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Falmouth, ME Area Guide

Greetings from Falmouth! Falmouth is a town in Cumberland County, Maine. The population was approximately 10,000 as of 2000. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area.

This northern suburb of Portland borders Casco Bay and offers one of the largest anchorages in Maine. The town is home to three private golf clubs and the Portland Yacht Club. This scenic town is a delight for lovers of the outdoors offering snowshoeing, skiing, rugged hiking trails and other outdoor activities throughout the year. Come enjoy all that this peaceful town has to offer!

History

Falmouth was settled in the 1600s and became an official town in 1658. It is named after a small village located at the mouth of the Fal River in Cornwall, England where many of the early settlers to the area came from. The original boundaries of the town extended from the Spurwink River and across from Clapboard Island and included Westbrook, Cape Elizabeth, South Portland, Portland and Falmouth, but the other towns all broke away in the late 1700s leaving Falmouth the size it is today.

Parks and Recreation

Falmouth offers many great recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Whether you like to hike, ski or simply enjoy the outdoor beauty that Falmouth has to offer, there is something perfect for you here!

Falmouth Nature Preserve
The Falmouth Nature Preserve may be hard to find, but it is well worth the effort! The spot is excellent for winter snowshoeing and skiing. There are also five dirt trails that wind through the forests. There is a carved wooden trail map in the parking lot and dogs are allowed on the park with leashes.

Presumpscot River Trail
In 2002 this land was purchased by Portland Trails for preservation and to build a trail along the north shore of the river. The trail is primitive with tree roots that meander through the woods, and the trail ends just past the location of the dam that was dismantled. There is also a sign at the Presumpscot Falls Park parking area that illustrates how the wildlife here has benefited from the dismantling of the Smelt Hill Dam.

For more information about Portland Area Trails, please visit, http://www.trails.org/map_files/existingtrails.html.

Events

Falmouth is home to many excellent events that will keep you and your family busy throughout the year. Come check out one of the many summer concerts or the Annual 4th of July Festival. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

“Summer in the Parks” Concerts
Enjoy a variety of music styles through the summer months while relaxing on a blanket in the park. The concerts are hosted by the Portland Recreation and Facilities Department, sponsored by local businesses and free to the public.

Annual 4th of July Festival
Bring chairs and blankets to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at the Eastern Promenade. Food and music start in the afternoon and the fireworks begin at dusk; pets are not allowed.