Recreation
ATV-ing
Moose Trail
This new ATV trail circles the heart of Franklin County, connecting the trail systems of seven clubs. These clubs maintain more trails that reach north from Stratton/Eustis to Carrabassett to Kingfield to Phillips, Strong and Rangeley, Maine.
The Moose Trail has the widest variety of trails available in the east. Test your ATV on steep mountain trails, rocks, and mud holes or leisurely tour along trails in the woods and enjoy the scenery. You could catch an eagle flying or moose drinking in one of the small streams. Birds and wildlife abound, so bring your cameras! Maine towns and villages can provide services and amenities for all your adventures. Please check the wide variety of offerings on our ATV trail map.
Flagstaff Area ATV Club
An amazing network of trails makes it possible for ATV riders to travel throughout Maine. Trails include multi-use rail trails through scenic recreation and wildlife areas.
Rangeley Lakes Maine
The Rangeley Lakes area has 70 miles of organized ATV Trails open to the public for riding.
Rangeley Lakes Maine ATV Trails
Biking
Webb Lake in Weld
A great ride for experienced bikers, the bike path is about 16 miles and very relaxing. It combines spectacular views of the lake and mountains and a three mile stretch on a dirt road through the wilderness.
Mt. Blue State Park
Located in the mountainous region of western Maine off Route 156 in Weld, Mount Blue offers extensive trails and winter recreation opportunities!
New England Mountain Bike Association
Check out some of the 40+ trails located in Maine!
Titcomb Mountain
Ride out some of the several trails located on and around Titcomb Mountain!
The Chesterville Esker
Take the Ridge Road from the country store in Chesterville; it’s about three miles to the top of the tree-shaded esker. The glacial ridge separates Horseshoe and Round Ponds on the west and Fellows Pond on the east and is around 90 feet high in some places.
Troll Valley Hiking & Mountain Biking Trail System in Farmington
Wooded multiple-use trails offer approximately 4.25 miles for hiking or mountain biking. Some trails are on former cross country ski trails; the rest are on single track mountain bike trails. Multiple trails are available for various skill levels. The trails are open year-round, however, snow is not removed from the trails. Use is not encouraged during hunting season.
The Lower Loops are on fairly level land, while Tom’s Challenge is on upland with ledge climbs and fast downward drops. The Devil’s Staircase is a tough uphill climb, while the Corkscrew is a winding downhill area. If a whole loop sounds challenging, shorter trails can be taken that break off the main trail and loop back to the trailhead near the lodge.
Canoeing
Temple Stream in Temple
This is a trip that is run in the spring and is approximately eight miles long with Class I-III rapids. Portages must be made around the falls in Temple and the Walton’s Mills Dam in West Farmington. Walton’s Dam is located on Route 43.
The Sandy River in Farmington
This canoe trip from Strong to Farmington is a nice river trip with a few fast spots and rapids. Put in at Strong at the Devil’s Elbow on Route 4 and paddle down to the Fairbanks Bridge. Continue down river, past the bridge, through several Class II rapids, to the athletic fields of University of Maine Farmington. Take out on the left riverbank below the site of the old railroad bridge pilings. One vehicle should be left on the old railroad bed beside the Narrow Gauge Cinema on Front Street in Farmington. This section of river offers adequate fishing and views of the old railway to Strong. This trip is 11-12 miles long and takes four or five hours.
Northern Forest Canoe Trail
The 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail traces Native American travel routes across some of the most scenic paddling country in the Northeast from Old Forge, New York, across Vermont, Québec and New Hampshire, to Fort Kent, Maine. This nationally-recognized water trail represents a series of more than 50 inter-connected destinations, extending through diverse waterways, landscapes, and communities within the Northern Forest Region. The trail stretches across Maine’s Lakes and Mountains Region through a connected series of large lakes from Umbagog, the Richardsons, Mooselookmeguntic, and Rangeley, down the seasonal South Branch of the Dead River to Flagstaff Lake. Kayakers and canoeists can enjoy trail outings from a half-day to a weekend or more.
