Western Maine

Geographically, this region of Maine borders New Hampshire to the west, and Canada’s Province of Quebec on the north. Vast in size (larger than New Hampshire and Vermont combined), it has literally dozens of lakes, rivers and ponds that provide opportunities for water sports such as boating, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing and whitewater rafting. If fishing is your passion, you can find some of the best trout and salmon fishing in the country in Western Maine. In addition to Sebago, popular lakes in the region include Rangeley, Flagstaff and, the fun to pronounce, Mooselookmeguntic Lake. The area is also home to some of the best hunting in all of New England.

March & April

23° | 53°

Wear layers as temperatures vary. Welcome to “Mud Season”!

Late Spring

May & June

45° | 74°

Wear layers as temperatures vary. Things are warming up!

Early Summer

June & July

50° | 75°

Wear layers as temperatures vary.

Late Summer

August & September

51° | 78°

Enjoy!

Early Autumn

October

40° | 57°

Bring a sweater.

Late Autumn

November & Early December

31° | 45°

Bring a sweater, coat & hat. Snow likely.

Early Winter

Late December & January

19° | 30°

Dress for snow!

Late Winter

February & March

15° | 40°

Bring a sweater. Snow is likely.

Here, you will find some of the most picturesque mountains in the state with such names as Sugarloaf, Bigelow, Saddleback, Sunday River, Pleasant Mountain and Shawnee Peak. Check out each location for a variety of recreational adventures that can include hiking, mountain biking, zip lines, disk golf, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, all terrain vehicle trails and more.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail that begins in Springer Mountain, Georgia and ends at Mount Katahdin in Maine passes through this region. The area’s Mahoosuc Notch is often considered by hikers to be the most difficult mile of the entire 2168 mile trail.

Nestled among the lakes and mountains are towns and villages with unique dining options, an array of lodging and accommodations, and downtowns that have a unique New England charm catering to locals and visitors alike. You’ll find fairs and festivals dotting the western Maine countryside.

Featured Towns

Featured Events

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Recommended Area Businesses

Krainin Real Estate

1539 Roosevelt Trail (Route 302), Raymond, ME, United States, 04071

(207) 655-3811

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Stay / Lakes & Mountains

Frank’s Restaurant & Pub

2 Main St, Lisbon Falls 04252

(207) 407-4606

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Dine / Lakes & Mountains

Songo River Queen II

Route 302/The Causeway, 841 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, ME 04055

(207) 693-6861

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Play / Lakes & Mountains

The Rangeley Inn & Tavern

2443 Main St, Rangeley, ME, United States, 04970

(207) 864-3341

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Stay / Lakes & Mountains

Canuvo Recreational Retail Shop

152 Portland Road Bridgton, ME 04009

(207) 647-2711

website

Shop / Lakes & Mountains

Noble House Inn

81 Highland Rd, Bridgton, ME, United States, Maine

(207) 647-3733

website

Stay / Lakes & Mountains

Oxford Casino/Hotel

777 CASINO WAY, OXFORD, ME 04270

(207) 539-6700

website

Play / Lakes & Mountains

Hampton Inn – Lewiston

15 Lincoln St, Lewiston, ME 04240

(207) 344-1000

website

Stay / Lakes & Mountains

Reny’s

200 Broadway, Farmington, ME 04938

(207) 778-4631

website

Shop / Lakes & Mountains

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Experience all Maine has to offer!

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SEBAGO LAKE

With over 60 lakes and ponds in 20 towns that dot the area, the Sebago Lakes Region is where visitors can enjoy an abundance of natural resources -- the unspoiled beauty of lakes and streams, the peace and tranquility of forests and mountaintops, and the charm of historic villages and one-of-a-kind landmarks.

The area is anchored by Sebago Lake, Maine’s second largest waterway at 54 square miles, located less than an hour’s drive from Portland. Part of this gigantic lake is Sebago Lake State Park, sprawled on 1400 acres, that is a prime destination for hiking, camping, swimming, boating and casual summer time fun.

On the northwest shore of Sebago Lake, you’ll find the town of Naples that connects to Long Lake which stretches north for 11 miles. With the Songo Lock connecting these two lakes, it gives access to over 40 miles for boating.

The “Causeway” in Naples has a robust atmosphere with shops, restaurants, many water sport rentals, mini-golf, galleries and a great view of the lake.

Local Favorites: The Songo River Queen is a replica of a Mississippi paddle boat that travels the shores of Long Lake in daytime and evening excursions.

