Eastern Promenade State Preserve

Eastern Promenade State Preserve offers a scenic waterfront park on Casco Bay in Portland, Maine, featuring panoramic views, historic sites, and diverse recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages.

68
Acres Protected
2.5
Miles of Trails
300,000+
Annual Visitors
1878
Year Established

About Eastern Promenade State Preserve

 

Eastern Promenade State Preserve is a historic and scenic public park located along the eastern waterfront of Portland, Maine. Spanning approximately 68 acres, the preserve stretches along the coast of Casco Bay, providing visitors with sweeping vistas of the bay's islands and the Portland skyline. The area features gently rolling hills, open grassy areas, wooded sections, and rocky shorelines. The preserve is home to well-maintained walking paths, a popular multiuse trail known as the East End Trail, and multiple picnic areas. A highlight of the preserve is its panoramic overlook atop the promontory, which offers stunning views of the harbor and nearby islands. The park also includes the historic East End Cemetery and Civil War-era Fort Allen Park with its old granite seawall and commemorative monuments. The preserve's ecology includes coastal shrublands and mature tree stands supporting local bird species and small mammals. The park is popular for walking, jogging, biking, fishing at the rocky shores, and launching small non-motorized boats. Visitors also enjoy seasonal birdwatching and photography. The preserve is adjacent to Portland’s vibrant East End neighborhood, making it easily accessible to residents and tourists alike. It serves as a valued local green space for relaxation and outdoor activity while preserving vital coastal habitat. Its combination of natural beauty, historic features, and wide range of recreational offerings make the Eastern Promenade State Preserve a key destination for outdoor enjoyment along Maine’s coastline.

Highlights

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Eastern Promenade Overlook with panoramic views of Casco Bay

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Historic East End Cemetery and Civil War memorial sites

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East End Trail, a scenic multiuse path along the waterfront

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Fort Allen Park adjacent to the preserve with historic granite seawall

Notable Natural Features

Eastern Promenade Overlook

A high vantage point offering sweeping views of Casco Bay, Portland Harbor, and nearby islands.

East End Trail

A 2.5-mile multiuse trail that provides scenic waterfront walking, biking, and jogging opportunities.

East End Cemetery

Historic cemetery dating back to the 19th century with monuments and notable local figures interred.