Maine’s Lakes & Mountains Blog

Maine is a wonderful place for antiquing. Antique stores are sprinkled throughout most of Western Maine’s Lakes and Mountains Region. Many of the towns and villages have a nice mix of antique stores, boutiques and specialty stores that are ripe for the picking. But, before you head out for some Maine antiquing here are a few guidelines to follow to ensure you have a great experience and get some good finds!

Maine Antiquing Do’s:

-       Research. Visit museums and art galleries to learn more about furniture and art from the era that you are looking at. This is a good way to help you authenticate an item as well, as it gives you specific features/attributes to look for.

-       Know the signs of authenticity. For instance check for hand stitching, square nails, dovetailing and specific marks that indicate hand tools and finishes as these indicate that they were not machine made, or manufactured, but instead handmade. Also, don’t purchase anything that has been over-refinished as it lowers the value as it hides natural wear and tear of the wood surface.

-       Ask an expert for help. If you are not sure about an item, ask an expert for help authenticating it.

-       Negotiate. Antique sellers expect you to haggle, just make sure you are polite and do not insult the storeowner. A good way to phrase this question is by asking, “Is there any room for negotiation?” and going from there. Another negotiation starting point is a standard 20%. A good price is one that you feel comfortable with.

-       Review prices online before shopping. By visiting different sites online you can find out the going rate for porcelain, glass, metalwork, toys, furniture, fine art and more. This will give you a good baseline to go from while negotiating or at least let you know if the item is fairly priced.

-       Always go in knowing what you are looking for. If you don’t have a specific purpose and you are just looking around for fun than don’t worry about this. However, if you are going antiquing with a particular item in mind, such as a dining room table or nightstand, don’t lose sight of what you are after. Antique stores are filled with many trinkets and items and can be overwhelming leading to visual overload. You can miss what your looking for, so make sure you search the store up and down for what you want and then you can peruse.

-       Ask questions. Antique shop owners expect you to ask them questions about the items. If you ask questions like “What can you tell me about this item?” or “Do you happen to know what era this piece is from?” you are likely to receive very interesting information pertaining to the item in question.

-       Leave big bags or items that you have with you by the front desk. This will lessen the risk of you bumping into any items and potentially breaking something.

Maine Antiquing Don’ts:

-       Don’t let price alone dictate your decision. It’s much more important to look at the value of the item than the price.

-       Don’t carry your items you are thinking about purchasing around the store. If you have decided on an item, bring the item to the front desk and ask them to hold onto it while you browse.

-       Don’t hesitate! When you find something you think is a gem, trust yourself and make the purchase. You don’t want to miss your chance. If the item truly is a gem, waiting to get a second opinion may be too late, as antiques can be snatched up quickly.

-       Don’t insult, mock, ridicule or make fun of items in the shop. Many times the items are hand picked by the storeowner and reflect their tastes.

-       Don’t allow children to run around the store unattended. There are many breakables and valuables in an antique store and you don’t want to be responsible for a broken item. It’s not fun.

Enjoy antiquing in Maine; learn more by visiting our antique stores guide.

Maine has many museums and art exhibits; however here are our Top 5 choices for historical museums in Western Maine. 

1. Museum L-A: is all about the history of the Lewiston/Auburn region. Telling the tale of the “twin cities” the museum focuses on the large working history of this area. The location being in the historic Bates Mill makes for the perfect atmosphere to share stories of labor, industrial commitment, community expansion and cultural influences.

2. Rufus Porter Museum: Rufus Porter was an artist in the 1800’s famous for his portraits and murals of the Bridgton and Fryeburg regions. He was also a musician, teacher, inventor and the found of Scientific American Magazine. His museum in Bridgton now also incorporates the works of his son.

3. Stanley Museum: Ever heard of the Stanley Steamer Automobile? Well the Stanley brothers invented it! The museum is housed in the Stanley School, which was named after the Stanley’s in 1905, the school itself is the museum’s primary artifact. It is also home to many paintings, photography, violins and examples of Stanley steam cars.

4. Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum:Maine has a deep seeded history in the logging industry. Maine is largely forest and is one of our most valuable industries. This logging museum celebrates the heritage of logging in western Maine.

5. Washburn Norlands Living History Center: This museum literally brings you back into the 18^th and early 19^th century rural life. Visitors can participate in baking, housework and daily and seasonal farming. Norlands was home of the Washburn family, which was one of the great political and industrial dynasties of the 19^th century. Seven of the 10 Washburn children became governors, congressman, US Senators, Secretary of State, Foreign Ministers, Civil war generals and a Navy Captain. Norlands offers you a true experience of what life was like all those years ago.

Visit Western Maine’s Museums and Historic Sites to learn more about Maine’s rich history.

        Looking for an amazing fall foliage tour? Can’t decide where to stay? Look no further than Maine’s scenic byways offering daylong loops and more that are sure to fill your leaf peeping needs.

Maine offers 13 scenic byways consisting of the All-American Road (Acadia Scenic Byway), 3 national scenic byways, and 9 state scenic byways. Three of the 9 state scenic byways and 1 of the 3 national scenic byways are in the Maine lakes and mountains region of Western Maine. These byways offer Maine travelers diverse landscape, outstanding views and are prime for fall foliage driving tours, offering leaf peepers an incomparable experience.

Maine’s scenic byways in the lakes & mountains region are perfect for fall foliage tours:
1.     Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway
2.     Grafton Notch Byway (Route 26)
3.     Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway
4.     State Route 27 Scenic Byways

Other tours great for Maine Leaf Peepers:
1.     Bethel Area Driving Tour
2.     Bridgton Area Driving Tour
3.     Lewiston/Auburn Area Driving Tour
4.     Oxford Hills Driving Tour
5.     Western Maine Mountains Area Driving Tour

As many visitors of Maine know you can’t really go wrong in Maine during the prime fall foliage season. With the ever-changing landscape of the rocky coast, lakes, mountains and forest, Maine has beautiful scenery no matter where you go.

Maine also has many places for you to stop and stay on your journey of exploring these sights. For tips of local bed & breakfasts, inns and restaurants to stop and stay at on your way check out our dining and where to stay directories.

Maine offers something for everyone when it comes to hiking. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll with your kids and dogs or a more strenuous hike, you can find it all here in Maine. We may have mentioned 7 must do hikes in Western Maine, however most of the hiking spots below offer several trails, peaks and mountains and there are definitely more mountains and hiking opportunities in Maine than just these seven. To learn more about hiking in Maine visit our Hiking Directory.

1.     Grafton Notch:  Grafton Notch offers several different trails including the Eyebrow Trail, Table Rock Loop, Old Speck Trail, and Baldpate Mountain Trail as well as several shorter and easier walks like Screw Auger Falls, Mother Walker Falls, Moose Cave and Spruce Meadow Picnic area. You can follow the Appalachian Trails marked with white blazes leading you to the other trails marked accordingly. Grafton Notch offers extraordinary hiking with moderate to difficult terrain and awe-inspiring views. The stretch of Route 26 through Grafton Notch State Park is designated as on of Maine’s “Scenic Byways” as the deep gorges and high mountains offer outstanding sightseeing.

2.     Bigelow Mountains: The Bigelow Range includes 7 summits, the highest of these is 4,150 feet called West Peak and is one of only 10 summits in Maine over 4,000 feet in elevation. Bigelow Mountains offers awe-inspiring views of the incredible Flagstaff Lake. The 7 summits offer many trails, from the Appalachian Trail to the Fire Warden Trail, Horns Pond Trail and more. Hiking in Bigelow is quite strenuous although there are some more moderate trails available. There are several camping sites along the way for overnight hikes on the longer trails.

3.     Mt. Blue State Park – Tumbledown: Mt. Blue State Park is Maine’s largest state park consisting of two sections separated by Webb Lake. It offers hiking trails on both Mt. Blue Mountain as well as Tumbledown Mountain. Tumbledown is the most popular hike as it offers an alpine pond near the summit, however there are several opportunities for hikes, including Blueberry Mountain, Center Hill Nature Trail, and of course Mount Blue. Many of these are day hikes that can be enjoyed by all ages.

