Greenbelt Walkway

An Off-Road Pathway Enjoyed by Residents and Visitors in South Portland

The Greenbelt Walkway is an off-road pathway enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors each year. From west to east, the trail spans 5.6 miles, from the Wainwright Athletic complex near the Scarborough town line to the historic Bug Light Park. I work in the area and enjoy taking lunchtime strolls on trails. The trail treats walkers, runners, and cyclists to easy strolls and three distinct vistas of the Portland waterfront. Wildlife-watching along the trail is also popular at many of the fields, wetlands, marshes, and woods passed along the route. Unfortunately, my little strolls are more along the trail following the railroad tracks and a quick peek at Casco Bay before returning back to work. Even though it is a short stroll, it is beautiful anytime of the season. 

The trail has three primary access points: 

Wainwright Athletic Fields: Follow Highland Avenue south 2.6 miles from ME Route 77 in South Portland, and look for Gary Maietta Drive on the right. From Scarbrough, follow Highland Avenue 2.8 miles north from its intersection with ME Route 207. Follow Gary Maietta Drive until it ends at the Wainwright Athletic Fields' parking lot. 

Bug Light Park: Follow Broadway to its eastern end in South Portland. Turn left onto Breakwater Drive and then right onto Madison Street. Follow Madison Street into Bug Light. Bug Light Park, is the eastern end of the Greenbelt Walkway and provides expansive views of Portland Harbor. It is a favorite spot for the locals and tourist visitors alike. 

Mill Creek Park: Mill Creek Park is at the intersection of Broadway and Ocean Street in South Portland just east of the Casco Bay Bridge. On-street parking is available around the park. 

Nationally, the Greenbelt is also the designated route for the East Coast Greenway that one day hopes to extend 3,000 miles from Key West, Florida to Calais, Maine. If you are looking for a new trail, give the Greenbelt Walkway a try. Great walk for any season.