Smart Outdoor Exercise: The Portland Freedom Trail

Flowers are blooming and the weather is finally getting warmer. Venturing outside for a walk is not just a pleasure of Spring--it's essential for our mental and physical health.

Engage your mind and body

Right now it’s smart to avoid the City's busiest parks and trails while exercising. Time to explore walks you haven’t tried before, and if you can learn more about your community and educate your children at the same time, that’s a win-win!

Discover the Portland Freedom Trail

The Portland Freedom Trail is a self-guided walking tour of 13 sites through downtown Portland, connecting three of our favorite public parks along the way. You can start anywhere on the 2-mile route—such as Lincoln Park or the Maine State Pier. This walking history lesson tells the story of the Underground Railroad: markers give us insight into the lives of members of Portland’s African American community at that time and explain how they were able to help the enslaved men and women who traveled through Maine seeking freedom. Working together in a spirit of hope to overcome terrible adversity—just the kind of inspiration we need as we face today’s challenges. Download a copy of the Portland Freedom Trail map.

Portland has 63 parks.  For more information about how you can enjoy each one, check out the Portland’s interactive parks map.

Thank you for your interest and support of the Portland Parks Conservancy. If you would like to make a gift to support Portland’s vital public park resources, please follow this link. Your investment is essential to the health of our community!

Lincoln Park at the corner of Federal and Pearl Streets