Maine Regions

The TravelMaine guide offers a detailed description of each distinct and scenic region of Maine. The Southern Maine Coast towns of Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach and York offer spectacular sandy beaches. Drive up the Maine coast from Portland and Freeport through the picturesque Midcoast Maine towns of Boothbay Harbor, Rockland, Camden and Belfast to the breathtaking Acadia region and Bar Harbor, Maine’s quintessential harbor town. Outdoor lovers head to the vast and beautiful Aroostook County in the North for prime camping, hiking and fishing. Visit the Rangeley Lakes region in Western Maine for great skiing, canoeing, fishing, and kayaking. Bangor is the gateway to the Maine Highlands region, which boasts stunning vistas of Mt Katahdin and Baxter State Park. Moosehead Lake is host to unlimited outdoor activities. Visit the wooded paradise of ? and be the first to see the sun rise in the United States. Now matter what your Maine destination, the TravelMaine Guide is your one-stop source for Maine Regional information.

WILTON

Eight miles from Farmington you’ll find cb, also with a bustling historic downtown. Wilton is known for being the location of Maine’s first cotton mill. In 1876, George Henry Bass founded G.H. Bass & Co. and became the best-known businessman in Wilton’s history.

Wilton claims to be the “place to play”. While here you will find a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy year-round on the Wilson Lake or you might choose to spend a day on the links at the Wilson Lake Country Club.

If visiting museums is more to your liking then make sure your vacation includes a stop at then Wilton Farm and Home Museum. The museum is housed in a solid Maine structure built during the Civil War. It includes one of Maine’s finest collections of farm tools, a nearly complete collection of Maine bottles and memorabilia from G.H. Bass, originator of the famous Bass Weejun.

In August, Wilton hosts its famous two-day Blueberry Festival with parades, chicken barbecue, music, pie eating, a classic car show, pig scramble for kids and a lively “wife carrying competition.” Wilton in August is the place to be.

Fourteen miles northwest of Wilton you’ll discover the Mount Blue State Park. It boasts 5,021 acres; campground; sand beach with bathhouse; hot showers; flush toilets; boat launch; amphitheater, and nature center. The Adirondack shelters are available for large group use, and canoes may be rented. The park maintains cross-country ski trails, a major snowmobile trail, and an ice rink during the winter.

For accommodations you’ll find excellent choices from charming inns, to local motels and great camping options.

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LUBEC

Route 189 leads to the town of Lubec which was founded in 1811 and prospered from more than twenty sardine canneries and shipbuilding.

With nearly 100 miles of coastline, Lubec offers a unique and ideal travel destination with unmatched natural beauty, immense tides, a wonderful climate, parks, museums, culture, and the friendliest people.

Lubec is the eastern-most town in the United States … you can be the first to see the sunrise in the U.S. here.

Nearby you’ll find the West Quoddy Head Light and State Park. The candi-striped lighthouse is Maine’s most photographed. Make a note to stop at the Visitor Center with a museum, gift shop and gallery. Hiking trails offer picturesque views where you might catch seals playing in the ocean, whales, fishermen hauling their daily catch, and waves crashing on the rocks.

Lubec hosts Summer Keys, and adult music camp that features weekly evening concerts, and The Easternmost Institute for the Arts, which presents a variety of summer workshops for adults and children. Lubec also boasts Washington County’s only garden on the Maine Garden & Landscape Trail. Also, includes in the “arts”, Lubec offers “Jazz in Lubec”~ a week of jazz performances in August, and Summer Brushes ~ a painting workshop program.

Across the international bridge from Lubec (bring your passport) lies beautiful Campobello Island. In the U.S. Campobello may be best known for being FDR’s “beloved island”. The historic 2,800 acre Roosevelt-Campobello International Park offers a visitor center, gardens, and tours of the Roosevelt’s 34-room “summer cottage”.

The quaint waterfront village of Lubec offers a variety of lodging accommodations from charming inns to motels and private home rentals. There are lovely cafes, chocolatiers, restaurants, gift shops, and pubs. Enjoy strolling Water Street where you’ll also find a public library , galleries, and friendly-folk that all say hello!

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BAXTER STATE PARK AREA

In the northeast section of the MAINE HIGHLANDS region you’ll find Baxter State Park. Spreading out over 200,000 acres are unspoiled forests. Magnificent MountKatahdin , Maine’s tallest peak at 5,267 feet is the jewel of the park. It provides a variety of trails that first time climbers and veteran mountaineer find challenging and exhilarating. The mountain marks one end of the Appalachian Trail which links with Georgia 2,000 miles away.

At the southern entrance to the park is the town of Millinocket. Built up as a major paper mill town, today it provides accommodations and recreational activities for visitors and outdoor enthusiasts.

