Lobsters, lighthouse, and ocean— the things that come to mind when you think about Maine’s largest city. Portland is one the few working waterfronts left in the United States, acting as New England’s largest tonnage seaport and second largest fishing port. The city is located on a peninsula in Casco Bay with access to many islands. Tourists flock to the city to visit the historic Old Port, the Arts District, and the Portland Head Light, located in nearby Cape Elizabeth. Portland is known for its hip culture, with a mixture of arts, outdoor activities, fashion, and amazing culinary scene. This is our guide to running in Portland, Maine.
The best places to run in Portland, Maine center on the waterfront. The Eastern Promenade and Back Cove are the must-dos from downtown. The Harborwalk is a great way to explore east and south Portland, and a lighthouse, while Cape Elizabeth features Portland’s swankiest real-estate and some lovely running. Our runs in the downtown and southern Portland areas can be standalone or easily mixed and matched. For more, see our extensive guides to the Southern Coast and Mid-Coast. Also, Portland Trails has excellent information, maps, and updates on 70+ miles of trails in the area. Winter note: Eastern Promenade, Back Cove, Fore River Parkway, and Bayside Trailsare cleared of snow by the City of Portland.
This is a fairly small city with a compact downtown. Central Portland is a peninsula inside of I-295 and has many of the city’s commercial highlights. Cross the Casco Bay Bridge to get to South Portland and Portland Head Light. Cape Elizabeth is 8 miles south of downtown.
Southern Maine Coast Running Guide MidCoast Maine Running Guide
Portland is a northern city whose climate is influenced by the ocean. Summers are mild and pleasant, with high temperatures averaging near 80F (26C). It can get humid. Winters are very cold, but somewhat moderated by the ocean, compared to interior and northern parts of Maine. Average January highs are near freezing with lows 13F. Portland receives about 60 inches of snow a year, so snow-covered and icy roads and paths are a factor in winter. Annual precipitation averages 47.2 inches, copious year round, but the summers tend to be slightly drier. Fall is gorgeous and hangs on till the end of October.
