weekend getaway
Looking to plan a Weekend Getaway that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Much of Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region is less than an hour away from Portland and under two from Boston.
With so much to do year-round, it can be challenging to decide where to start, but for one perfect weekend getaway in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains, these are some of our top picks.
Start the Day Right
As the sun rises, adventure might beckon, but first? Coffee. The tiny town of Norway is home to Cafe Nomad, one of the best stops for a deep woods cappuccino and breakfast burrito. Think stacks of blueberry pancakes dripping with locally sourced maple syrup or hearty granola bowls at Nezinscot Farm Cafe, Turner, Maine’s first-ever organic dairy.
If you’re heading straight into the woods with a camp stove and coffee maker, pick up a bag of freshly roasted beans from Carrabassett Coffee Company, which turns out small batches of single-origin coffees from around the world.
Find Adventure
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail goes straight through the Rangeley Lakes, a cluster of six lakes linked by ponds and streams. A day-long paddle on these lakes is excellent for bird-watching and spotting moose in the early morning hours. Come to shore at the Hunter Cove Wildlife Sanctuary, a point of interest on the Maine Birding Trail.
A popular destination in the High Peaks area is Maine Huts & Trails. Reserve a bunk at one of a series of super comfortable, off-the-grid cabins on a beautiful trail network. They’re ready for cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing in the winter and are ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and mountain biking in the summer months.
Hike around, fish in, or paddle on Flagstaff Lake, the largest artificial lake in Maine. Created by a hydroelectric dam on the nearby Dead River, the lake flooded the town of Flagstaff, whose granite foundations are sometimes visible beneath the water.
Relax and Unwind
The Rangeley Tavern at the edge of the Rangeley Lakes is a favorite for dinner or drinks. In summer, snag a rum punch from the bar and relax in one of the Adirondack chairs overlooking Haley Pond. In the colder months, cozy up in the Pub and a hot beverage.
After a day in the woods or on the water, the region’s breweries are a great spot to kick back with a locally-made pint. In the historic town of Fryeburg, a jumping-off point for kayak and canoe adventures, Saco River Brewing opens its doors for tastings every day but Monday. Paddle in for flights of pale ales, IPAs, and porters served on canoe paddles.
Get a Good Night's Rest
If your dream weekend escape involves stayig in your own comfy cabin, there’s a lot to choose from. A stone’s throw from a floating dock and sandy beach are Bayview Cabins, a cluster of lakeside cottages on Brandy Pond in Naples with canoes, kayaks, and paddle-boats for rent on site.
With sites scattered through the pine forest that lines the Saco River, Woodland Acres Campground is ideal for paddlers. The laid-back campground provides a car shuttle to campers, so you can paddle or float downstream and then catch a ride back to your tent.
Based on content originally written by RootsRated in partnership with Maine’s Lakes and Mountains Tourism Council.
ways to adventure
Eat and Drink
Dining
There are great places to eat around every turn. You’ll find exactly what you’re craving; whether it’s iconic Maine lobster with drawn butter or an espresso coupled with a chocolate croissant
Arts and Culture
Museums
The cities and towns in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains, places of discovery, are home to an eclectic collection of art, cultural, science, and living history museums.
Eat and Drink
Beer Trail
With hundreds (maybe thousands) of miles of hiking, biking, and ski trails and just as many watering holes, Maine’s Lakes and Mountains has welcomed the national craft beer love affair with open arms.
arts and culture
performing arts
Discover a collection of performing arts events that take place throughout the year, from modern and avante-garde dance and equity theater to juggling in a converted barn.
Things to Do
Events
Maine’s Lakes and Mountains is filled with events year-round. Food festivals, concerts and dance, hot air balloons and tough mudders, are all here to delight and enthrall visitors.
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.
