Other Maine Regions | Lakes & Mountains

winter sports in full swing

SEBAGO LAKES, RANGELEY LAKES, BETHEL, OXFORD HILLS, LEWISTON-AUBURN

Living up to its name, the Maine Lakes & Mountains region is a year-round sightseer’s wish granted. This western part of the state, which stretches from the New Hampshire border to Sebago Lake, is home to some of Maine’s highest peaks, including the Bigelow Range and Mahoosuc Mountains. Hundreds of glacial lakes are their geographical companions, including Sebago, Flagstaff, and Rangeley Lakes. Fall foliage or fly fishing? Hit the slopes or chill at the lodge? Here, the seasons help decide.

Winter Portland Cityscape, Photo Credit: Corey Templeton

YEAR-ROUND FRESH AIR ATTRACTIONS

in Maine, you’ll find some of New England’s best skiing destinations and Winter Sports. Abundant snowfall and impeccably groomed trails provide skiers and snowboarders with some of the best conditions in New England. Choose from more than 575 downhill skiing and snowboarding trails on thousands of acres across the state. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing don’t take a back seat – visitors can select from any of the state’s 21 Nordic ski areas. Sunday River has 135 trails and glades overlooking the beautiful mountains of Maine for you to enjoy. For those who don’t stop with the sun, they also offer Twilight Skiing from 3-6:30 PM on select days so the fun never has to stop.

Skiier going down the slopes, Photo Courtesy of Sunday River

Maine’s pristine Rangeley Lake is found in the heart of the Lakes & Mountains region. Stretched out below Saddleback Mountain, this is the hiding place for picture-worthy landlocked salmon and brook trout. Summer rentals are popular here, and winter downhill skiing is unbeatable. Visitors may gravitate toward the Rangeley Lake State Park, or take a lake cruise or picnic by a waterfall.

In this unique region, there’s still more to see. The Height of Land, a scenic overview on the drive between Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic Lake is rated #2 among 19 attractions in the Rangeley region by TripAdvisor. Lewiston-Auburn boasts an ever growing cultural arts community, and Bethel’s village in the mountains is a treasure trove of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. In Oxford Hills, visitors can stop or stay at a state-of-the-art casino. Insider advice indicates a Western Maine Mountains Driving Tour provides some of the most pleasing 80 miles of scenic views in the state. Truly any of the four designated scenic byways – Rangeley Lakes, Grafton Notch, Pequawket Trail, and Route 27 – offer spectacular scenery.