It’s an area where you can appreciate the vastness of the outdoors and are surrounded by exceptional locations for camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, boating, bird watching, photography, and relaxing.

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NEWPORT ~ DOVER-FOXCROFT

Info to come soon …

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MOOSHEAD LAKE AREA

In the western section of the MAINE HIGHLANDS region is Moosehead Lake, the largest fresh water lake int eh state. It spreads 40 miles long and 20 miles wide and provides a year-round destination for water sports and nature lovers.

Mount Kineo, which rises to 1,806 feet out of Moosehead Lake, offers excellent climbing trails. Along with the fishing, camping and boating that lures visitors to the region you can shoot the rapids of the many surging rivers on an unforgettable white water rafting excursion.

Southwest of Mount Kineo is the town of Rockwood. It offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

You’ll find Greenville at the southern end of the lake. Lili Bay State Park is located on the lake’s shore and provides 925 acres for picnics, swimming and camping.

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STRATTON ~ EUSTIS ~ CARRABASSETT VALLEY

Flagstaff Lake, Maine’s fourth largest body of water, centers the communities of Eustis and Stratton on the north-eastern edge of the Western Lakes and Mountains region.

This 27-mile long lake, so popular with hikers, naturalists, fishermen, hunters, canoeists, and kayakers, is manmade. In 1949 the settlements of Flagstaff and Dead River were clear-cut, burned and flooded by Central Maine Power to make a hydropower reservoir for use at low-water times of the year.

The area teems with wildlife and fish and the addition of unique campsites along the shores of the lake ensure the area’s popularity with sportsmen and outdoors fold of all kinds.

In this area are the amazing Cathedral Pines, the largest natural stand of giant Norway pines in the U.S. In winter snowmobilers travel miles of trails stretching to Canada.

Near Stratton and Eustis you’ll see Grand Falls, the largest horseshoe falls north of Niagara.

Established in 1976 and rising just east of Stratton is the spectacular 35,000-acre Bigelow Preserve, which has many splendid peaks stretching to the horizon in the Bigelow Range. The million-dollar view from the Eustis Ridge Picnic Area on Route 27 makes it a popular site for wedding and other special occasions.

Carrabassett Valley Region

If you follow the sparkling Carrabassett River from its source just below Flagstaff Lake, you’ll see it flows down past the town of Carrabassett Valley, then Kingfield and on to North Anson where it meets the larger Kennebec River. By taking this journey you’ll pass through one of the most beautiful valleys in the western Maine region. Towering on either side of the river is a series of mountain ranges that include six commanding peaks that reach above 4,000 feet.

The rolling terrain of these mountains creates countless ponds, streams and woodlands that make a visit to this area a visual treat anytime of year. Hiking, biking, camping, birding, sightseeing, fishing, swimming, canoeing and whitewater rafting are just a few of the activities that could fill your spring and summer. It’s an understatement to say the fall foliage is magnificent.

When the snows come and cover the mountains they transform the area into a winter sporting paradise for downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and ice skating.

The major mountain peak on the western side of the river is Sugarloaf Mountain in the town of Carrabassett Valley. It is the second tallest mountain in Maine at 4,237 feet.

On Sugarloaf Mountain, towering above the area in both a figurative and literal sense is Sugarloaf. It is a year-round resort. In winter it draws skiers from around the world and has become one of the most popular ski areas in the northeast. It has the only lift service above the tree line in the east and a dramatic 2,820 foot vertical drop. You can pick from 134 trails and glades that range from easy to challenging on more than 650 acres. At its base you’ll find a charming alpine village with a variety of accommodations and services.

If you’re a snowmobiler climb aboard your machine and take an exhilarating ride along the 228 miles of the Black Fly Snowmobile Loop. The loop takes you on scenic trails around Franklin County and reaches north to Eustis, west to Rangeley, east to Carrabassett Valley and Kingfield and south to Farmington.

While winter brings the most visitors you have plenty to see and enjoy all year.

Kingfield, named after William King who would become Maine’s first governor, offers you charming accommodations, fine dining, shops and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the home of Stanley Museum where you can see displays of the accomplished Stanley family, including models of the Stanley Steamer automobile invented by the Stanley twins. Each summer the Kingfield POPS, an outdoor musical and art festival features a variety of musical groups including concert, big band, folk, fiddle and jazz. Visit the Stadler Gallery for an excellent rotating display of paintings, photography and sculpture by Maine contemporary artists.

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RANGELEY LAKES REGION

This resort area of 99 percent forest and water provides ideal vacations in all four season of the year. The combination of mountains, woodlands, lakes and rivers makes a spectacular vista that will enthrall you any time of the year. Activities of every kind abound for the young and young at heart.

With more than 100 clear lakes, ponds, and streams, thousands of acres of untamed timberland filled with wildlife and plant life you’ll always find an adventure waiting.

