mountain towns
Embarking on a journey through the towns that serve as the gateways to the mountains of western Maine, you’ll discover a tapestry of captivating communities that deliver on the promise of a year-round escape amidst all of nature’s grandeur.
Kingfield and Carrabassett Valley are four-season communities with stunning mountain views and many outdoor activities. The towns cater to hiking, biking, ATVing, and fishing enthusiasts, but their highlight is lofty Sugarloaf, a Maine favorite. Its sprawling 1,240 acres make it one of the top ski resorts in Maine for attracting winter sports enthusiasts.
Bethel is also a four-season mountain haven. Guests enjoy skiing at Sunday River in winter and fishing nearby waterways in spring. Its in-town delights include unique shops, galleries, dining options like Sunday River Brewing Company, and historic sites like the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum. Bridgton’s rich history is evident in its 18th and 19th-century architecture and attractions like the Rufus Porter Museum. At the same time, the Bridgton Twin Drive-In is a summertime treat, offering a nostalgic movie-going experience.
Each of our mountain towns boasts unique character, showcasing the essence of Maine’s Lakes and Mountains. Visitors can explore, unwind, and create lasting memories amid the picturesque landscapes and rich histories that define this captivating part of the state.
must visit towns
Bridgton
In the foothills of Maine’s White Mountains, the resort town of Bridgton offers many attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.
Skiing takes center stage at the Pleasant Mountain Ski Area. With its numerous ski lifts and trails catering to different skill levels, the resort promises a delightful experience for the entire family. They even offer lessons for the littlest skiers.
Outdoor enthusiasts can revel in the region’s natural beauty at Highland Lake Beach or Moose Pond, which are ideal for fishing and relaxation. A drive to the White Mountain National Forest, with its abundance of trails and waterfalls, offers unmatched views of the surrounding region.
Pondicherry Park unveils a network of walking trails, including a covered bridge and a majestic collection of waterfalls. Meanwhile, the Magic Lantern Theater continues Bridgton’s cinematic legacy, providing movies and dining in a central location. A summertime treat is a night out at the Bridgton Twin Drive-In, a nostalgic drive-in movie theater experience with two screens showcasing popular films.
The town’s warm and welcoming community and easy access to many attractions and activities ensure a memorable experience amid Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region.
Bethel
Bethel is a romantic and picturesque mountain destination offering year-round activities. Winter brings Alpine and Nordic skiers to the nearby Sunday River, while spring is for fishing in cold mountain-fed streams. Summer hiking and mountain biking are delightful activities for all, while fall is the time to hit the road and see what all the foliage fuss is about.
In warmer months, Bethel transforms into an outdoor haven. RV travelers can pull up at Bethel Outdoor Adventure Campground and explore hiking, kayaking, and tubing on the Androscoggin River. Bethel is a short journey to Grafton Notch State Park’s waterfall vistas and scenic trails. A scenic drive leads to hiking, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.
In-town delights include unique shops, galleries featuring local works, and dining options like the must-visit Sunday River Brewing Company, known for tasty artisan-made pizzas and craft beer. Quaint B&Bs, friendly hotels, and resorts ensure a restful night before another Maine mountain day.
One of the state’s most charming communities, Bethel harmoniously blends tranquil nature and rich history. Explore the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum or the historic O’Neil Robinson House to glimpse 19th-century Maine life, completing the immersive escape.
Kingfield
Kingfield and nearby Carrabassett Valley are idyllic mountain towns that offer visitors an authentic escape. Both towns have stunning mountain views, rivers, and valleys. Popular activities in these quaint towns include hiking, biking, ATVing, and fishing, catering to a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts.
Skiing takes center stage in Winter, with Sugarloaf, one of the region’s largest ski resorts, right nearby. Spanning a whopping 1,240 acres, Sugarloaf attracts skiers of all levels with its extensive lift options and a virtually endless variety of trail options for skiers and boarders.
Kingfield’s central location, along scenic Route 27, has a healthy selection of food and wine shops, art galleries, restaurants, gift shops, and places to stay, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors.
Adjacent to Kingfield lies the Carrabassett Valley, home to the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. Visitors can indulge in biking or golfing amidst the scenic landscapes in the summer.
The community extends its appeal beyond skiing and hosting events, such as live music, that make for the perfect après-ski experience. Whether you ski or not, Kingfield and Carrabassett Valley stand as beacons of natural and cultural attractions in Western Maine.
more mountain towns
Ways to Adventure
On the trail
hiking
Maine’s Lakes and Mountains is filled with spectacular ways to hit the trail. Whether it is remote backcountry hiking, hoofing it up to the summit of Jockey Cap for the views, or just a leisurely walk in the woods, we’ve got a trail for you.
On the trail
Mountain Biking
Though you do not have to be in the mountains to enjoy this sport, the Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region offers the perfect setup for bikers looking for the challenge of single-track.
On the trail
fat Biking
If you love mountain biking and winter, fat biking might be your new favorite sport. Fat bikes use huge, grippy tires that allow riders to take to trails typically used by snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.
On the trail
Nordic Skiing
On a crisp, sparkling winter day, one of the best ways to take in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains snowy landscape is to venture out on cross-country skis.
On the trail
snowshoeing
Snowshoeing enthusiasts have options lots of options here. With over 250-miles of groomed trails across the region
On the trail
ATV Riding
Take on terrain from rocky climbs up a mountain, to smooth cruises through open plains as you explore extensive miles of ATV trails spanning mountains, forests, and meadows.
On the trail
snowmobiling
With over near-endless miles of groomed trails maintained by local riding clubs, you’ll always find new places to explore amid the incredible scenery, fragrant pine forests, and wide-open plains.
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.
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.
other resources
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.
