SPRING POINT SHOREWAY TRAIL:
SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE
-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-
Last Updated: February 05, 2025
Length: Spring Pont Shoreway Trail; 2.4 miles/2 miles if walking
Difficulty: Easy. Flat, narrow paved trail.
Directions:
To Start from Bug Light Park parking lot ]Northern End]; From the junction of Route 77 (Casco Bay Bridge) and Broadway in South Portland follow Broadway east all the way to Breakwater Dr and turn left. Turn right on Madison St and follow to Bug Light Park.
The Spring Point Shoreway Trail travels from Bug Light Park (where Liberty Ships were constructed during WWII) East, to Spring Point, then South, to Willard Beach in South Portland. At Spring Point you'll find the remnants of Fort Preble, which was built in 1808 and manned during the War of 1812. The fort also saw action during the Civil War. Twenty-three Confederate Army soldiers who raided Portland Harbor in 1863 and commandeered a ship were taken prisoner and held at the fort. Nearby Spring Point Light was built in 1867. The impressive 900 foot granite breakwater, added in 1951, creates a popular walk which command stunning views of Portland Harbor to the West and Portland Head Light, the historic and picturesque beacon commissioned by George Washington in 1787. The Eastern Trail & South Portland Greenbelt Walkway utilize part of the same route. For more information visit; SPRING POINT SHOREWAY TRAIL , SOUTH PORTLAND TRAILS & MAINE TRAIL FINDER .
Starting from Bug Light Lighthouse [Northern End]; The paved Spring Point Shoreway Trail/Eastern Trail/Greenbelt Walkway all start from the Bug Light Lighthouse, which overlooks Portland Harbor and where the Fore River discharges into Casco Bay. Across the channel sits Fort Gorges on Hog Island Ledge. Picnic tables/benches. This section in South Portland is also known as the South Portland Greenbelt Walkway.
Note; A narrow, paved trail travels Southwest, down along the harbor, to the Bug Light Boat Ramp parking lot.
The wide, paved Spring Point Shoreway Trail travels Southeast, alongside the bay and past the Bug Light Park parking lot to the Liberty Ship Memorial (Liberty Ships were built here during World War II). Informational signs along the trail. Exit the park where the trail travels South, alongside Madison St. Come to *Breakwater Drive at 0.6 miles.
Note; The Eastern Trail & Greenbelt Walkway continue South, past giant tanks. See; Eastern Trail .
Continue left, East, along a narrow paved trail alongside Breakwater Dr & Benjamin W Pickett St. Come to Adams St on your left and travel North, on-road, into the Southern Maine Community College Campus and come to a one-way sign (coming from Spring Point you would utilize Adams St) and head right through the parking lot to Slocum Dr (also one-way). Head left, North, on-road, through campus to the intersection of Adams St/Slocum Dr. Head left, then right along Adams St and you'll come to a boat launch and the Spring Point Shoreway Trail at 1 mile. Overlook of the Breakwater Marina. Picnic table.
Note; From the Overlook, if traveling along the Spring Point Shoreway, but coming from the opposite direction, you would utilize the narrow paved trail that travels South, alongside Adams St. Then continue on-road, along Adams St to Benjamin W Pickett St. Continue right, West, along the narrow, paved trail to *Breakwater Drive.
Heading East, along the narrow, paved Spring Point Shoreway Trail you quickly come to Fort Rd.
Note; Take a quick detour left, North, along the pier.
Head right, up Fort Rd and take a quick left, on-road, along Lighthouse Circle. This brings you to Spring Point.
Note; You can walk out to the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse along the rock breakwater.
Up to your right are the remains of Fort Preble. Continue right, South, along the base of the fort to a dead end. After checking out the ruins, return to Lighthouse Circle.
Note; If you are walking, you head left up some stairs to the top of Fort Preble and connect directly to the Spring Point Shoreway Trail.
If biking, return to Fort Rd and head left, on-road, then left again along Bunker Lane. This takes you past the gun emplacements and out to McKernan Drs. Left returns you to the Spring Point Shoreway Trail at 1.4 miles. Head left, North, past Fort Preble and check out the remains and great views. Come to the top of the set of stairs (below is Spring Point) at 1.9 miles, then return South, back along the trail which travels above the rocky shoreline. Pass by a picnic pavilion. Bear left at the fork and travel past another bunker? You then travel behind the SMCC Health Science Center building on your right and past the Old Settlers Cemetery on your left to a parking lot. Straight, South, you'll pick up the trail again as it travels around a building and back along the top of the bluff. Pass ball fields along your right before coming to Beach St after 2.4 miles [2 miles walking] and the end of the trail. Willard Beach access here.
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CLICK HERE FOR SPRING POINT SHOREWAY TRAIL MAP
CLICK HERE FOR SPRING POINT SHOREWAY TRAIL MAP
CLICK HERE FOR SPRING POINT SHOREWAY TRAIL MAP
CLICK HERE FOR SOUTH PORTLAND TRAILS MAP
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