Perhaps the best way to appreciate this area is to consider what the four seasons offer you.

Spring

As new flowers and vegetation make their appearance, one of the highlights of spring is the start of open water fishing. In lakes, ponds, rivers and streams you can fish for prized land locked salmon, trout, bass and perch. For bird watching visit the Audubon Society 100 acre bird sanctuary on Hunter Cover. Among the birds you might see along the miles of hiking trails are chickadees, Canadian jays and geese, grouse, owls, loons, woodpeckers and a variety of waterfowl. Some make their home here and others stop during seasonal migration.

Spring is also an excellent time to spot moose as they emerge to eat aquatic and woodland vegetation. Great areas for viewing these huge animals are along routes 4, 16 and 17 during early morning, evening and noon to 2 PM. Take care to keep your distance as moose have poor eyesight, but an excellent sense of smell and hearing. They may attack when they feel threatened.

Summer

You have no lack of outdoor sports and activities to pick from during the summer. The hills provide miles of scenic hiking trails. They include a rugged section of the Appalachian Trail, the challenging continuous path which covers 2,000 miles from Georgia to Katahdin Mountain. You have plenty of water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and more fishing.

When playing golf or tennis you might get a pleasant distraction from roaming deer, fox or moose. For sightseeing you can drive the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway or Franklin Heritage Loop. Both offer miles of great viewing of forests, bubbling mountain streams, farmland, quaint villages and waterways. You can also take plane rides for spectacular aerial views of the area.

Autumn

Thousands of acres of woodland provide you with rolling hills filled with breathtaking colors and beauty. Expect the foliage season to peak from late September to mid-October. Each year is different with the vividness of color dependent of temperature and moisture.

Hunting season begins and the area draws hunters seeking deer, moose and bear, plus birds and waterfowl. Be sure to check state regulations before you start your hunting expeditions.

Winter

With the snows and dropping temperatures come Nordic and alpine skiing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing and ice fishing.

The Rangeley mountains have miles of sloping hills for downhill skiing and snow boarding in a region of unsurpassed beauty. Terrains vary from gentle for beginners to steep to challenge experience skiers.

Saddleback Maine, with over 60 trails and a vertical drop of 2,000 feet, is the area’s premier ski area and offers outstanding skiing for every member of your family.

If you snowmobile you’ll appreciate the more than 150 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. These trails are part of the local Interstate Trail System that connects with the New Hampshire and Canadian systems.

For ice fishing, find any of the many lakes or ponds (though ice fishing is not permitted on Rangeley Lake), drill through the ice and wait for a bite.

Year-round facilities

Whatever season you visit the Rangeley region you’ll find excellent accommodations, including cottages, inns, motels, B&Bs, campgrounds and condos. Your visit will be complete with the great variety of restaurants, shops, galleries, and attractions such as museums, covered bridges and entertainment centers.

Rangeley State Park has 690 acres of woodland and lakes for all year outdoor fun.

The nearby town of Oquossoc also offers a variety of accommodations from campgrounds to inns, delicious eateries, gift shops and outdoor sporting activities year-round like boating, fly fishing, and snowmobiling!

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POLAND – NORWAY

For a rewarding road excursion you need to discover Route 26. This unassuming highway starts in Portland and meanders northwest until it reaches Upton 100 miles away. Along this route you’ll find amazing vistas, but more importantly you’ll find “The Gems of 26“!

North of Portland you’ll drive through the town of Gray and pass Crystal Lake.

Opposite the lake look for the Maine Wildlife Park sign. This unusual park serves as a home for more than 25 varieties of wild life, including black bears, coyotes and great horned owls. It’s also a great place for a picnic, hiking and nature trips.

While at the park stroll over to the Dry Mills Fish Hatchery. It raises thousands of brook trout each year to be stocked in more than 700 waterways throughout the state.

A short distance north you’ll come to Shaker Village at Sabbathday Lake. This is a devout religious society established here in 1783 and today is the only remaining active Shaker community.

The town of Poland Spring is a few miles to the north. This is where the world famous water bottling company got its start. Here you’ll find the Preservation Park. Included in this seasonal complex is the Poland Spring Resort with the first American resort golf course. Other activities available include real grass tennis courts, hiking trails, an art gallery, cross-country skiing trails and ice skating in the winter. The Maine State Building built in 1893 for the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, the All Souls Chapel, and the Poland Spring Bottling Museum can be found here as well.

A short drive up is Range Ponds State Park with a wide sandy beach and picnic areas.

A few miles from Poland, on Route 26, you’ll find the treasured New Balance Factory Outlet … where you can always find a GREAT DEAL!

