After renewing my annual Portland Trails membership, I received an updated 5th edition PT paper map and was excited to find several new trails on the list! A couple of them were in Westbrook, where my mom lives, so I invited her to explore the Blue Spruce Trail with me this past weekend. It was covered in a blanket of fresh snow, which makes any trail remarkable, but I also enjoyed the hilly path, quiet woods, and the way it hugged the Stroudwater River a good part of the way. Dogs are allowed on leash here, and we only saw one cross-country skier during our slow, hour-long winter walk.
The 1.5 mile out-and-back trail is mostly unmarked, aside from two Portland Trails signs for the Stroudwater Trail. However, the trail is easy to follow as it hugs the river and then crosses bridges and boardwalks through the woods.
The trailhead is behind the Waterside Apartments Condo Complex off Spring Street in Westbrook. According to Portland Trails, "Built in conjunction with a new mixed-income development, these trails are open for residents and the public to enjoy."
As you enter the complex, go left, then park near the hill towards the back of the lot. At the top of the hill, you'll see a Portland Trails sign. From there, head right, then downhill to the bridge at the start of the trail.
Beyond the bridge, you'll walk through an open field, then quickly arrive at the river's edge before winding back towards the woods.
The varied elevation on this hike makes it more interesting, but if you find yourself here after a snowfall, I'd recommend microspikes. My mom did ok with a hand here and there, but lucky for us, there was no ice on the hills...or we would have found ourselves in a pickle.
From the woods, the trail winds back towards the river, ending with an open view of it. From here, return in the way you came.
Here is the All Trails Link for this route, which reassured us we were on the right path throughout our walk. For a list of Portland Trails, visit their website here. I will continue exploring the new-to-me Portland Trails from my nifty new map and will share what I find in the coming weeks. Enjoy the snow!
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