4.     Mount Will Trail: Located in Bethel, Maine this steep but short hike consists of a few different trails, the North Ledges, The South Ledges and the full loop. The North Ledges section has relatively open ledges overlooking surrounding mountains.  The mile and a half more from the North Ledges to the South Cliffs section has higher ledges and overlooks both Androscoggin and Bear River Valleys. When you arrive at the top you have great views of Bethel Village.  This mountain makes for a great short afternoon/day hike.

5.    Crocker Mountain: Near Sugarloaf and the Bigelow Preserve offers hiking for Crocker Mountain has twin peaks, 4,228 feet in elevation in Maine’s Carrabassett region. Vigorous and pleasant day hike to the Appalachian Trail enthusiast. Only trail is the Appalachian Trail itself. Not great views from the top as it’s mostly wooded, but the best view can be found from South Crocker. The two peaks are separated by one mile of trail and it’s not very steep, good for the moderate hiker.

6.     Evans Notch State Park: Part of the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire, Evans Notch in Bethel offers some of the most spectacular views in the White Mountain National Forest and surprisingly is less popular than the other notches. With over 7 different trails, hikes are available for all expertise levels of hikers and range in length from 1.5 miles to 6 miles.

7.    Sugarloaf: One of Maine’s famous ski mountains, offers hiking in the warmer months. You can hike up any of the ski trails or use the Appalachian Trail on the backside of the mountain. The views from the top are incredible, as Sugarloaf is Maine’s second highest peak at 4,237 feet, on a clear day you can see all the way to Mt. Katahdin in the north and Mt. Washington to the south. The hiking is moderate to difficult but can easily be done as a day hike.

Make sure you check out Maine Huts & Trails to learn more about hiking trips in the area as well as our directory. Sunday River also offers a great info page on hiking trails in the Bethel Maine area. Also be sure to check out our post on Maine’s waterfalls as these waterfalls usually include a great hike. Maine’s mountains are sure to fulfill the hiking explorer in you, share your experiences with us in the comments section.

  
Guest Post by Joe Laing, El Monte RV

There is nothing more thrilling than packing up an RV and taking off through Maine’s lakes and mountains region. The whole family will enjoy destinations that hold a multitude of choices in outdoor recreation and historical sites that will transport you into the past.

At first you may only have time for a short trip, but it is going to be one filled with things to do and see. Starting out in the Lewiston-Auburn area, you will find plenty to do right there. This is known as Androscoggin County as it lies along the Androscoggin River. One of the favorite ways to experience the beauty of this river is to walk along the Riverwalk, admiring the gorgeous views.

Another place to get out and stretch your legs is the Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary, with loads of paths that allow some great bird watching as well. Have a picnic and let those workaday worries just melt away. Another place to put on your list is the Range Ponds State Park. You’ll love the beach where you can cool off with a dip in Lower Range Pond.

Now is the time to absorb some history. At Sts. Peter and Paul Basilica you will marvel at this beautiful temple, a National Landmark. Be sure to stop at Museum L–A for a real view of how it was in earlier times. You’ll see many items from one of the premiere textile mills in the country.

You are ready to move on and take Highway 26 to Bethel, Maine. On the way, take a short side-trip to Pennesseewassee Lake. It will take you less time to get there than it will to figure out how to pronounce it. This five-mile-long, half-mile-wide lake is known for some terrific fishing. Catch white or yellow perch, brown trout or salmon.

When you reach Bethel Maine, you will have to be prepared to be enchanted. This mountain village is a peaceful respite on an exciting RV trip. You can make this a home base for a little while and get some convenient RV camping at Pleasant River Campground. Set in a pine grove with full hookups, you will find free WiFi, a pool, a playground for any kids with you and a camp store for supplies.

Now for some more adventure: a trip to nearby Grafton Notch State Park where backcountry hiking is awesome. Experience the rugged landscape in the best way possible on one of the challenging trails. There are also tamer trails available for those who don’t want to brave any summits. Then on to the White Mountain National Forest with a wide array of both short and long hikes to keep you out in the sun and enjoying nature. When you are ready to sit for a while, you can take one of the scenic driving loops to get some great views.