Camping
Mount Blue State Park is actually a pair of parks, one on Mount Blue itself and the other alongside Webb Lake. The park’s campground is located in the Webb Lake section. All of the 136 sites in the campground are within a short walk of the lake. The sites are set within a dense, diverse forest with thick undergrowth. The woods are a mix of young and old deciduous and coniferous trees, with lots of spruce, birch, and maple mixed in. While the forest varies dramatically, the sites here have a relatively standard shape and layout, though they differ in size.
More information about Mt. Blue State Park here!
Dummer’s Beach is located on the east side of Webb Lake in Weld. In addition to the campground, Dummer’s Beach has sandy beaches, shallow water for swimming, and a playground for kids.
Troll Valley is located in Farmington on the Red School House Road. It has twenty-five camp/RV sites, most with electricity and water hookups. There are hiking, biking, and walking trails on site as well as an 18-hole disc golf course.
Rangeley Lakes State Park’s campground is small, with fifty campsites situated among fragrant spruce and fir trees, and some sites have water access. The campground and day-use areas offer picnicking, swimming, and a concrete boat launching ramp with floats. There is a children’s play area, hiking trails, and modern rest rooms with hot showers.
Chain of Ponds Public Reserved Land offers primitive and amenity lakeshore campsites to anglers and paddleboaters or others wishing to experience beautiful mountain scenery in Maine’s western territory.
Chain of Ponds Public Reserved Land
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Mt. Blue State Park, Weld
Though Mount Blue State Park is about a two and a half-hour drive from Bangor and less than two hours from Portland, the 8,000-acre park is like a walk on the wild side. From winter headquarters on Center Hill Road, just the panorama of a shimmering Webb Lake below and the frosty Tumbledown Mountain Range in the distance is worth the drive. The park, which attracts some 60,000 visitors per year, has 14 miles of cross-country ski trails. This is also snowmobile country. Skiers and snowshoers have the option of also using the snowmobile trails. Snowshoers are asked to stay off the ski trails, though snowshoe-only trails may be cut in the future.
Bunawabskeg (Redington Pond) Loop
Carrabassett Valley
A jewel of a mountain, remote Sugarloaf is the second highest mountain in Maine. Though the ‘Loaf in winter is primarily associated with downhill skiing and snowboarding, the 60-mile network of cross country ski trails at the Sugarloaf USA Outdoor Center near the base of the pyramid-shaped mountain are groomed pathways through the Maine woods with views of the snow-capped Bigelow Range. With the explosion of snowshoeing, webbed trekkers can waddle on the skate lane of all 60 miles or twist their way through the 18 miles of snowshoe-only trails.
One rigorous snowshoe trip is the 8 mile round-trip climb to the summit of Burnt Mountain via the East Trail. From the summit, the panorama includes the slopes of Sugarloaf and—if the sky is clear—distant Mount Washington in New Hampshire and wild Katahdin in Baxter State Park.
Maine Huts and Trails
Maine Huts & Trails is a non-profit organization that manages a system of four backcountry eco-lodges and more than 80 miles of trails in Western Maine. We offer “off the grid,” hut-to-hut adventures coupled with comfortable and friendly accommodations.
Maine Huts & Trails provides countless possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts and active travelers of all levels, ages and interests. Delight in one (or two or three) of your favorite activities whether hiking, mountain biking or paddling, swimming, fishing, skiing or snowshoeing. At night, enjoy delicious home-cooked meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients, warm, comfortable beds and hot showers. http://www.mainehuts.org/
Disc Golf
Troll Valley Campground
283 Red Schoolhouse Road, Farmington ME
Disc Golf is a low-impact sport but with all the attributes of real golf. Try our new 18-hole pro course. Disc Golf is fun for the whole family or for a lunch break with your buddies. Troll Valley offers a day of disc golf for only $5. On site are rentals, a pro shop, and a lunch counter.
Fishing
Franklin County has a rich fishing history. The lakes, streams, and ponds here used to be the playground of well-known local guides like Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby, Herb Welch, and Carrie Stevens. Today, it’s still a popular fishing destination, with an abundance of opportunities for catching fish like brook trout or landlocked salmon, ranging from river to pond fishing, to streams, lakes, and even some opportunities for children who are just getting started! Many of the fishing locations are concentrated in the Rangeley Lakes area, but there are lots of other lakes, streams, and rivers running through Franklin County, so there’s always plenty to discover.