Most Unusual: The UFO (Umbrella Factory Outlet) in Naples is a one of a kind supermarket, ice cream shop and liquor store in one, with umbrellas hanging from the ceiling. You’ll find a selection of 1800 wines, 1700 different Maine spirits, and 700 craft beer choices.

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NAPLES

As you explore Maine, you will soon discover that Naples is a jewel of a community ideally nestled in the heart of the Western Maine Lakes Region. Picturesque Naples has abundant land and water activities to offer and is the must-see area for sightseeing and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Generations of folks keep coming back year after year and you will understand why after spending any amount of time here. Come discover the many options for walking, hiking, camping, biking, boating, snowmobiling and so much more. We are the picture-perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Naples offers plenty of great eating establishments, shops, a handsomely stocked public library, festivals and one of the best Fourth of July fireworks shows in the region vibrantly displayed over Long Lake and comfortably viewed from your boat or our Causeway.

Enjoy a lake cruise, fly above in a seaplane or just sit on a bench by the lakes to enjoy your lunch. Come check us out, stay the day, stay a while. You’re going to love it here, just wait and see.

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BRIDGTON

Bridgton is surrounded by lakes and rolling hills and is a haven for outdoor recreation. Long Lake, Highland Lake and Moose Pond are well known stops for boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and other water sports. You’ll find plenty of public beaches and public access to these Maine treasures.

If hiking is your interest, take a jaunt to the top of Pleasant Mountain where you’ll get a choice view of the natural beauty of the surrounding area. You’ll enjoy a stroll downtown where you’ll find gift shops, antique and craft stores, restaurants and specialty shops.

Walk through Pondicherry Park, a 66 acre nature preserve in the center of town. The wood chipped pathway leads you deep into the park where there are signs of beaver, deer, mink, woodpeckers, and spotted salamanders.

Most Unusual: The Rufus Porter Museum celebrates the life and times or a remarkably creative Americal genius who worked throughout Maine, New England, and beyond. Rufus Porter (1792-1884) was a painter well-known for his landscape murals and miniature portraits but he was so much more than a painter. He was an inventor, writer and teacher as well. There is a gift shop on site.

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Local Favorites: Art lovers will want to stop at Gallery302 featuring the works of more than 50 artists. Bridgton is home to 1 of the 7 drive-in theaters still in operation in Maine. Bridgton Twin Drive-In has two screens with first run movies and a Retro Tuesday night for old favorites.

BETHEL

Situated in the Androscoggin River valley surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Maine, Bethel was first settled in 1768. Now a quiet resort town, it is full of quaint shops and tranquil streets where visitors can enjoy a casual stroll to experience its New England village charm.

Year round recreation abounds with the likes of hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and golf in the spring and summer. Winter comes alive with some of the best alpine skiing in the east at Sunday River Ski Resort, only a short drive from Bethel. Of course, there is plenty of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing with lots of stops for après ski merriment. The fall foliage in the area is among the best in Maine.

The Bethel area offers many choices for accommodations and eateries. You’ll find many B&B Inns that offer an intimate, home like setting and there are plenty of choices from among the locally run restaurants, lounges and pubs. The Sunday River complex offers hotels and lodges with accommodations such as health and fitness centers, saunas, swimming pools and spa services. Camps, cottages, vacation rentals and campgrounds round out the available places to stay.

Most Unusual: There are three wooden Covered Bridges in the Bethel area. The Sunday River Bridge is the oldest, built in 1872 and spans 87 feet. The Bethel Recreational Pathway Bridge was built in 2001 and spans 50 feet and the Big Adventure Bridge was built in 1999 and also spans 50 feet.

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Local Favorites: Grafton Notch States Parks offer wonderful opportunities to commune with nature. Nearby and convenient access will bring you to areas around the Appalachian Trail for hikes and bird watching. Zipline Tours at Sunday River feature a series of six lines ranging from 100 to 300 feet in lenth with a final “zip” down the resort’s 750-foot Twin Zip. Its wooded location takes you through the trees and over a ravine and stream bed, at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.

FARMINGTON

Farmington offers a quaint downtown with a wide choice of restaurants, gift shops, bookstores and a vibrant local Historical Society. Nearby is the 85-acre Historic District housing with more than 100 Federal and Colonial Revival buildings that illustrate the growth of the community from the 1800s through the mid-20th century.

