Why I Love Maine’s Western Mountains

Maine is one of my favorite states. It has sweeping green mountains, numerous lakes, and streams, along with cute seaside towns bustling with tourists. But the biggest reason that I love Maine is the feeling of extreme peace I feel there. For that reason, at least once a year, I visit Maine’s western mountains. This area has fewer tourists, so more unspoiled wilderness to explore. But aside from chilling on the coast of a lake, there are also many great outdoor activities. Here are some of my favorite things to do in western Maine.

Eastman Park on the Sandy River, Phillips, Maine

This is a very easy river to get to with kids for rock climbing, swimming in the river, hiking, picnicking, and fishing. I also like to chill and build cairns here.

Small Falls

I am a lover of multicolored gorges, easy-to-access swimming holes, and waterfalls, which makes this set of four falls located just north of Phillips ideal for my family and me. Here, and at the many lakes around the area, you can fish for Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Small Mouth Bass.

AlpacaVille

You can tell that the animals at this small roadside farm overlooking the Saddleback Mountains are well-taken care of. As soon as they got used to us, the goats and alpacas were happy to be petted, but the baby bull stole my heart. Truth be told, I think he had a little crush on me!  The family uses the alpaca fur to make all sorts of products that they sell at the farm, which is in the town of Phillips, Maine.

Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad

My great-grandfather Dick was an engineer on railroads, so we have an affinity for visiting historic railroads. Be sure to take a ride through the mountains on a steam-driven train.

The Best Hiking Trails in Western Maine

Fly Rod Crosby Trail-

If you followed the whole 45 miles of this trail, you would meander through the town of Phillips, walk along old railroad tracks in mixed hardwood forests, and along tumbling streams. You will find swimming and fishing holes. Some of the route is part of the Appalachian Trail…

The Maine Appalachian Trail

Two hundred eighty-two miles of the longest hiking trail in the world are in Maine, and it serves as one of its termini. It contains the hardest mile, some of the most remote parts of the trail, and exciting wildlife, such as moose and loons.

Tumbledown Mountain

A full-day hike with some steep and tricky areas, this hike affords beautiful views over the surrounding valleys. Read on for the full story of this incredible hike.

Mount Blue

A shorter and less crowded, but steep hike providing views of the Weld area and Webb Pond.

Daggett Rock

My kids love Daggett Rock for the short, easy hike with a big reward- a huge rock to climb on!  The rock is a glacial erratic, which is a rock that is not native to the place in which it is found. This huge rock was carried by a glacier a couple of miles to its present resting spot, where it has cracked into a few gigantic pieces providing fun rock climbing possibilities for adventurous kids.

ATV Riding and Snowmobiling

Trails for snowmobiles and ATVs are ubiquitous in this area, so if you feel the need for speed, you have come to the right place. The Narrow Gauge Riders ATV Club can help you find trails or rentals.

Fox Carlton Pond Sporting Camp

I have known the Pound family for years, and they are how I was initially introduced to this area. I spent many years coming to their private camp. Side note, most people in Maine have a “camp,” a place to escape from their own homes and get into the wilderness. A camp can run the gamut from a camping spot on one’s property to a lake house.

A while back, they opened up a sporting camp for the public to enjoy some time away from home in the Maine wilderness. They have rooms in the main lake house, cabins, RV, and tent sites for rent. They have a spot for sleeping in the clouds (hammock camping). Their rates include boat use and fly fishing in their private trout pond. The property is gorgeous and peaceful, a beautiful retreat!  If you would like more information about staying on their beautiful property, be sure to visit their website. Which brings me to reiterate the biggest reason that I love Maine’s western mountains-

The Peace

This area of the country is ideal for getting away from the craziness of life. My family puts away our electronics. We spend time surrounded by nature- chasing frogs, watching beavers build a dam and fireflies fluttering at night, cooking s’mores on the lake at Fox Carlton Pond, or just relaxing by the lake. Perfection.

Where do you feel your zen best? Let me know in the comments.

Of course, I love Maine so much; I also spend time in the touristy parts. Read on for my Guide to Acadia National Park and 47 Cool Things to do in Portland.

Read more about my adventures in New England here.

If you liked it, please share it. Thank you!