If you’re new to the area, it might be beneficial to find a guide service to take you out. However, if you’re the adventurous type, you’ll find some information here about fishing spots in the area. Some of the locations listed have specific regulations, so be sure to check out the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website at Maine.gov before heading out.
The Grand Falls Hut
The Grand Falls Hut, offered through Maine Huts and Trails is available to accommodate anglers in April, May, and early June as a self-service destination. This is an excellent time for some quality trout and salmon fishing in the Dead River and the exceptional native brook trout fishing in nearby streams. Anglers find the hut’s proximity to the river makes Grand Falls an ideal base for their spring fishing adventures. For more information or reservations call 207-265-2400 or visit mainehuts.org
Norcross Pond in Chesterville
Norcross Pond is not fished heavily, so bass fisherman may never want to leave! To get there, from the Country Store in Chesterville, turn left. Follow the road past the camps and look for a turnout on the right about 5 miles past the store.
Eustis
The cold, clear water dotting the landscape in Eustis holds some of the largest native brook trout in the state of Maine. Brook trout, LL Salmon, and Lake Trout in the four pond range of Jim Pond, Bugeye Pond, Tea Pond, and Arnold Pond are common. Some of the glacial lakes offer some fast salmon and lake trout fishing. Visit eustismaine.com for more information.
Stream and River Fishing in the Rangeley Lakes Region
The Rangeley River in Oquossoc is a great fly fishing spot for salmon and brook trout. The Sandy River, running through Sandy River Plantation and Madrid, offers brook trout and brown trout around the Smalls Falls area.
Lake Fishing in the Rangeley Lakes Region
Rangeley Lake and Mooselookmeguntic Lake in Rangeley and Beaver Mountain Lake in Sandy River Plantation are home to brook trout and landlocked salmon. Rangeley Lake offers trailered boat access at Rangeley, Oquossoc, and Rangeley Lake State Park. Mooselookmeguntic Lake has trailered boat access at Cupsuptic Lake, Haines Landing, and near Toothaker Island. Beaver Mountain Lake offers trailered boat access at Route 4.
Pond Fishing in the Rangeley Lakes Region
Many ponds in the Rangeley Lakes Region are accessible by foot, including Mountain Pond in Rangeley Plantation; Ledge Pond, Midway Pond, and South (Pine Tree) Pond in Sandy River Plantation; Long Pond, Round Pond, Sabbath Day Pond, Spencer Pond, Swift River Pond, Little Swift River Pond, and Moxie Pond in Townships D and E. Some other ponds are only accessible by car, like Quimby Pond, Dodge Pond, and Round Pond in Rangeley, Saddleback Lake in Dallas Plantation, Sandy River Ponds in Sandy River Plantation, and Beaver Pond in Township D.
Small Streams in the Rangeley Lakes Region
South Bog Stream in Rangeley Plantation, Bemis Stream in Township D, Cascade Stream (Saddleback Stream) in Sandy River Plantation
Fishing Spots for Children
Haley Pond Outfit in Rangeley Village is restricted to children 16 years of age or under.
More Fishing in Franklin County
Other great fishing spots to check out are Clearwater Lake in Industry, Wilson Lake in Wilton, Webb Lake in Weld, Rangeley Lake in Rangeley and along the Sandy and Carrabassett Rivers which run through Franklin County and are easily accessed along Routes 4 and 27.
Much of this information was collected from the Maine Department of Fisheries and Wildlife website.
Ice Fishing
Fishing around here certainly isn’t just reserved for the summertime! Ice fishing can be enjoyed on virtually any Maine lake or pond as long as the ice is thick enough. Landlocked salmon and trout are some of the best fish to catch in Maine. Be sure to visit Brian Maxham at Max-Traps to get outfitted with some of the best fishing traps you can buy! For a list of lakes open to ice fishing in Franklin County, visit: Maine.gov.
Golf
Sugarloaf Golf Club, Carrabassett Valley
For the 25th time in its history, the Sugarloaf Golf Club in Carrabassett Valley has been recognized as Maine’s best course by Golf Digest in the magazine’s May 2011 issue.
