Clark’s Pond Trail

Well this is indeed different. It’s lovely and the fact that on a hot day it is completely shaded with 50 to 100 foot tall trees covering every step of the way. I definitely recommend wearing appropriate shoes and clothing especially until you know what kind of plants and wildlife are out here. There are two trails one says it’s handicap accessible the other which I took is definitely not and it is not for anyone with any kind of difficulty walking. Cool little creeks let the dogs playing not too deep this time of year maybe 6 inches to a foot in most places.
Definitely a good off leash area not too many people here in fact you could go an entire walk without seeing anyone so I’m good for quiet time to think or chat on the phone well you hang out with your favorite canine companion. Maybe was to wear bug spray won’t know till tomorrow if I’m covered in mosquito bites but no sound of flies just little tickles here in there.
I was a little worried about getting lost at first but to the road that you can hear the sound of cars although not so close that you have to worry about your dog running into traffic. What I like the most about it is that it’s actually a good hike and good exercise and it’s different than the other dog parks and it’s more a hiking trail that you can bring your dog and allow it off leash then it is an actual dog park. Also make sure you bring your own bags and water if needed. And most of all have fun

This trail is part of the South Portland Land Trust’s West End project. The trail head itself is located to the right side of the Home Depot parking lot by the stone wall. You will see the kiosk.
Part of the trail is paved and you will be able to go around the Home Depot building. There is a short dirt trail that is marked as handicap accessible and only goes a short distance in to the woods and there are benches to sit and look out over the water on either side. You can follow the smaller path down to the water.
If you follow the paved trail to the right you will come to the dirt trail that skirts the pond. This is packed dirt and there are stairs and tree roots. The trail is becoming more and more popular. Expect to see people walking dogs here off leash. This trail connects to the Red Brook Trail as well that goes behind Sappi.
We have seen many herons, ducks, an owl and what look like fox dens. There are signs of beavers, but we have not seen any. This is a great walk while being on the heart of a busy area of South Portland. Depending on the path you take, this is approximately 2 miles long.
*As a side note: there are some «camps» in this area and we have come across some transients and homeless in this area. As always, take safety precautions for trail walking.