Fort Allen Park

This park blends into the lager park area and waterfront. It’s a really large space and kept really clean. Definitely check out the whole thing when you’re here.

Fort Allen Park is a nice stretch of a park along the water along the old narrow gauge rail lines. The path is well maintained and great for running, walking, or cycling. As you round the promontory, you get some really nice views of Casco Bay. The beach is also nice, especially for dogs. The hill up to Marjan from here is very nice, and a great place to sit with a picnic with great views.

A great view of the bay atop the Eastern Promenade. There’s benches, a gazebo, a bit of history to boot. It’s convenience to the Old Port makes it easy to take a stroll up there without any hassle.
I’m not sure if the nearby playground and fields count as part of Fort Allen Park, but if not, they’re a very short walk away.
If you’re looking for somewhere to spend a full day or afternoon, there are better options, but this park is lovely spot to spend some time.

Great hill run spot rising above the Eastern Promenade.
Gradual climbs surrounded by open grass, terrific views, picnic benches and history! Nice place to nap, watch or chill out.
Monkey shall return…

Lazy, cloudy, and beautiful. I was given a tip to visit here. I was told it was a hidden gem. It really is. Most people are drawn to Old Port, the Arts District, or elsewhere, such as Portland Head Light or L.L. Bean, and rightfully so. I woke up early one morning and headed to the Eastern Promenade. It was lazy, cloudy, foggy, and beautiful. For you photographers out there, this spot is certainly photogenic. To me, it was a real life black & white that particular morning. Bring layers, find a spot, and sit in solitude. Escape within an escape.

A place
to watch
Fort Allen was first built way back in 1814 to deter British aggression of the Portland and Casco Bay area. In fact there probably was a very simple fort or lookout here decades before because it is such a great place to see anyone approaching from the water. Fort Allen was one of several forts built in the strategic and important Cisco Bay.
In the beginning Fort Allen was only a few earthen mounds and walls but in 1885 the fort was expanded and larger cannon and defensive precautions added. Of course the fort was soon made obsolete by new armaments and it was fortunately turned into a park but it’s still a great place to watch the sea and relax.
The park has two big, old cannon land a monument left over from the civil war and the mast of the old cruiser USS Portland. Pretty interesting and historical stuff to check out if you enjoy history. There is also a small hiking trail that goes through the park that isn’t very long but does have great views of the water and surrounding area.
Even though the fort and park are small they connect to the great Portland Bike Path that goes all around the city and you can also easily get to the boat ramp and beach from the park. A pretty cool place to take a break from biking, walking or yaking and a great place to sit back and enjoy the great views.