The course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., has held the top spot among Maine courses nearly every year since its opening in 1985. Known for its challenging layout and awe-inspiring vistas, the Sugarloaf Golf Club has received numerous accolades from industry publications over the years.
The course has seen a number of maintenance initiatives over the past several years, which have helped to improve turf health and player friendliness in Sugarloaf’s challenging mountain climate. The course is open to the public.
To reach Sugarloaf, drive north of Farmington on Route 27 for approximately 40 miles through beautiful countryside into the mountains along the rocky Carrabassett River.
Wilson Lake Country Club
320 Weld Road, Wilton
Evergreen Golf Club
Dallas Hill Road, Rangeley
Mingo Springs Golf Club
Country Club Road, Rangeley
Hunting
Wildlife like white-tailed deer, black bears, moose, waterfowl, and upland birds are abundant in Franklin County. Hunting of these animals happens in specific seasons throughout the year, and general hunting is allowed from October 1-April 30, except where specifically prohibited. All hunting and trapping must follow State of Maine laws, rules of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and local ordinances. In order to trap on certain areas, you must have written permission from the Bureau. More specific regulations can be collected by calling the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands at (207) 287-3821.
For a copy of the Hunting and Trapping Regulations handbook, call or write to: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Main Office, 284 State Street, #41 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0041. For those unfamiliar with the area’s back woods, a Registered Maine guide is highly recommended; others who are looking for an enhanced experience would also benefit greatly from their services. A good resource is Wilton Fish and Game, a non-profit hunting and fishing club. They promote gun safety and offer trap shooting, youth shooting league, bow range, and in indoor pistol range. Their contact number is 207-670-6978.
Ice Skating
Skate on one of the many lakes and ponds or at Hippach Field in Farmington, night or day, which also has a warming house with a wood stove. Kineowatha Park in Wilton also offers an outdoor rink and lights with a warming house. Carrabassett Valley also offers great ice skating. It is located one mile south of the Sugarloaf access road. Look for the sign on the south side of Route 27.
Scenic Drives
Cape Cod Hill Loop
About 12.3 miles
Route 2, from Farmington Falls through routes 134 and 41 in New Sharon
This loop drives past the New Sharon Elementary School and the Sandy River Golf Course.
Small’s Falls
About 30 miles
From Route 4 in Farmington
Follow Route 4 North from Farmington for about 30 miles to find Smalls Falls.
Wheeler Hill in Phillips
About 21 miles
From Route 4 in Farmington to Route 142 in Phillips and from Phillips to the Wheeler Hill Road
Bonney Woods to Industry
About 9 miles
From Anson Street in Farmington to Route 43 in Industry
This drive goes past Bonney Woods, a nice park for hikes and enjoying nature.
Soules Hill
From Route 133 in Farmington to Route 156 to the Soules Hill Road in Jay
Catch a grand view at the top of the Soules Hill Road every season of the year.
Scenic Byway
47 miles
Route 27
Located in northern Franklin County, State Scenic Byway 27 offers outdoor adventures, historic towns, authentic culture, and spectacular scenery. This 47-mile byway also serves as a principal corridor connecting the State of Maine with the Canadian Province of Quebec. At the southern end of the Byway, Kingfield provides numerous visitor services and amenities (be sure to park your car and explore this beautiful village on foot). Visits to the Stanley Museum, shopping downtown, and walks along side streets lined with historic homes are well worth the time.
Traveling north from Kingfield, the Carrabassett River winds alongside the byway, beckoning swimmers and fly fishermen to the clear and cold mountain waters.
Soon you will enter the Town of Carrabassett Valley, a small town with big outdoor recreational opportunities. In addition to the region’s highly rated golf and downhill skiing facilities (contact Sugarloaf for info), the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center offers over 65 miles of cross country ski trails (the largest such trail system in Maine) which in the summer is given over to use by mountain bike enthusiasts.
