A Portland Pilgrimage: Part 2

My entire family was away last weekend and I had two hours before our kids would return from their cousin’s camp in Belgrade Lakes. Two hours to explore the first half of Portland’s Forest City Trail: a 10-mile route across woods and neighborhoods, featuring 9 trails, school campuses, several parks, an historic cemetery, and two waterfalls.

I’d hiked the second half of the trail a few weeks back, leaving from my house and winding my way to the Presumpscot River Preserve (read about that here). This time, I’d once again start from my house, but head in the opposite direction - exploring the southern part, and ending my journey near the Westbrook city line.

In an attempt to return home before my boys did, I hopped on my bike to save time. To be clear, I’m not much of a mountain biker, so I pushed my bike most of the way through the very rooty Fore River Sanctuary. The only reason I own a mountain bike in the first place, is that I inherited one from my son Henry when he outgrew it. He got the bike from his cousins, so it’s had many lives. You do not have to invest in expensive outdoor gear to live an outdoor life. I stand by that belief.

Although I dismounted my bike many times to push it over difficult terrain, I sped along the flatter sections of trail and enjoyed the freedom of moving fast, wind in my hair.

Portland Trails just launched an updated digital trail map, which is super helpful. Find the link to the Forest City Trail details and map here.

I didn’t quite make it to the Stroudwater Trail before I had to turn around. Nor did I do the best job taking pictures - just one of the Stroudwater River and a goofy selfie I sent to my son, Finn, when he asked what I was up to.

Side note: I love sending unflattering selfies to my kids to try and make them laugh. It’s also a reminder that perfectly polished photos are boring. If you’re a parent of teenagers, give it a try. They may not laugh, but you will.

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In total, I journeyed 10 miles and discovered some new-to-me sections of trail. Not a bad way to spend Sunday morning, biking through our beautiful city of connected forests.

My next pilgrimage will be the full Forest City Trail, start to finish, with my friend Becca. It may take us all day, as we’ll likely make stops to visit friends, grab coffee and snacks, and soak our feet in city streams. During that trip, I’ll create a more detailed map with photos, in case you want to try the route yourself!