Ready to move on? Perhaps not – but when you are, take Highway 2 to Highway 17 north to Rangeley Lakes. Here you will discover a real Maine paradise, with lakes and mountains spread around you on all sides. Plenty of hiking and walking here too! You can even explore a short distance on the famous Appalachian Trail. Also be sure to go to Rangeley Lake State Park for some more hiking and fishing. You can fish from the middle of May through the end of September in these waters. To just kick back and relax, Hunter Cove Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to get in some bird and wildlife watching.

It is time once again for a visit into the past. Stop by the museums in this area to get the flavor of earlier days in Maine. There are three museums you can see: the Wilhelm Reich Museum, the Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum, and the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum.

Now you will be circling around and will head south on Highway 4, until you get to the Jay, Livermore, Livermore Falls Area, nestled in a lovely valley. Take the family to the Paper & Heritage Museum so you can get an interactive experience and learn about this paper-making town. The Norlands Living History Center is a place where you can imagine living in the 19th century. You’ll enjoy helping to press some apples for cider, so give it a try!

Your last stop before getting back to Lewiston-Auburn is Lake Auburn. All sorts of outdoor recreation awaits you here, from boating to hiking and fishing. This has been a wonderful journey and you’ve been impressed with all the friendly faces and fun things to do. Come back again. There are more routes through Maine’s lake and mountain region to enjoy!

About the Author

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. You can see more great RV vacation ideas in their Monty’s Musings RV Travel Blog.

Western Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region is the home of 6 of Maine’s State Parks. These parks offer a multitude of opportunities for activities and fun. Check out the top 20 things to do in these 6 State Parks in the Maine Lakes and Mountains Region.

1. Hiking: Western Maine’s State Parks offer a hiking experience for all levels. From walking trails to difficult sections of the Appalachian Trail, beginners and experts alike can find a hiking trail to suit their needs. Grafton Notch State Park, Rangeley Lake State Park and Mount Blue State Park offer some of the best hiking in the state. 
2. Bird watching: If bird watching is your thing, Rangeley Lake State Park is a great spot. Of course you can check out the birds from any of these State parks, however you’ll have a better chance at the lakes or tops of the mountains, as most trails are fairly tree covered.
3. Fishing: Rangeley Lake State Park and Sebago Lake State Park are excellent for fishing. Just make sure that you have the proper licensing.
4. Camping: Mt. Blue State Park, Sebago Lake State Park and Rangeley Lake State Park allow camping. It’s important to check the website for rules and policies regarding camping and to see if you need to reserve a date/time.
5. Cross country skiing: A favorite past time of a lot of Mainers, these cross country trails offer Mainer’s something to do in the colder months. Western Maine’s State parks are perfect for snowshoeing as well.
6. Picnicking: Maine’s State Parks provide the perfect atmosphere for an afternoon picnic.
7. Hunting: Grafton State Park, Range Ponds State Park and Mt. Blue State Park allow hunting during Maine’s hunting seasons. Sebago Lake and Rangeley Lake State Park do not allow hunting. However an important note is to stay far from any camping sites and hiking trails for safety reasons. Also, there is no hunting on Sundays.
8. ATV Riding: Mt. Blue State Park and the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park offer trails for ATV riding. However, it’s important to note that you must stay on approved trails.
9. Boating: All parks except for Grafton Notch State Park and the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park have opportunities for boating. Be sure to follow all rules and policies in place, such as removing debris off your boat before launch and displaying a lake and river protection sticker.
10. Snowmobiling: Both Grafton Notch State Park and Mt. Blue State Park allow snowmobiling. Visit their sites for more information on trails.
11. Swimming: Lakes at these State Parks are perfect for swimming. Though Grafton Notch doesn’t have a technical swimming hole, there are areas where you can wade in the rivers and falls.
12. Scenery: The Western Maine lakes and mountains region offers unparalleled scenery. The top of the hiking trails at Grafton and Mt. Blue offer awe-inspiring scenery throughout the four seasons. And, the lakes are no different. Maine’s beauty can be seen and enjoyed at all of these State Park.
13. Relaxation: Enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer!
14. Wildlife: Maine has an extensive wildlife population, keep a look out for Moose, Deer, Bears and more.
15. Snowshoeing: Snowshoes are excellent for hiking or walking trails in the cold and snowy months. They help you grab on to the ice and float on top of the snow. If you are doing some more moderate to expert level hiking you will want to make sure you have appropriate snowshoes or ice cleats.
16. Fresh air: Take a deep breath! Maine’s State Parks are well preserved and the untouched forests and clean lakes are a breath of fresh air, literally.
17. Canoeing: Many of Maine’s state parks are near/on lakes and rivers, such as Sebago Lake State Park, Mt. Blue State Park, Rangeley Lake State Park Range Ponds State Park, as well as Androscoggin Riverlands State Park. Many of the parks have canoes to rent, however you can bring your own as well.
18. Kayaking: If you rather kayak than canoe it’s a wonderful way to take in the scenery, watch birds, and relax on the lake. It can be a pretty good workout as well!
19. Horseback riding: Mt. Blue State Park offers several multi-use trails that are perfect for horseback riding. These trails offer moderate to challenging riding.
20. Waterfalls: Maine has some unbelievable waterfalls and many of them live in the Western Maine area. Screw Auger Falls is one waterfall that can be found in Grafton Notch State Park. These waterfalls are perfect for a picnic or for some exploring.