The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) occupies much of the downtown area and has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Colleges 18 times since 1998.

The Arts Institute of Western Maine and The Emery Community Arts Center, on the UMF campus, offer a year round schedule of arts and entertainment performances.

A focal point for recreation in Farmington is the Whistle Stop Rail-Trail, a former railroad route, developed for shared usage by snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, hikers, and mountain bikers. The terrain is flat as it spans for 14 miles through small community centers, residential areas and wilderness habitats.

Local Favorites: Meetinghouse Park has an historic Gazebo and veteran monuments and a veteran honor roll. It is a place to enjoy periodic evening entertainment or to let the kids and dogs run free. The Farmington Fair has been around since 1840 with its barnyard animals and exhibition showcases honoring the traditions of Maine’s agricultural history. It runs for seven days during the third week of September.

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RANGELEY & OQUOSSOC

This resort area consists of 99 percent forest and water which provides ideal vacations for all four seasons of the year. With more than 110 clear lakes, ponds, and streams and thousands of acres of untamed timberland filled with wildlife and plant life, you’ll always find an adventure waiting in this special part of Maine.

With the arrival of spring comes the start of open water fishing and the pursuit of land locked salmon, trout, bass, and perch. For bird watching, don’t miss the Audubon Society’s 100 acre bird sanctuary on Hunter Cover.

A trip to Rangeley-Oquossoc needs to include a visit to Height of Land, Mooselookmaguntic Lake, and Small Falls.

Height of Land is part of the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway along Route 17. While there are many places to see the spectacular scenery, this one is among the best with a bigger parking area than just a pull off along the road and a few signs with information that are nice.

Mooselookmaguntic is a massive lake that dominates the region. There is more than enough room for boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming excursions. Enjoy one of the most scene lakes in Maine.

Small Falls is a beautiful place to explore, have a picnic, or take a swim on the natural slides created by the falls themselves. It is also perfect for a photographer that loves a beautiful natural setting. (Angel Falls is another spectacular spot to visit but a bit harder to find and more challenging to get there than Small Falls.)

Expect the foliage season to peak from late September to mid-October in this region. Thousands of acres of woodland provide you will rolling hills filled with breathtaking colors and beauty.

Winter brings lots of snowmobiling with more than 150 miles of groomed trails. These trails are part of the Interstate Trail System that connects Maine with New Hampshire and Canada.

Local Favorites: Mingo Springs Golf Course offers spectacular views on an 18-hole golf course that is enjoyable for a beginner or seasoned pro. Specialty and gift shops line the small town where unique gifts or souvenirs can be found. Rangeley Town Park has something for everyone. You can launch your boat, swim, have a picnic, enjoy a playground, play tennis or basketball, and there is a public bath house.

Hidden Gems: The Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum in Oquossoc, is a small museum, rich in history, with biographical info on colorful characters of the region and wonderful displays and exhibits about the area. The Maine Forestry Museum pays homage to western Maine’s rich timber heritage. Learn about the logging industry and its impact on shingle mills and paper manufacturing in Maine. The Rangeley Lake State Park is a great base camp for visiting the area. The camp sites are large with plenty of room for a truck and trailer. There are lots of trails for hiking, easy boat/beach access, and a good sense of privacy. Don’t miss the Rangeley Region Lake Cruises and Kayaking. On one day, you will be cruising an area lake on a former mail delivery boat that seats about a dozen people. On another day, the same folks can guide you on a kayaking venture on Cupsuptic River.

Most Unusual: The Wilhelm Reich Museum is the 100-acre home of Dr. Wilhelm Reich, a fascinating but controversial psychoanalyst and scientist. A visit here is a look back in time at the scientist’s labs, inventions and life. His office and work space have largely been left untouched so visitors can see the actual conditions. The knowledgeable museum docents offer informative tours and the video on Dr. Reich’s life shouldn’t be missed.

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Western Maine

Early Spring

March & April

23° | 53°

Late Spring

May & June

45° | 74°

Early Summer

June & July

50° | 75°

Late Summer

August & September

51° | 78°

Early Autumn

October

40° | 57°

Late Autumn

November & Early December

31° | 45°

Early Winter

Late December & January

19° | 30°

Late Winter

February & March

15° | 40°

Featured Towns

Featured Events

Recommended Area Businesses

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Experience all Maine has to offer!

SEBAGO LAKE

NAPLES

BRIDGTON

BETHEL

FARMINGTON

RANGELEY & OQUOSSOC