Review
Intro
The Twin Brook Recreation Facility is located just north of Portland in the town of Cumberland Center. The facility encompasses about 250 acres, including over four miles of wooded trails that can be accessed year-round, but are perfect for trail running in the summer and fall months. The park has hosted large running events such as the 2009 USATF Maine Open Championship/Craig Cup 5k.
In addition to near perfect trails for running, the Twin Brooks facility also contains over 20 acres of athletic fields, including soccer, baseball, softball fields, and a disc golf course, making it a great destination for families looking to spend a day outside. In the winter, some of the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, making it a year-round destination for outdoor lovers willing to take on the harsh New England winter.
What Makes It Great
Twin Brooks proves that sometimes you don’t need to go far into the wilderness to escape into nature. Just a short jaunt from one of the parking lots into the wooded trails places you in a quiet and serene environment. The trails are well-maintained and easy to navigate with few roots and rocks jutting from the ground, which is difficult to find at times on backcountry trails. Trail runners would be hard-pressed to find better running trails in such a close proximity to town.
Who is Going to Love It
Twin Brooks is a well-maintained and easily accessed facility, making it ideal for families looking for a day spent outdoors. Pack a lunch and explore the miles of trails or bring a frisbee and enjoy the open fields.
The trails at Twin Brooks also appeal to more serious runners looking to avoid the pounding of concrete or asphalt on their legs. Four miles of smooth trails and varying terrain make it a perfect place for running. And for runners looking to complete more intense workouts but are tired of running on a track, there is a quarter-mile loop with small hills perfect for hard intervals.
Interested in bringing along your best friend? Dogs are allowed in the park as long as they are leashed or under control by the owner at all times. And be sure to make use of the provided doggie bags and trash cans at the trailheads.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
The park is located at 185 Tuttle Road in Cumberland Center. It’s a short 19-minute drive from Portland. Take 295 north, exiting at the Falmouth/Freeport ramp for Route 1 before turning onto Tuttle Road. There is no park fee, although donation boxes are present should you want to give back to the park.
Twin Brooks is open year-round, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the summer months and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the winter. Occasionally there will be night-time stargazing events organized by the town.
Scheduled town sporting events are given the priority in use of athletic fields or trails in the case of fall cross-country races, so be flexible and respectful if one overlaps and interferes with your plans.
