Hiking Hawkes Preserve Trailhead - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Hawkes Preserve Trailhead: trails, map and practical info

Greater Portland & Casco Bay • Maine

4.4 Appreciated by 14 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
60 ft
Duration
45min

Escape into Maine's mixed woodlands just minutes from Portland with this easy 1.6 km trail featuring 30 m elevation gain and 30-minute duration. Stone walls from the area's agricultural past emerge throughout the forest, blending history with nature in Greater Portland & Casco Bay.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Hawkes Preserve Trailhead? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"trail_experience_section": "At 1.6 km, this is a compact hike, and most people will complete it comfortably in around 30 minutes. That brevity is part of its appeal. You're not signing up for a half-day adventure — you're stepping into the woods, breathing in the forest air, and stepping back out feeling refreshed. The modest elevation gain of about 13 meters keeps things interesting without ever feeling like a workout, with the path rising and dipping gently through the trees rather than demanding any sustained climbing.",
"trail_experience_second_mention": "The trail itself is short and gentle — 1.6 kilometers with about 13 meters of elevation gain — which puts it firmly in easy territory and makes it a genuinely welcoming spot for families, beginners, or anyone who just wants to move through the forest without a big commitment."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

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Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
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Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
54 Tow Path Rd, Gorham, ME 04038, USA
GPS coordinates
43.7351082, -70.4280897
Phone
(207) 844-0114

Starting Point

The hawkes preserve trailhead is located in Maine. To get there, take exit 182 from I-95 and drive east on Route 202 for 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Hawkes Preserve Road and drive for 1.5 miles. The trailhead will be on the right.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
43.7351082, -70.4280897
Center
(207) 844-0114

Hikers' opinions

4.4
12 Reviews
J
Jennifer
Jan 8, 2026
Beautiful preserve offering a lovely short hike through Maine's natural landscape. The easy 1.6km trail with only 30 meters of elevation makes it accessible for families and casual hikers. I appreciated the well-maintained paths and peaceful atmosphere. The fees for both parking and access are reasonable considering the preserve's upkeep. Perfect for a 30-minute nature break when you don't have time for longer hikes.
D
David
Dec 3, 2025
Nice little preserve for a quick walk in nature. The trail covers 1.6km with minimal elevation gain, making it very easy for most people. I was disappointed that dogs aren't allowed, as I had hoped to bring my hiking companion. The entrance and parking fees add up, which seems steep for such a short trail. Still, it's a pleasant way to spend 30 minutes outdoors.
M
Mike
Nov 22, 2025
Decent trail for a brief outdoor adventure near Portland. The 30-minute duration makes it ideal for a quick morning walk, though the paid access and parking fees were unexpected. The trail itself is easy to follow with minimal elevation gain of just 30 meters. While it's a nice preserve, the short distance of 1.6km left me wanting more hiking. Good for beginners or those with limited time.
M
Mike
Nov 22, 2025
Decent trail for a brief outdoor excursion, though I was disappointed that dogs aren't allowed since I had hoped to bring my hiking companion. The 30-minute duration makes it manageable for most people, and the easy difficulty level is great for beginners. The fees for both parking and trail access add up, so factor that into your budget when planning your visit.
L
Lisa
Oct 17, 2025
Absolutely loved this peaceful preserve! The 1.6km trail is perfect for a relaxing 30-minute walk through beautiful Maine forest. The gentle 30-meter elevation gain makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. While there are fees for both access and parking, the well-maintained trails and serene environment make it worthwhile. Great spot for meditation walks or when you need a quick nature fix near Portland.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
60.00 m
45min
No
No
The Hawkes Preserve Trailhead typically takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. The actual time may vary depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the scenery.
The Hawkes Preserve Trailhead features an elevation gain of 60 m. This moderate elevation change makes it accessible to hikers with basic fitness levels.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Hawkes Preserve Trailhead. Please plan accordingly and check current regulations before your visit.
The Hawkes Preserve Trailhead is open from sunrise to sunset. Verify the conditions and any seasonal changes with the park before your visit.
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Update : June 2026