A few miles north of Sugarloaf, the legendary Appalachian Trail (a 2,169-mile footpath from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine) crosses the Byway. If you feel like stretching your legs, a hike along the Appalachian Trail (A. T.) will take you into the 34,500-acre Bigelow Preserve where an extensive network of hiking trails provides both day-length and extended backcountry experiences.
Continuing north on Route 27, the Byway enters the small town of Stratton. Area stores can outfit you for fishing on the 16.65-acre Flagstaff Lake or for snowmobiling on the many miles of groomed trails in the area. From Stratton, travelers can also follow route 16 (west) to Rangeley and the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway.
Traveling north from Stratton, the Byway follows a portion of the historic path that Benedict Arnold and 1,100 American troops took in 1775 in an attempt to overthrow the British in Quebec City (the area attracts military buffs looking for artifacts). As the byway travels through the Boundary Mountains, Route 27 winds alongside the Dead River and the Chain of Ponds on its way to Coburn Gore (northern gateway to the Byway and Canadian border). The 400 million year-old ancient rock formations in this region provide outstanding scenery and natural studies.
Height of the Land
12 miles
From Route 17 in Oquossoc
A view of the White Mountains and Rangeley area can be seen right from the roadside turnoff and is stunning in every season. A great time to hit this spot is at dusk to catch the sunset.
Franklin Heritage Loop
103 miles
Looping from Route 27 in Farmington to Route 16 in Kingfield and Route 4 in Rangely, back to Route 27 in Farmington
The loop starts in Farmington, where you should plan to spend some time downtown to visiting all the great shops and eateries. Be sure to check out the rich array of historic residencies, including one of Maine’s few octagonal houses. The Nordica Homestead Museum offers artifacts of Lillian Nordica, a well-known opera singer from Farmington.
Kingfield offers excellent shops and restaurants, and has a historical life as well, being the birthplace of the Stanley Brothers who invented the Stanley Steamer. Artifacts of their life and history can be found at The Stanley Museum. North of Kingfield is Sugarloaf, offering skiing in the winter and a golf course for the warmer months, and the Bigelow Preserve, which has spectacular day hike options.
Next, the loop proceeds to Route 16 in Stratton, where you’ll find The Dead River Historical Society. Be careful, though! This route to Rangeley is referred to as “Moose Alley” by locals! In Rangeley Village, stop to explore the logging history of the region at the at the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum, or take time out for trout fishing in the fabled Rangeley Lakes (or snowmobiling if the lakes are frozen over).
The little town of Weld is definitely worth a side trip for exploring the Mount Blue State Park or grabbing a bite to eat at Morning Glory Bakery as you head south along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway (Route 4), eventually reaching back where you started in Farmington.
Skiing
Titcomb Mountain, Farmington
Titcomb Mountain is affordable and family-oriented. We offer full and half- day tickets as well as season passes with Farmington Ski Club membership. Age 5 and under and 70 and over ski for free. Children’s lesson programs are available after-school and on Saturdays. Private lessons are available for adults and children on weekends or on holiday weeks. Ski and snowboard rental equipment are available on-site from Northern Lights Rental Shop. The Titcomb Mountain Lodge offers a large stone fire-place and a cafeteria offering home-cooked items, as well as an outdoor patio and fire pit.
Our 750-foot slope with 350 vertical features 16 alpine trails for all skill levels, from beginner to expert, including a terrain park for skiers and riders. We offer a great beginner trail with a handle tow and a gentle slope. Our snowmaking covers 70 percent of our alpine trails and night skiing is available on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Feel like something different? We offer over 16 kilometers of beautiful cross-country trails for all levels from beginner to expert. The trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing and meander from fields through woodlands. We also have 2.3 KM lit for night Nordic skiing.
Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley
Sugarloaf is known around the world as the largest ski area east of the Rockies. Its ski terrain is legendary and its triangular shape is a sight to behold. Sugarloaf attracts an incredible cast of characters called “Sugarloafers” and their stories are as varied as the places they come from. Simply put—Sugarloaf is world-class. Join us.
