23 Jun Fore River Sanctuary: Rowe Trailhead to Jewell Falls

The Fore River Sanctuary is a small oasis within the city of Portland, Maine. Head to the sanctuary to escape the busyness of the city for a few hours. You can wander around the trails as you relax and let yourself reconnect with nature. Moreover, do not miss out on the main attraction: Jewell Falls. It is the only natural waterfall within Portland. For answers to your questions such as “how long is the trail to Jewell Falls?” or “where is the parking for Fore River Sanctuary?”, just keep reading below!

Contents: 

1) Location of Fore River Sanctuary

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Attractions in Fore River Sanctuary

6) Trail Information

7) Recommended Items to Bring

8) Nearby Attractions

1) Location of Fore River Sanctuary

Fore River Sanctuary is located on the western side of Portland, Maine. For reference, it is approximately 15 minutes west from downtown Portland or 20 minutes northwest from South Portland. Since it is so close to Portland, I recommend you spend a day exploring the city. For example, you can book a walking tour through Portland focused on drinks, food, history, etc.

The sanctuary is home to a variety of walking/hiking trails, Jewell Falls, and Fore River.

Parking for Fore River Sanctuary

This is where it gets a bit complicated but also convenient. There is not just one parking area for the sanctuary, but instead you have the option to park at several different places. Be sure to always follow the regulations posted on parking signs.

First, there is a small dirt parking lot at the end of Rowe Avenue on the western edge of the sanctuary. If you look on google maps, this spot will be marked as “Jewell Falls – Rowe Trailhead”. Park here if you want to access the Rowe Trailhead to reach Jewell Falls. Second, you can park along the side of Hillcrest Avenue on the northern edge of the sanctuary. Park here if you want a shorter hike to reach the falls.

Third, there is a small dirt parking lot off of Westbrook Street on the southwestern edge of the sanctuary. The sign is fairly small, so look for a pullout just to the east of where Westbrook Street goes over the Maine Turnpike. Park here if you would like to hike for a bit alongside Fore River. Fourth, there is a small gravel lot near the end of Starbird Road on the eastern edge of the sanctuary. There is a small trailhead sign to denote the parking area. Park here if you want to hike along and across Fore River before reaching Jewell Falls.

Fifth, there should be a few designated parking spots available at the Southern Maine Pediatric Dentistry parking lot on the southeastern edge of the park. You should find five or so spots for the trailhead close to Frost Street. Park here if you want to access the marsh area or a longer hike to Jewell Falls.

Moreover, you can always look for street parking near the sanctuary.

Airports Near Fore River Sanctuary

First, the Portland International Jetport is approximately 10 minutes south from Fore River Sanctuary. Second, the Boston Logan International Airport is two hours southwest of the sanctuary. For reference, the Boston airport is a lot larger than the Portland airport. Flights might thus be a bit cheaper in and out of Boston.

Do you want to utilize public transportation from the airports? Then allot for 30 minutes from the Portland Airport or three and a half hours from the Boston Airport. Additionally, you can always choose to utilize a ride share service such as Uber or rent a car from the airport.

Lodging Near Fore River Sanctuary

There is no shortage of lodging options near the city of Portland, Maine. If you want more of a luxurious experience, book a night at the Portland Harbor Hotel. On the other hand, book the Black Elephant Hostel if you need to stick to a budget.

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

When is Fore River Sanctuary open? Does Fore River Sanctuary have an entrance fee?

First, the opening hours of Fore River Sanctuary are from dawn to dusk. Since the hours of dawn to dusk change throughout the year, be sure to check the weather channel or your weather app for updated information.

Second, there is no entrance fee. You can visit this gem within the city at no cost. Why not make it a date night? You can spend more on food (or ice cream) since you saved money on the activity.

3) Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Fore River Sanctuary is during the months of May through October. You will generally experience a clean trail (with no snow and/or ice) as well as warmer temperatures. Moreover, you can enjoy the beautiful colors of fall in September and October.

Estimated Visit Time at Fore River Sanctuary

It is hard to recommend an exact amount of time to visit, for it truly depends on what you would like to do. For example, you only need approximately 30 minutes to one hour if you hike the short trail to Jewell Falls beginning at the end of Rowe Avenue. On the other hand, you might want to spend a couple of hours here exploring all of the trails and watching for wildlife, including birds.

