Parks and Natural Attractions in Maine's Lakes and Mountains

Maine’s Lakes and Mountains is one big playground with six state parks, eight public reserved land areas, and the White Mountain National Forest (stretching from New Hampshire to the foothills of our western mountains). These combined areas offer miles of hiking and snowmobile trails and many wooded campgrounds. Come to fish, hike, spot moose, bird-watch, or picnic by the ponds.

Nestled among towering mountaintops, the Sebago and Bridgton Lakes areas are chock full of water-based activities from canoeing/kayaking, fishing, and waterskiing to floatplane rides. And the mountains offer spectacular walking and hiking trails that end with a most rewarding view.

Situated between some of Maine’s tallest mountains to the north and the White Mountain National Forest to the west, Bethel is an ideal starting point for bicycle, automobile, and hiking tours. Newry is home to Sunday River, Maine’s second-largest ski resort with more than 135 trails and five terrain parks across eight interconnected mountains. The area also caters to Nordic skiers with a number of ski touring centers. At Grafton Notch State Park, you can hike, go rock and ice climbing, or picnic along the Bear River.

Maine’s High Peaks Region, from Kingfield to the Canadian Border, offers an abundance of exciting outdoor adventures with a backdrop that stimulates the senses. Home to eleven of Maine’s 4,000+ft mountains, skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, hiking, ATV riding, and mountain biking are favorite activities.

There is also Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine’s largest ski area and the setting of the state’s premier championship golf course, in neighboring Carrabassett Valley. Or Saddleback Mountain, one of New England’s finest four-season resorts, located just north in Rangeley.

The abundant parks and recreation areas located within Maine’s Lakes and Mountains make it an ideal vacation destination. With so many choices, you just have to decide what you want to do!