Oat Nuts Park Trail is in a rather unlikely place - in the midst of a bustling neighborhood off Summit Street surrounded by hundreds of homes. The first time we walked it, all the way to the Presumpscot River, we marveled at how we had no idea such an oasis in the woods existed just up the road from our house.
The trail is part of the Portland Trails organization (www.trails.org). We are so fortunate in Portland to have this wonderful group who have created more than fifty miles of trails around our city including: Back Cove Trail, Eastern Prom Trail, Peaks Island Loop and the Stroudwater Trail.
Oat Nuts Park Trail begins on Summit Street between Olde Birch Lane and Juniper Street and connects to the Presumpscot River Preserve. You can park right on Summit Street while you walk. It's about a half mile to the river, a little tricky as you get close to the water, but mostly an easy hike. Snowshoers, cross country skiiers, mountain bikers, and folks walking with babies, toddlers and dogs use the trail regularly.
The land for Oat Nuts was originally an old subdivision of very small lots, the deeds to which could be found in boxes of Oat Nuts cereal, hence the name.
On a winter's day, it's an easy and beautiful wooded hike that meanders to the river which you can then follow for a ways either toward Allen Avenue or Westbook in the opposite direction. When a fresh snow has fallen, this hidden trail can be absolutely magical.
(photo: Oat Nuts Park Trail, Portland)