As you keep traveling you come to the town of Norway, where the McLaughlin Gardens features a collection of select trees, woody shrubs, and perennials. Then you’ll drive parallel to the Little Androscoggin River on your way to South and West Paris, Bryant Pond and Locke Mills.

With camping, resort accommodations, and inns … you’re sure to enjoy your stay in this breathtaking four-season region of Maine.

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FRYEBURG

ORourkeFall1 FRYEBURG Fryeburg, noted for its fertile plains is located along the sweeping curves of the Saco River. The river provides recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors each year. Fryeburg’s largest body of water is Kezar Pond (1,299 acres) followed by Lovewell Pond (1,120 acres) with twelve other great ponds gracing the Fryeburg landscape. A town beach is maintained on the Saco River. Canoe rentals and campsites are available in several places. There are many sites along the Saco that offer public access to the river during its 70 mile journey through our town.

The town maintains twelve public parks to enjoy on your vacation: Graustein Park, Bradley Park, Admiral Peary Park, Meridian Stone, Weston’s Beach, Canal Bridge, Joseph Frye Homestead, Stark’s Hill Rest Area, Baxter Memorial Park, Brownfield Bog Access Facility, Skillings-Newman Memorial Park, Eastman Grove, and the Town Forest and Nature Area. These parks offer a wide variety of recreational and educational opportunities to visitors.

Each October thousands of people travel to Fryeburg to experience one of the state’s largest and best-known agricultural fairs … the Fryeburg Fair – Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic. This week long festival is composed of 16 area towns in Maine and 6 border towns in New Hampshire and includes everything from harness racing to horse pulling, exhibition halls, live entertainment, midway and much more!

For all you hiking enthusiasts … no trip to Fryeburg would be complete with a trek up Jockey Cap. A short 15-minute hike to the top of this landmark in Fryeburg will reap hikers a fine reward atop the “cap,” you’ll enjoy a 360-degree view. A range finder, erected in honor of Arctic explorer Admiral Robert E. Peary will help you identify all the surrounding peaks; over thirty can be seen! The trailhead is on Route 302 approximately one mile from downtown Fryeburg. It’s on the left between the Jockey Cap Country Store and the Jockey Cap Motel. Look for the archway over the trail with the sign, “Jockey Cap Trail.”

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FARMINGTON REGION

You get to the Farmington region by heading northwest from Augusta, the state capital.

If your holiday brings you here in the summer you have a multitude of lakes, ponds and rivers for swimming, boating, fishing and other water sports. Mountains and valleys provide great hiking, camping and stunning views.

In autumn the hillsides transform into a painter’s colorful pallet. Winter brings out sports enthusiasts who love to ski downhill and cross country, ice skate, snowmobile and ice fish.

In addition to the natural wonders of the region each town around Farmington takes pride in its rural roots and work ethic. You get a sense of the impressive character of the people who settled in the area from the names they gave their towns, such as: Industry, Strong, Temple, Vienna – just one of the many Maine towns linked with foreign locations, New Vineyard, Chesterville and Weld.

When you reach Farmington you’ll find an unpretentious, yet charming downtown with a wide array of restaurants, gift shops, bookstores and the Historical Society. Nearby is the 85-acre Historic District. It houses more than 100 Federal and Colonial Revival buildings and other historic resources that illustrate the growth of the community from the 1800s through the mid-20^th century.

Just south of downtown is the campus of the University of Maine at Farmington, the oldest public institution of higher education in Maine.

While on the campus be sure to visit Nordica Auditorium. Named for the famous 19^th century opera singer who resided here, Lillian Nordica who performed in New York and Paris.

You’ll enjoy more of the performing arts at the Arts Institute of Western Maine, famous for presenting a variety of musical productions, including chamber, classical, opera, Broadway show tunes and jazz.

You may want to plan your visit to coincide with the Franklin County Fair. It’s been a tradition since 1840 and takes place in September. Highlights are harness racing, livestock shows, entertainments, rides and games.

A way to stay warm in December in Farmington is to join in the parade and festivities honoring Chester Greenwood born in 1858. A high school dropout, at age 15 he invented the earmuff, just one of the many ideas he patented. Every participant marching in the parade, including farm animals, dons “ear protectors,” as they were once called

The town of Industry has the 800-acre Clearwater Lake that is popular four seasons of the year. If you have a hearty streak in you join the Polar Bear Club and take a quick dip in the lake on Chester Greenwood Day.

Vienna offers you nine ponds for year-round fun. Milton Bradley, creator of popular board games grew up here. So did Carrie Stevens, well know to fly-tying fishermen for creating the famous Gray Ghost Fly.

In Chesterville paddle your canoe on the gentle and winding Little Norridgewock Stream in the Wildlife Management Ares. With acres of bogs, ponds, hills and wildlife to enjoy outdoor trekkers have compared its lush scenery to the Everglades – without the alligators.

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