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

Kennebec Valley • Maine

4.5 Appreciated by 0 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
7 ft
Duration
1h

Explore 2.4 km of well-maintained woodland trails through Maine's Kennebec Valley near Portland. This easy, 1-hour hike with 150 m elevation gain offers genuine forest immersion without crowds—perfect for families and birdwatchers seeking peaceful Maine scenery.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Payson Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

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"opening_paragraph": "

Payson Park is a small municipal park located near Portland, Maine, offering hikers a genuine taste of the state's forested landscapes without the crowds that pack some of the region's more famous destinations. This park delivers exactly what many outdoor enthusiasts are looking for: well-maintained trails, diverse terrain, and the kind of peaceful setting that makes you forget about your daily routine.

",
"practical_section": "

The park's accessible location near Portland puts it within reasonable driving distance for day trips and as part of longer explorations of central Maine. The proximity to local communities means you can easily combine a visit here with other regional activities or services.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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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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Most Popular
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 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Warren, ME 04864, USA
GPS coordinates
44.1232448, -69.2468101
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, head to the main parking area located at 28 Baxter Boulevard, Portland, ME 04101. This is the primary trailhead for visitors.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
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
44.1232448, -69.2468101
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.5
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FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
7.00 m
Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
1h
No
No
Yes, Payson Park is rated as Easy difficulty, making it an excellent choice for beginners and families. The 2.4 km trail with 150 m elevation gain can be completed in approximately 1 hour, even at a leisurely pace.
The hike at Payson Park takes approximately 1 hour to complete. This estimate is based on the 2.4 km distance and 150 m elevation gain on an easy-rated trail.
Didn't find your answer?
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The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Our ranking based on hiker reviews

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Update : June 2026