Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Western Mountains
With lofty peaks and winding val-
leys carved by boulder-strewn
streams, Maine's Western Mountains
evoke a sense of timelessness. The hills
here are old, as are the tidy towns and
farms that nestle below them. It was
not the mountains, but rather the fer-
tile soil on the flood plains of the rivers
that first attracted settlers. Even today
travelers along the busy state high-
ways look out over fields of corn and
hay
sandwiched
between
the
river-
banks and the road.
While the forest products industry is
strong here with paper mills in Jay and
Rumford and wood products mills scat-
tered throughout, the landscape re-
mains largely pastoral with numerous family homesteads and dairy
farms.
The Western Mountains are an outdoor recreation paradise. Within this
region you'll discover several parks like Mount Blue and Grafton Notch,
and portions of the White Mountains National Forest, and the Appala-
chian Trail's admitted toughest mile through Mahoosuc Notch. Many
peaks rise more than 4,000 feet. Paper company roads and off-season ski
areas provide for a wide array of mountain biking opportunities.
Depending on water level, streams and rivers are ideal for rafting, canoe-
ing or fly fishing. The renowned Saco River, with its meandering turns
and sand bars, is a favorite spot for day-long family float trips.
Golf courses and grand hotels await in towns like Bethel. Jewel-like
lakes are a swimmer's delight.
The jewel of all lake regions in Maine has to be Rangeley,
whose water areas come with tongue-twisting names like
Mooselookmeguntic. The view from Height of Land, along
Route 17 on the way into the region, is among the prettiest in
the eastern United States.
Farmington is a busy commercial hub offering easy access to all major
features of the area.
