Updated September 2026
Gorham offers families an impressive variety of ways to spend time outside. You can follow short woodland loops, walk beside the Presumpscot River, explore universally accessible paths, or introduce young riders to mountain biking on beginner-friendly trails.
With more than 50 miles of trails throughout town, families can choose an outing that matches their children’s ages, abilities, and energy. Start with a short nature walk, combine connected trails for a longer hike, or bring bikes and explore one of Gorham’s growing trail networks.
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Hawkes Preserve
Hawkes Preserve combines a manageable family hiking distance with beautiful views of the Presumpscot River. The marked loop travels through the woods before following the river, where children can stop to watch the water and look for signs of wildlife.
Hawkes Preserve Loop
Distance: Approximately 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The trail includes woodland paths, roots, bridges, and a riverside section. Most of the loop is manageable for young hikers, although the natural surface and occasional uneven areas make it unsuitable for regular strollers.
Keep children close near the river, especially when water levels are high.
Highlights:
- Presumpscot River views
- Clearly marked loop
- Bridges and woodland scenery
- Manageable distance for young hikers
- Canoe and kayak portage area
👉 Read the full Hawkes Preserve guide
Cummings Preserve
Located near Dundee Dam, Cummings Preserve offers a quiet woodland walk along the Presumpscot River. Its riverside destination and relatively short distance make it a good choice for families ready for a little more adventure.
Cummings Preserve Trail
Distance: Approximately 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The trail begins at the end of Dundee Road and travels through the woods toward the river and dam. Much of the route is relatively flat, but one steeper area can become slippery when wet.
This is an out-and-back trail, so families can turn around earlier if needed.
Highlights:
- Presumpscot River scenery
- Views near Dundee Dam
- Shaded woodland trail
- Flexible out-and-back distance
- Good option for school-aged hikers
👉 Read the full Cummings Preserve guide
Shaw Park and Gambo Preserve
Shaw Park is an especially versatile destination for families. Its paved trails connect with the Mountain Division Trail and Gambo Preserve, while the park itself offers river access, picnic areas, athletic fields, and plenty of room to extend your visit.
Shaw Park and Gambo Preserve Trails
Distance: Approximately 1.2 miles in the immediate trail network; longer routes are possible
Difficulty: Easy
Begin at Shaw Park and follow the paved Presumpscot River Trail toward Gambo Preserve. Families can explore the historic gunpowder mill site, continue onto the Mountain Division Trail, or choose a longer loop using connecting paths and roads.
The paved trail is suitable for strollers, bikes, and scooters, although some connecting natural-surface trails are not accessible.
Highlights:
- Presumpscot River views
- Paved family-friendly paths
- Stroller, bike, and scooter options
- Historic Gambo gunpowder mill site
- Connections to the Mountain Division Trail
- Picnic areas and seasonal river recreation
👉 Read the full Shaw Park guide
Lavoie Bike Park, Weeks Rd, and Frazier Preserve
Lavoie Bike Park is part of the extensive Gorham School Trails network located between Gorham Middle School and Gorham High School. The pump track, Frazier Preserve, and surrounding woodland trails create a flexible destination for walking, running, and mountain biking.
Pump Track and School Trail Network
Distance: Choose your own distance; several miles of connected trails are available
Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced, depending on the route
The professionally built pump track includes rollers and banked turns that help children practice balance, steering, and bike control. It is suitable for riders of different abilities, including young children using balance bikes.
From the bike park, families can continue into the Gorham School Trails and Frazier Preserve. The six-acre preserve protects wetlands, forest, and streams while connecting with a much larger network of town-managed singletrack trails.
Beginner riders can practice on the pump track and nearby trails, while more experienced riders can explore farther into the Weeks Road network. Families visiting on foot can also enjoy a short woodland walk through Frazier Preserve or create a longer route using the connected trails.
Because the network contains numerous intersections, bring a current map and pay attention to trail signs. Walkers should also remain alert for approaching mountain bikes.