In the summer of 2010, the mountain launched Sugarloaf 2020. Sugarloaf 2020 is the ten-year road map for future capital investment and growth at the resort. Since the announcement, the resort has seen 270 acres of new terrain added to the resort and sweeping improvements to its infrastructure. In 2012, the resort added another 135 acres of silent, powder-filled ski terrain. The resort also installed a state-of-the-art, fixed-grip quad chairlift. At Sugarloaf, the future is bright and complete details can be found at sugarloaf 2020.com.
Snowboarding
Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley
Sugarloaf has completely redesigned its terrain park landscape, adding two new parks, a permanent snowboardcross course, and an entirely rebuilt Superpipe. The new parks include the Haywire advanced park, and the Skybound beginner park on Whiffletree. Sidewinder, the new snowboardcross course, was built in collaboration with Sugarloaf’s own Seth Wescott and is located underneath the Super Quad. Intermediate park features will once again be found in the Stomping Grounds.
Sugarloaf’s Superpipe is 400 feet long and is maintained with a state-of-the-art 18-foot Zaugg Pipe Monster. For beginning pipe riders, a fully-maintained mini-pipe will once again be located in the Stomping Grounds.
Snowmobiling
For snowmobilers, winter in Maine is filled with travel, adventures, and the camaraderie of those who enjoy the crisp fresh air and changeable landscape of the season. Each year, many snowmobilers found winter adventure on the Maine snowmobile trail system, exploring the state, visiting winter festivals and events and sharing the experience with outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for snow riding.
Whether snowmobilers are taking a day trip from home or traveling far from home, they are seeking the same thing: well-groomed, well-marked trails. Forty years of trail development by snowmobile club volunteers have produced a system of over 13,500 miles of such trails in Maine. Several thousand miles are designated as the ‘Interconnected Trail System’, a connected network of travel providing long distance riding across the state. In a good snow year, riders may access the ITS at any chosen location and snowmobile to any other location in the system.
Be sure to stop by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce before going on your next snowmobiling adventure to pick up some trail maps to help plan your trip.
Maine Snowmobile Association Clubs
Wherever the snow lands this winter, there’s most likely a Maine Snowmobile Association club in the area that has been preparing for its arrival for months. Volunteers have consulted with landowners, brushed out the trail, built and repaired bridges, posted signs, and as grooming begins, are ready to welcome riders to their trails. MSA snowmobile clubs are proud of their trail system, and welcome all visitors who ride safely, operate within the law and respect the land, the landowners and the clubs’ efforts. Franklin County welcomes you—enjoy!
The Black Fly Loop
Maine’s premier mountain snowmobile trail is the Black Fly Loop. Like the hub of a great wheel, the loop circles the heart of Franklin County, connecting the spokes that comprise the more than 300 miles of well-groomed mountain trails. These trails reach north through Eustis, Jackman, and The Forks, west to Rangeley, Oquossoc, and New Hampshire, east to Carrabassett Valley, Kingfield, and North New Portland, and south to Farmington, Wilton, and Weld.
The Black Fly Loop has the widest variety of trails available in the east. These uncrowded trails wander through stands of pine, and climb majestic mountains. Snow Goer Magazine and Snowmobile Magazine consider the region to be one of the top 40 snowmobiling hot spots in the United States and Canada.
Spectacular lookouts abound from mountaintops to glacier valleys, and from lakes to ponds. Picturesque New England towns and villages provide service and amenities for all tastes. Bring your cameras in case you catch a moose or deer drinking in one of the small streams, and discover the magic places the Black Fly Loop has to offer.
Things to see along the Black Fly Loop
• Rangeley Lake: Where the “Snodeo” winter carnival is held in January
• Weld Lake: Where grand mountains rise right out of the lake
• Allen’s Pinnacle: Overlooks Salem, Phillips,
• and the mountains to the west
• Kingfield Overlook: Breathtaking views of Kingfield
• Grand Falls: Largest horseshoe falls north
• of Niagara in Stratton/Eustis
• Stratton/Eustis: Polar Blast held in early February with games, a radar run, a poker run, and a scavenger hunt
• Bag Mountain: Overlooks the Canadian Trail in Eustis. This view will take your breath away.
State Parks
Mt. Blue State Park in Weld is one of Maine’s largest parks. The park encompasses 8,000 acres, which are used for camping, swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, nature study, and wildlife-viewing.