Nevertheless, an average visit time at Fore River Sanctuary is around one hour.

4) Quick Facts

1. Fore River Sanctuary is located within the borders of the city of Portland.

2. There is not one specific parking lot, but rather you can park at various locations around the sanctuary.

3. The main highlight of the sanctuary is the Rowe Trailhead to Jewell Falls.

4. Jewell Falls is the only natural waterfall in Portland, Maine.

5. The sanctuary has a lowland area in the southeastern corner of the park that is great for bird watching.

5) Attractions in Fore River Sanctuary

Fore River Sanctuary is an 85 acre preserve within the city of Portland, Maine. It offers a small oasis of nature in the city. Escape from the hustle and bustle for an afternoon to reconnect with the sights and sounds of nature.

Dogs are allowed in certain parts of the sanctuary, so be sure to read and obey any posted signs. Additionally, there are no bathrooms available.

Cumberland and Oxford Canal

The sanctuary holds a few different attractions within its borders and has a bit of history behind it. First, this is where the Cumberland and Oxford Canal used to be located. You can still walk on a remaining portion of the Cumberland and Oxford Canal Towpath (aka trail). The towpath begins off Westbrook Street and continues for 0.8 miles (~1.3 kilometers) into the sanctuary.

Lowland Area and Birdwatching

Second, you can view the lowland area in the southeastern corner of the sanctuary. This is where the saltwater and freshwater meet, forming a marsh area. Due to the conditions, this is a great spot for birdwatching. Park just off of Congress Street at the Pediatric Dentistry building for easy access.

Fore River

Third, the Fore River runs through the sanctuary. You can maneuver around the trails to walk along the river for a bit if you like. After leaving the sanctuary, the river then runs in between Portland and South Portland.

Jewell Falls

Fourth, Jewell Falls is arguably the main attraction of the sanctuary, as it is the only natural waterfall in Portland. The area around the falls was donated to Portland Trails by the Jewell Family.

When you visit the falls, you are able to get up close and personal. You can walk to the base of the falls along some rocks. Moreover, feel free to explore the area (as long as it is safe to do so – remember, rocks are slippery when wet). There is also a staircase that leads to the top of Jewell Falls with a bridge that then goes over them.

Looking for more waterfalls in Maine? Then head up to the northwestern part of the state around Rangeley Lake. Visit my favorite waterfalls, The Cataracts, as well as Smalls Falls and Frenchman’s Hole.

6) Trail Information

There are a total of 5.6 miles (~nine kilometers) of trails within Fore River Sanctuary. Not all of them have names, but I will outline the main trails that lead from the five parking areas. Moreover, check out trails.org for a map of all Portland trails.

The main highlight (in my opinion) of the sanctuary is Jewell Falls. Therefore, I will detail how each trail below can lead directly to Jewell Falls. However, you can maneuver around the trails as much as you wish. That being said, you can take a side trail that does not visit Jewell Falls or even continue on a trail past Jewell Falls. Many of the trails intersect and connect with one another, so you can forge your own path through the sanctuary.

Therefore, your trail path might be a bit longer or shorter than those mentioned below. Keep that in mind in terms of the time you will need to visit.

Rowe Trailhead – From Rowe Avenue

Complete this trail if you want a short hike through the sanctuary that leads to Jewell Falls. The trail is approximately 0.8 miles (~1.3 kilometers) out and back. An average hiker can finish the trail in around 25 minutes.

You can access the Rowe Trailhead by parking at the end of Rowe Avenue on the western side of the sanctuary. The trail starts off along the side of train tracks and then bears left to enter a wooded area. It then leads to Jewell Falls shortly thereafter.

From Hillcrest Avenue

Complete this trail if you are looking for an even shorter hike through the sanctuary that leads to Jewell Falls. The trail is approximately 0.2 miles (~0.3 kilometers) out and back. An average hiker can finish the trail in around eight minutes.

You can access this trail by parking on the side of Hillcrest Avenue on the northern side of the sanctuary. The trail is quite short, and you thus will not have too many views other than the waterfall at the end.

From Westbrook Street

Complete this trail if you want a longer hike through the sanctuary that leads to Jewell Falls or the lowland area. First, the trail north to Jewell Falls is approximately 2.4 miles (~3.9 kilometers) round trip. An average hiker can finish the trail in around 50 minutes. Second, the trail east to the lowland area is approximately 2.8 miles (~4.5 kilometers) round trip. An average hiker can finish the trail in around one hour.

