Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Western Mountains are big snow country. Located just east of the
massive Presidential Range in nearby New Hampshire, the snows come
early, stay late, and are apt to lie several feet deep for much of the winter.
Often, there is good spring skiing into May.
Houses Adapted for Winter Living
Rather than asphalt shingles or cedar shakes, corrugated tin is
the roofing material of choice here. It provides a slippery surface
for snow to slide off on its own, so that owners worried about too
much snow or ice collapsing the rafters don't need to venture onto
a steep roof in February to clear it off.
While summer hikers, bikers and campers keep businesses busy, and the
fall foliage is among the most spectacular in New England, ski season is
the boom time here. Downhill ski areas such as Sugarloaf in
Carrabassett and Sunday River near Bethel boom as soon as nighttime
temperatures allow snowmakers to ply their trade. That, combined with
bountiful natural snow, makes for a skiing experience many say rivals
that offered by resorts in the Rockies. Nordic skiing fans will not be dis-
appointed either, as most major ski areas groom cross-country trails and
several establishments cater only to those who seek the solitude and
rhythm of kick and glide. Snowmobilers too flock to the trails that tra-
verse the area, running from the New Hampshire border to Canada.
Outfitters abound in this part of Maine. They range from guides who will
take you on a “feminist vision-quest” to a company who will take you
trekking through the Whites with the gear hauled by llamas.
Note: Maine has one area code - 207.
Parks & Preserves
National Parks
White Mountain National Forest
, Bethel. While the vast ma-
jority of the White National Forest is in New Hampshire, 50,000
acres spill over into Maine in the Bethel region. This section fea-
tures spectacular of mountain terrain good for hiking, backpacking,
cross-country skiing and canoeing. Major features include more than 150
miles of trails, five campgrounds and scores of roadside rest and picnic
spots as well as fishing and swimming. Caribou/Speckled Mountain Wil-
derness is the centerpiece. Visitors' center located at 18 Mayville Road,
Bethel.
824-2134.
