2 Hiking Experiences in Androscoggin County

The mountains of western Maine are covered with pine and deciduous trees and trails that climb steeply. Here are a couple hiking experiences in and around the Lewiston-Auburn area in Androscoggin County.

1. Mount Apatite Park

This 325-acre wooded park is best known by rock hounds for yielding crystals of tourmaline and quartz. An extensive network of forested trails link abandoned quarries, gleaming slag piles, steep ledges and giant boulders. Rock hounds have known about this area for over 150 years, when the first discoveries of gem quality tourmaline were found. Today amateurs may still search the mine tilling for Apatite, Tourmaline, and Quartz specimens (special rules apply).

The park is open year-round from dawn until dusk. Park brochures, which include a trail map, park rules, and other park information, are available at the Auburn Parks & Recreation Department office. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The park is located on Stevens Mills Road, Auburn.

2. Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary

The largest bird sanctuary in New England, this 310-acre wildlife preserve is located within the city limits of Lewiston. Throughout the year, groups can sign up for guided nature walks on 11 different topics. The sanctuary is open from dawn until dusk for bird watching, walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, picnicking, and many other activities. Various programs are available, including guided nature walks, cookouts and nature crafts. The sanctuary is located on the corner of Highland Spring Road and Montello Street in Lewiston. Contact 207-782-5238.

Since there are too many great trails to list, we encourage you to use Maine Trail Finder, a free online resource for people-powered trails in Maine. Search a growing database of four-season trails to find the right trail for your next adventure. Browse interactive trail maps, trail descriptions, pictures, and trip reports.