You can access this trail by parking off of Westbrook Street on the southwestern side of the sanctuary. No matter which trail path you choose, you will begin by hiking a bit along the Cumberland and Oxford Canal Towpath. If you choose to hike to Jewell falls, you will then head north through the woods. If you choose to hike to the lowland area, you will then head east along the Fore River.

From Starbird Road

Complete this trail if you are looking for a medium-length hike that leads to Jewell Falls. The trail is approximately 1.4 miles (~2.3 kilometers) out and back. An average hiker can finish the trail in around 30 minutes.

You can access this trail by parking in the small lot near the end of Starbird Road on the eastern side of the sanctuary. The trail crosses the Fore River shortly after it begins and then continues through the woods before finally reaching Jewell Falls.

From Southern Maine Pediatric Dentistry

Complete this trail if you are looking for a short hike through the lowland area or a longer hike to Jewell Falls. First, the trail east through the lowland is approximately 1.4 miles (~2.3 kilometers) out and back. An average hiker can finish the trail in around 30 minutes. Second, the trail northwest to Jewell Falls is approximately 2.6 miles (~4.2 kilometers) out and back. An average hiker can finish the trail in around one hour.

You can access this trail by parking in one of the parking spots designated for Fore River Sanctuary in the Southern Maine Pediatric Dentistry parking lot on the southeastern side of the park. No matter which trail you choose, you will be hiking through the lowland area. This is where freshwater and saltwater meet, and it is also a great spot for birdwatching. If you choose to continue on to Jewell Falls, you will head west along the stream and then north through the woods.

7) Recommended Items to Bring

1. Water bottle: I always recommend you bring water with you while hiking, even if it is a short trail. Consider a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. They also keep your water cooler due to their insulation – bonus!

Hygiene Items for Fore River Sanctuary

2. Sunscreen: While this might not be as important on a cloudy day, it will be on a day full of beautiful clear skies. Walking around even for just 30 minutes can lead to sunburn if you have fair skin.

3. Bug spray: Let’s be honest – mosquitos, gnats, and any other little type of fly can ruin an experience. You cannot truly enjoy an attraction if you are swatting away bugs from your face the whole time. Therefore, be prepared with bug spray or a mosquito repellent bracelet. While in Iceland, I visited the Hverir Geothermal Area and essentially ran along the path because there were so many little black flies.

Hiking Apparel for Fore River Sanctuary

4. Hiking shoes: While the trail is pretty well maintained, you might want to explore by climbing around on rocks by the falls. Hiking shoes will help you do just that. I did not own a pair of hiking shoes for a long time. However, I finally splurged and bought myself a pair before my Iceland road trip. Hiking shoes are generally not cheap, though I will say they are well worth the investment. They provide grip and traction to help you out while hiking as well as to keep you safe.

5. Hiking poles: Hiking poles are not a necessity for this trail, but bring them along if you want a bit of extra support. 

6. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow and/or ice along the trail. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

8) Nearby Attractions

Due to the fact Fore River Sanctuary is located within the city of Portland, there are a myriad of nearby attractions. However, I will highlight a select few here so as to not overwhelm you. Do not worry, though, for I have chosen the best ones. You can head towards downtown Portland to get a taste of the city life or to South Portland for some scenic views with lighthouses.

First, be sure to grab a donut at The Holy Donut and find a place offering duck fat fries (aka fries fried in duck fat) in downtown Portland. Second, stroll around the neighborhood of Old Port in Portland. There are a variety of shops and restaurants in the area, so you could truly spend all day here. Third, visit the Portland Observatory for an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city.

Fourth, head to Fort Williams Park in South Portland for iconic views. The park is home to Portland Head Light, one of Maine’s most popular lighthouses. Additionally, you cannot miss the lobster rolls at the Bite Into Maine food truck. Fifth, make a detour to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in South Portland. You can walk along the breakwater to reach the lighthouse, and it is open to the public for tours at certain times.

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Check out my favorite waterfalls in Maine: The Cataracts: Set of Three Waterfalls.

Head out to Casco for a break from city life: Best Things to Do in Casco, Maine.