Attractions and Recreation: In the Webb Lake area, there is a campground, a sandy beach with a bathhouse, hot showers, flush toilets, a boat launch, amphitheater, and a nature center with environmental education talks and displays. The nearby Center Hill Area provides a scenic picnic spot and nature trail as well as an extensive multi-use trail open to ATVs, horses, walkers, and mountain bikers. Mt. Blue is a popular day hike. A naturalist leads scheduled hikes and programs during the summer months. Adirondack shelters are available for large group use and canoes may be rented.
Chain of Ponds Public Reserved Land is accessible off of Route 27, north of Stratton, in Eustis. The area includes over 1,100 acres of Natanis, Long, Bag, and Lower Ponds joined by short thoroughfares to form the “chain.” Primitive and amenity lakeshore campsites are offered to anglers and paddleboaters or others wishing to experience beautiful mountain scenery in Maine’s western territory.
Attractions and Recreation: Fishing, swimming, and picnicking are enjoyed during the warmer months. Hunting and trapping are allowed, subject to state rules and regulations. Call 207-287-3821 for specific policies and laws regarding these activities.
Rangeley Lake State Park is located in one of Maine’s most beautiful vacation regions, the western mountains. The park consists of 869 remote acres, on the 10-square mile Rangeley Lake. The park entrance is located off South Shore Drive in Rangeley and is normally open May through September.
Attractions and Recreation: The lake is famous for landlocked salmon and trout fishing, and anglers who voluntarily catch and release contribute to quality fishing. In addition to water sports, visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, camping, wildlife watching, and photography.
The campground is small, with fifty campsites situated among fragrant spruce and fir trees, and some sites have water access. The campground and day-use areas offer picnicking, swimming, and a concrete boat launching ramp with floats. There is a children’s play area, hiking trails, and modern rest rooms with hot showers.
Swimming and Boating
Mt. Blue State Park has a picnic area on Webb Lake, surrounded by Mt. Blue, Jackson, and Tumbledown Mountains. The park is a great place to camp, rent a canoe or take a hike. To get to Webb Lake, take Route 4 in Wilton and Route 156 north to Weld.
Cathedral Pines is located on Flagstaff Lake in Eustis, on a 300-acre plot of red pine amid some of New England’s most spectacular scenery. Public swimming and private areas for campers are provided.
Clearwater Lake in Industry is on Route 43. The water is clean and clear with a beautiful view, great waves, and soft sand. The lake is also nice for fishing, boating, water skiing, sailing and camping.
Coos Canyon is located in the old mining town of Byron, about 10 miles southeast of Height of the Land in Rangeley on Route 17. Carved by powerful water action from the Swift River, this area is a great swimming and diving spot, with interesting scenery and rock formations. The canyon water is cool and crystal clear—perfect on a hot summer day—and there are lots of small pools, perfect for children to splash in safely. The river is also a popular spot for treasure-seeking gold panners! Plan to spend a few hours swimming and exploring the river, waterfall, and canyon. Bring a picnic lunch as there is a nice picnic area with tables and grills.
The Sandy River, Farmington
The intersection of Routes 2, 4, and 27 by the bridge in Farmington has a canoe put-in and picnic area on the Sandy River. The put-in is a rock staircase, with many steps to the river, and is not a ramp.
Beanie’s Public Beach, Strong
An ideal spot for family summer fun, the Strong Public Beach at Porter Lake offers a boat launch, changing facilities, picnic tables in the shade, and of course, the sandy beach.
Kineowatha Park, Wilton is a 62-acre park with volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts, a recreation hall with video games, ping-pong tables, and air hockey, a snack bar, a skateboard park, and a sandy beach. Buildings are available for class reunions, family picnics, or other gatherings.
Mt. Blue Pond, Avon
A great place to canoe, boat, swim, or fish. It is located about three miles north of Strong.
Norcross Pond, Chesterville
It’s a great place to swim and fish, and offers a public boat launch. It is off the Ridge Road.
Chain of Ponds Public Reserved Land
Accessible off of Route 27, north of Stratton, in Eustis. Fishing, swimming, and picnicking are enjoyed during the warmer months.
