Lewiston-Auburn Region
The lakes and waterways that surround the region’s largest metropolitan area—Lewiston/Auburn—provide year-round recreational opportunities. Any direction you head from the Androscoggin River that splits these two cities offers easy access to welcoming waters set amid meadows and woodlands.
In the rural community of Leeds, enthusiasts of birding, hiking, and Nordic skiing should visit the Curtis Homestead Conservation Area, while anglers and boaters looking for more active water pursuits like year-round fishing and motor boating should cast their gaze on the welcome waters of Sabattus Lake to the east.
Heading west will put you within casting range of spots near Mechanic Falls along the Little Androscoggin that have developed a reputation for great fishing. Those looking for a place that seems to have it all should take their time exploring the expansive Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, which delivers trails with scenic overlooks for spotting wildlife and multiple places to hand carry in a boat for a leisurely day on the river.
The jewel in the areas crown is Lake Auburn, more than just a lake, it is a source of drinking water for 39,000 residents in the region. Because of this usage is highly monitored, visitors can fish or boat, but no human to water contact is allowed. Locals recommend taking a ride “around the lake” to enjoy its scenic beauty in every season.
must visit spots
Androscoggin Riverlands State Park
This 2,675-acre park, nestled along the banks of the Androscoggin River, invites visitors to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors on its trails that wind through lush forests, offering picturesque views of the river. Wildlife enthusiasts will find majestic eagles soaring overhead.
The Androscoggin River is an ideal place for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The park also features picnic spots, open fields, and shaded groves making it an ideal getaway right nearby to the cities of Lewiston and Auburn.
Lake Auburn
Spanning 2,260 acres, Lake Auburn is minutes from downtown. Well known for offering a tranquil escape for anglers looking to catch their limit of smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon, or lake trout. Look for spots along the lake’s north shore or at the inlet in the glade in the northwest corner, called the Basin. The nearby Whitman Spring Road is a local favorite with birders, walkers, hikers, and bikers.
As Lake Auburn is the municipal water source for the community, kindly follow the posted rules and respect areas marked as off-limits.
Lisbon Falls
Discover the hometown charm and allure that is Lisbon Falls. This community offers a blend of outdoor beauty and historic charm. Explore the scenic hiking and biking trails along the river that offer breathtaking natural views. Along the half-mile below the thundering hydroelectric dam, located right in the heart of town, the conditions and habitat for bass fishing are ideal.
Wander up Main Street and stop in at any of the quaint shops and local eateries, perfect for leisurely exploration. A delightful downtown and the genuine warmth make Lisbon Falls a wonderful place to visit.
the areas lakes, ponds and waterways
Ways to Adventure
On the Water
Paddling
Paddling is an exceptional way to explore, whether you canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Regardless of your skill level, there are various ways to grow your passion for paddling in the region.
On the Water
Fishing
An endless supply of cold, swift-running streams and rivers, and nearly every pond or lake offers up a fishing challenge, whether summer or winter, from the shore, in waders, on a boat, or through a hole in the ice.
On the Water
Beaches
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.
On the Water
Canoe Trips
Canoers will discover adventure, solitude, and camaraderie on western Maine’s waterways. Plus, they’ll experience the joy of dipping a paddle in a clear pond that reflects the sky, clouds, and mountains.
On the Water
Boating
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.
Nature and Wildlife
Moose Spotting
You can spot moose throughout most of Maine, but their population is most significant in more secluded areas, including much of Maine’s Lakes and Mountains.
Nature and Wildlife
birding
The forests, fields, and wetlands of Maine’s Lakes and Mountains are the ideal setting to experience the thrill of birdwatching. Many highly coveted species can be found in the area’s boreal forests, including woodpeckers and Bicknell’s Thrush.
Plan Your Trip
Maine’s Lakes and Mountains offers a variety of resources to help you plan your next visit, including an annual visitor’s guide, stand alone map, and the new Adventure Guide App.
Visitor's Guide
Our Free Visitor's Guide will help inspire your next adventure along our mountain trails, lakes, scenic byways, bustling towns and more.
Map of the Region
Companion to the Visitor Guide, our dual-sided planning map will help you find your way to adventure in every season throughout the region.
Adventure Guide App
The App will point the way to all kinds of adventures, experiences and destinations in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains with GPS location maps and alerts.
