Dow's Woods, South Portland

A pond, a storybook walk, and the sweet sound of bull frogs.

Since dogs are not allowed on this trail, it took me a while to find the right time to visit. I set my alarm early this morning, grabbed my sneakers and crept out of the house without waking Romy. Although I missed walking with my dog, the sound of bull frogs made me feel less alone. These comforting woods were such a sweet surprise, filled with the most gorgeous morning light. Well worth the dog free venture. Plus, she did get her morning walk at Fore River afterwards, so no one suffered in this arrangement...and I enjoyed two glorious morning trail walks.

The trailhead for this nature preserve is located across from the South Portland High School complex on Highland Avenue. Parking is located on Preservation Lane, near some new condominiums. After parking, you will find an opening in a stonewall, just to the left of the Dow's Woods sign.

Shortly after entering, look for the first storybook sign. This story will talk about the Blanding Turtle, a species uniquely adapted to the woodlands and wetlands of the upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and northeast U.S. (as told by the sign at the end of the storybook trail).

Follow the short loop counterclockwise through this 9.3 acre property until you reach the end of the story. Then head back towards the 2-acre pond to commune with the frogs and other creatures you will certainly discover here.

This is the perfect trail if you're short on time, but in need of a good forest/nature bath. This one's a real bucket filler. Enjoy!