Back Cove Stays Open – But You Can No Longer Park There

Social distancing and getting outside to exercise can conflict - and Back Cove in Portland is turning into a problem.

WMTW reports that all parking lots near the Back Cove trail in Portland are being shut down because of concerns with overcrowding.

Starting at 8 a.m. this morning, the lots will close according to a news release from the City of Portland. There were pictures that showed the Preble Street lot packed with cars on the gorgeous Monday afternoon. Lot of sunshine, temps near 60 and a 'stay-at-home' order will do that.

Governor Janet Mills' state wide order to stay home does allow you to exercise, but you still have to stay at least six feet away from people - even outdoors. There are parts of the Back Cove trail that make it impossible to stay that far apart from each other as you walk.

For now, the trail IS open, but you are going to have to get there by walking instead of driving.