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Home > Regions > Maine's Lakes & Mountains

Maine's Lakes & Mountains

With its spectacular mountain ranges, hundreds of glacial lakes and interesting, creative communities, Maine's Lakes & Mountains draw outdoor adventurers, wildlife watchers, foliage lovers and history buffs alike. In the fall, the vistas are stunning along the region's many scenic byways. And in the winter, this region is a paradise for skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers!

Lewiston and Auburn, twin cities on either side of the Androscoggin River, form a lively arts community. Learn about Maine's manufacturing heritage at Museum L/A; visit the Bates College Museum of Art; and take a walk through Thorncrag, New England's largest private bird sanctuary.

Naples, with its bustling lakeside Causeway, is a recreational hub. Bring the kids to Sebago Lake State Park. Cruise Long Lake on the Songo River Queen II, a replica of a Mississippi Paddle Wheeler; go antiquing in nearby Bridgton. Hike, bike or ski the trails at Shawnee Peak.

In Fryeburg, you'll find 11 buildings on the National Historic Register. Canoe or kayak the Saco River. Vacation on nearby Kezar Lake. And discover one of Maine's most scenic drives along Route 113 through Evans Notch, with views of the White Mountains.

Bethel offers four-season activities, from golfing, hiking, fishing and biking to skiing at nearby Sunday River and Mt. Abram Resorts. Paddle the Androscoggin River. Explore Grafton Notch State Park with short walks to Screw Auger Falls, Mother Walker Falls and Moose Cave. Take in a concert on the Bethel Commons and visit the Artist's Covered Bridge in Newry.

In the River Valley town of Rumford, you'll find dramatic Pennacook Falls, Maine's longest drop at 180 feet. Visit Lovejoy Covered Bridge in Andover. In winter, don't miss Black Mountain, one of Maine's finest family winter sports facilities.

Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway along Route 17 takes you to the Height of Land with its panorama of mountains, forests and the Rangeley Lakes. This is recreation central: sport fishing, hiking, canoeing, snow- mobiling, skiing at Saddleback, and spectacular fall foliage.

Between Eustis and Kingfield, the beautiful Carrabassett River winds its way through the mountains. Fish in Flagstaff Lake. Go snowmobiling in Eustis. Hike the majestic Bigelow Range. Hit the trails or golf course at Sugarloaf ski resort in Carrabassett Valley.

Farmington, home of the University of Maine Farmington, is a lively college town. Check out the fascinating artifacts at the Nordica Homestead. Explore Mount Blue State Park in Weld, where you can swim in Webb Lake or pan for gold on the Swift River.

Website Visit the Official Website of this Region
Brochure View a video of this Region
Video View/Order a regional brochure

"Don't Miss" Fairs & Festivals

  • Bethel Winterfest in Bethel - January 
  • Maine Blues Festival in Naples - June
  • Logging Museum Festival Days in Rangeley - July
  • Wilton Blueberry Festival in Wilton - August
  • Great Falls Balloon Festival in Lewiston/Auburn - August
  • Bethel Harvestfest & Chowdah Cookoff in Bethel - September
  • Fryeburg Fair in Fryeburg - October

So Much More to Do...

  • Experience 19th century rural life at Washburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore.
  • Go gem sluicing in West Paris or Bethel.
  • Explore Rangeley's outdoor sporting history and traditions at the Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum.
  • Paddle part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail from Rangeley Lake to Spencer Stream.
  • In Kingfield, visit the Stanley Museum, celebrating the inventor of the "Stanley Steamer."
  • Visit the Shaker Village at Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester.
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