Highlights:
- Paved pump track
- Suitable for balance bikes
- Beginner-friendly riding options
- Miles of connected woodland trails
- Wetlands, forests, and streams in Frazier Preserve
- Walking, running, and mountain biking
- More challenging routes for experienced riders
- Flexible distances for families
👉 Read the full Lavoie Bike Park and Gorham School Trails guide
Tannery Brook Preserve
Tannery Brook Preserve contains a surprisingly extensive network of trails tucked into the woods at the end of Wentworth Drive. Families can follow one of the main paths for a shorter walk or combine trails for a longer outing.
Tannery Brook Trail Network
Distance: Approximately 1–3+ miles, depending on the trails selected
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The natural-surface trails travel through woods and wetlands, with roots, packed dirt, rolling terrain, and boardwalk sections. Children may also enjoy watching mountain bikers or looking for wildlife around the pond and wetland areas.
There is no designated parking lot or restroom. Visitors generally park along the road near the end of Wentworth Drive without blocking driveways or trail access.
Highlights:
- Multiple loop combinations
- Forest, pond, and wetland scenery
- Boardwalk sections
- Hiking and mountain-biking trails
- Flexible family hiking distance
👉 Read the full Tannery Brook Preserve guide
Little River Preserve
Little River Preserve protects more than 28 acres of woods along the Little River. Its colored trails allow families to choose between a gentle woodland walk and a more challenging riverside route.
Blue Trail
Distance: Approximately 0.75 mile
Difficulty: Easy
The Blue Trail offers the preserve’s most approachable option. The route begins near Route 202, crosses a field, and briefly uses Aspen Lane before returning to the woods.
Look carefully for the trail continuation across the road. The remaining route travels through quiet hemlock and aspen forest with generally gentle grades.
Highlights:
- Short family hiking distance
- Well-marked trail
- Hemlock and aspen forest
- Spring wildflowers
- Gentle terrain
Blue and White Trails
Distance: Approximately 1.25 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Combining the Blue and White Trails adds more challenging terrain near the river. This route is better for confident young hikers who are comfortable with roots, hills, and uneven surfaces.
Highlights:
- Little River views
- More adventurous terrain
- Wooded wildlife habitat
- Longer loop option
Nelson Preserve
Nelson Preserve offers a varied loop through meadows, wetlands, thickets, hemlock groves, and stands of large red oak trees. The changing scenery gives children plenty to notice throughout the walk.
Nelson Preserve Loop
Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The loop begins on the north side of Flaggy Meadow Road. Parking is available along the roadside shortly after the barn.
This is a pleasant year-round destination, with berries to spot during summer and terrain that can work well for snowshoeing after a good snowfall.
Highlights:
- Meadow and woodland scenery
- Wetland habitat
- Large red oak trees
- Summer berries
- Winter snowshoeing option
Claire Drew Trail
Claire Drew Trail provides a wide, approachable loop near Gorham’s Public Safety Building and athletic fields. The main trail is a good introduction to woodland walking and beginner mountain biking.
Claire Drew Loop
Distance: Approximately 0.8–1 mile for the main loop; additional connecting trails are available
Difficulty: Easy
The trail is accessed from behind the Gorham Public Safety Building at 270 Main Street. Park near the athletic fields, walk across the fields while staying to the left, and look for the marked entrance at the edge of the woods.
The main loop is wide enough for many jogging or all-terrain strollers. Natural conditions can still include roots, mud, or fallen debris, so stroller access may vary by season.
Highlights:
- Wide main trail
- Beginner-friendly loop
- Suitable for many all-terrain strollers
- Walking and mountain-biking options
- Additional singletrack trails for experienced riders
Cross Town Trail
Gorham’s Cross Town Trail follows portions of a former railroad corridor and connects several natural areas. Rather than one continuous six-mile family hike, it is best explored in shorter sections.
New Portland Road Section
Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
This flat, relatively smooth section travels between New Portland Road and Hutcherson Drive. Families can choose a short out-and-back walk or complete the full three-mile round trip.
The New Portland Road trailhead has only a small parking area, so have an alternate plan if the spaces are occupied.
Highlights:
- Flat former railroad corridor
- Easy walking surface
- Flexible out-and-back distance
- Quiet woodland setting
- Connections to other Gorham trails
West Sky Preserve
West Sky Preserve is a small woodland property that works well when your family wants a short nature break rather than a long hike.
