11. Stroudwater Trail 2.75 miles

This lovely wooded trail follows the winding banks of the Stroudwater River from the historic Stroudwater Village area to the Westbrook City Line, west of Hutchins Drive . Benches have been provided at scenic outlooks. The west end of trail—between Blueberry Road and Hutchins Drive--is closed in winter as it crosses through one of Portland's few remaining deeryards and provide valuable deer habitat during the winter months.

From the River's Edge Drive trailhead off outer Congress Street , the gravel trail descends down a steep grade via stairs to reach the Stroudwater River . The trail then continues west along the river at a flat slope, with boardwalks traversing wet areas. The terrain gradually becomes more hilly until it climbs a steep slope and the trail passes a side path up to the UNUM campus. The trail runs underneath the turnpike past a second trailhead at Blueberry Road , and then through dry, hilly wooded areas before crossing an open area near Hutchins Drive . A short walk along Congress Street sidewalks leads to the Fore River Trail and the Fore River Sanctuary entrance.

Trail access:
Three trailheads, each with parking for 5-9 cars. From outer Congress Street look for Portland Trails' sign 1/10-mile west of Westbrook Street at River's Edge Drive . Larger parking areas are available at Blueberry Road and Hutchins Drive , located further west on Congress Street , beyond the I-95 overpass.

METRO Bus Route 5 will take you to the River's Edge trailhead.