What style of adventurer are you?

From peaceful lakes to mountain vistas, the Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region is closer—and easier to get to—than you might think. Just an hour from Portland and two from Boston, visitors will find four seasons filled with things to do from ten of Maine’s highest peaks, hundreds of lakes, and welcoming communities.

Are you ready to uncover what style of adventure suits you? Get started by selecting one of the three destination types below. Don’t worry; you can check out one, two, or all three. We’re not keeping track.

Trip Inspiration

Fall Foliage Tour

To help you get the most out of your Fall Adventure — whether a day trip or a long weekend — we created a Fall Foliage Tour that combines portions of each of the four Scenic Byways in the region plus some suggested stops along the way to eat, sample local brews, shopping, get outdoors, and cozy up for the night. You can easily drive all or just a portion of it and still take in some of Maine’s best Autumn color displays.

Lakes

a vast network of waterways

In Maine’s Lakes and Mountains, time on the water can be so much more than swimming. With 6,000 lakes and ponds strung like gleaming gems across the region, there is no end to watery bliss.

Hop into a canoe or kayak, or try a stand-up paddleboard, and explore the lake shore’s hidden spots. Enjoy a fresh morning breeze in a lake sailboat. Have fun zipping around in a powerboat, or enjoy the thrill of being zipped around behind a powerboat on water skis or a tube. Or gear up for a day of fishing from a boat or dock.

Swimming on the Lakes

Maine’s Lakes and Mountains overflows with freshwater beaches in state and local parks, campgrounds or town lakes . Enjoy the easy refreshment of a dip in crystal-clear lakes set like jewels amid lush green forests.

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Beaches
Paddling in the Autumn is a great way to enjoy the fall foliage.

Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region lives up to the designation as a “paddler’s paradise” with hundreds of lakes and ponds connected by thousands of miles of rivers and streams that offer a lifetime of watery adventures. 

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Paddling
Year-round Fishing in Maine's Lakes and Mountains

The terrain in Western Maine creates an endless supply of cold, swift-running streams and rivers, and nearly every pond or lake offers up a fishing challenge. 

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fishing
Boating is popular on the region's larger lakes.

The region’s hundreds of lakes and ponds offer myriad freshwater experiences, whether a casual jaunt aboard a pontoon boat to view wildlife, a scenic lake cruise, or the high-speed excitement of water skiing.

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Boating

mountains

rugged windswept peaks

Iconic and windswept, the mountains of Western Maine weave a spellbinding tale. Discover craggy mountains and cliffs, places where waterfalls thunder, and where sky-high woods are filled with the sound of birdsong all summer, ablaze with color come Autumn and brilliant with snow all winter.

Hiking the AT and trails in Maine's Lakes and Mountains

Maine’s Lakes and Mountains is filled with spectacular ways to hit the trail. Whether it is remote backcountry hiking, the Toughest Mile of the AT,  or just a leisurely walk in the woods, we’ve got a trail for you. 

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hiking
Multi-use trails are great for ATV riding.

ATV’er’s will thrill to an adventure on the region’s hundreds of miles of trails. Many cross private lands made accessible by cooperative landowners and maintained by local ATV clubs.

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Atv-ing
Ski Lift on mountain trails

Visitors can enjoy all the top features, from beautifully groomed corduroy and challenging terrain parks to trailside lodging and quaint inns just a snowball’s throw from some of the best alpine skiing in all of New England.

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skiing
Mountain Bike riding at Stratton Brook
The region’s best-known ride starts at Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in Carrabassett Valley and hooks up with the broad network of trails in the area, including those maintained by Maine Huts and Trails. 1 of 1
Mnt. Biking

towns

So much going on

Throughout Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region, every city, town, or village offers unique dining options, lodging, entertainment, events, and activities. But the best part is the welcoming folks ready to help you get the most out of your vacation adventures.

Maine's Lakes and Mountains are filled with breweries.

Dozens of local breweries are peppered across the communities of Western Maine. Add in the handful of cideries fermenting our region’s heritage breed apples, and you have the perfect local brew to enjoy during your stay.

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Beer Trail
Art in the Streets includes many murals in Lewiston

The “Twin Cities” of Lewiston and Auburn (also known as L/A) is the cultural center of the region, offering visitors a lively cultural scene featuring many works of public art and sculpture created by local and nationally known artists.

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street art
Great Falls Balloon Festival is one of many events that happen year-round.

While on vacation, check out the many annual festivals and local events that communities in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains host  throughout the year. 

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events
Dining in locally run restaurants in Maine's Lakes and Mountains

Maine’s Lakes and Mountains have great places to eat around every turn. You’ll always be able to find exactly what you’re craving.

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dining

Trip inspiration

Trip Inspiration Weekend Getaway in Maine's Lakes and Mountains itinerary ideas
Weekend Getaway
Hiking trails in Maine's Lake and Mountains
Peak Bagging
Enjoy a winter walk in Maine's Lakes and Mountains, winter getaway tripinspiration itinerary
Winter Wonderland
Drive through Grafton Notch Sate Park in Fall
Scenic Byways
Beer and fries at Norway Brewing Co.
Trail-to-Pub Pairings

Adventure Respectfully

Our lakes, mountains, and forests are worthy of respect. Whether you’re venturing out into our vast public or private lands or parks, here’s what you can do to conserve the area’s natural resources for all.

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Take Care of the Land

Tread lightly and leave no trace. Keep this place as pristine as you found it.

Where ya headed?

Check if you’ll be on public or private land and if there are any restrictions or fees. Always research your destination ahead of time.

Stick to established trails & roads.

Whether hiking, biking, angling, or ATVing, always stay on a designated trail.

DON’T DAMAGE TREES

To protect the forest, only build fires in approved sites, don’t leave them unattended, and extinguish them thoroughly.

Avoid spreading invasive species.

Don’t transport firewood, brush your boots, and wash and dry your boat before heading to your next adventure.

Avoid peak hours

Plan around peak hours midday to avoid crowds. Have a Plan B in case the parking lot is already full.

No litterbugs allowed

If you pack it in, pack it out, including food waste like apple cores. Bring bags for pet waste.

When nature calls

If you have to go, pick a spot at least 100′ off the trail or away from a body of water, and bury your poop 6″ deep.

Maine's Lakes and Mountains by the numbers

4,000+ footers
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Mountain Peaks
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Lakes and Ponds
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+Towns and Villages
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Square Miles of Adventure
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