West Sky Loop
Distance: Approximately 0.6 mile
Difficulty: Easy
The loop winds through hemlock forest and wetland habitat near Narragansett Street. Its short distance makes it suitable for young children, beginning hikers, or a quick walk when you do not have time for a longer outing.
Parking is limited along the roadside, and families should use extra care when arriving and leaving because of traffic on the surrounding roads.
Highlights:
- Short loop
- Hemlock forest
- Wetland scenery
- Manageable for young hikers
- Easy to fit into a busy day
Shaw Cherry Hill Farm
Shaw Cherry Hill Farm offers one of Gorham’s most accessible and flexible trail systems. Its broad paths travel beside open fields and through sections of mature forest, providing a very different experience from Gorham’s narrower woodland trails.
Shaw Cherry Hill Farm Trail Network
Distance: Approximately 2.7 miles of trails
Difficulty: Easy
Choose a short loop near the fields or combine trails for a longer outing. The generally wide, gentle paths are suitable for walking, running, biking, and many strollers and mobility devices.
The open areas can be sunny and windy, so dress for the weather and bring sun protection during warmer months.
Highlights:
- Universally accessible trails
- Wide, gentle paths
- Open farmland views
- Mature forest
- Walking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing
- Flexible trail combinations
👉 Read the full year-round guide to Shaw Cherry Hill Farm
Pump House and USM Trails
The trail network behind the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham campus offers a more adventurous experience than a simple marked nature loop.
Pump House Trail Network
Distance: Varies by route
Difficulty: Moderate
This area contains a web of wooded trails used by hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. Because there are multiple intersections and route options, it is best for families comfortable following a trail map.
Trail conditions, parking access, and route connections can change, so check current maps and posted signs before beginning.
Highlights:
- Extensive woodland network
- Hiking and mountain biking
- Flexible route lengths
- Best for school-aged children and confident trail users
Randall Orchards Preserve
Randall Orchards Preserve spans land in Gorham and Standish, but the trailhead for the Blue Trail Loop is located in Gorham. The preserve offers a peaceful family walk through woods and sections of the working orchard property.
Blue Trail Loop
Distance: Approximately 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Blue Trail follows wide paths through the woods and around the orchard property. Its gentle terrain and clearly marked route make it an approachable choice for children building their hiking endurance.
Remember that this is an active orchard. Stay on marked trails, respect private areas, and check current access information before visiting.
Highlights:
- Gorham trailhead
- Orchard and woodland scenery
- Wide family-friendly paths
- Gentle terrain
- Clearly marked route
- Seasonal changes throughout the year
👉 Read the full Randall Orchards Preserve Blue Trail guide
Quick Picks for Families
Best for toddlers: Shaw Cherry Hill Farm
The wide, gentle trails and flexible route options give little walkers plenty of room to explore without difficult terrain.
Best riverside hike: Hawkes Preserve
The loop provides beautiful Presumpscot River views within a family-friendly distance.
Best for strollers, bikes, and scooters: Shaw Park
The paved trails make this one of Gorham’s easiest options for strollers and small wheels, with river views and flexible distances along the way.
Best trail and park combination: Shaw Park and Gambo Preserve
Pair a paved walk with a picnic, river views, or additional time exploring the park.
Best for beginning bike riders: Lavoie Bike Park
Children can build confidence on the pump track before trying the connected woodland trails.
Best for flexible trail distances: Tannery Brook Preserve
Multiple routes allow families to choose a short loop or continue exploring.
Gorham makes it easy for families to spend time outdoors, whether you have half an hour for a quick walk or an entire morning for hiking and biking. Begin with a route that matches your children’s current abilities, bring snacks, and leave extra time for investigating bridges, streams, rocks, and everything else that catches their attention.
Many of these trails can be revisited throughout the year. The same familiar loop can offer spring wildflowers, summer berries, colorful fall leaves, or animal tracks in fresh snow.
Always check current maps and posted signs before beginning. Trail surfaces, parking access, and seasonal conditions can change, particularly after storms or during mud season.
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