the water’s edge. The mostly flat slope has a small rise near the Portland Water District treatment plant, and another near Tukey’s Bridge, where it connects to the Back Cove Trail. This trail is maintained by the City of Portland."