Check out the official pages of Western Maine’s State Parks:

Androscoggin Riverlands State Park
Grafton Notch State Park
Mount Blue State Park
Range Ponds State Park
Rangeley Lake State Park
Sebago Lake State Park

If you are looking for a great moose watching area, Western Maine is the right place. This amazing creature can be spotted all over Maine and of course some of the best spots to see them are in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains.

Moose are gentle giants. They are herbivores and they are very respectful of their environment and other animals.  They are by far one of the most interesting creatures we have in Maine.

Below are 30 interesting Moose facts you may not have known.

1. Moose are the official state animal of Maine.
2. Male moose are called Bull Moose.
3. Only Bull Moose has antlers.
4. Bulls’ antlers can span up to 6 feet wide and weigh up to 90 lbs.
5. Bull Moose shed their antlers every winter and grows them back every spring.
6. Each year a moose grows bigger antlers than the year before.
7. Bull Moose grow antlers to impress cows during mating season and to express dominance in the pack.
8. Moose have the highest rate of bone formation growth; growing up to 1 inch a day.
9. During mating season Bull Moose are more aggressive.
10. Moose live for an average of 25 years and can weigh up to 1500 lbs.
11. Moose on average are 7 feet tall at the shoulders and 8.5 feet in length.
12. Moose are great swimmers and can swim up to 6 mph.
13. Moose can run up to 35 mph.
14. Female moose are called “cows”.
15. Female moose (cows) are pregnant for 8 months.
16. Infant moose are called “calves”.
17. Baby moose are an average of 25 – 33 lbs when born.
18. Calves will stay with their mom until they are 1 year old.
19. Moose have bad eyesight.
20. Moose have 32 teeth.
21. Moose have no upper front teeth.
22. Moose have front legs that are longer than their back legs.
23. Moose have 27 chromosomes. Humans have 23.
24. The flap that hangs under the moose’s throat is called a “Bell”.
25. Moose are the largest member of the deer family.
26. There is such thing as a white moose, however it’s extremely rare, and is not considered an albino.
27. Like a dog, when moose are agitated the hairs on their backs stand up straight.
28. Maine has the second highest population (30,000) of moose in the U.S., next to Alaska.
29. May, June, September, October and December are the best moose watching seasons in Maine.
30. You are more likely to see a fully antlered Bull Moose in September and October. (This is right before they shed them for the winter)

Have an interesting Moose fact you want to share with us? Tell us below in the comments!

With so many things to do and explore within Maine’s Lakes and Mountains, what better way to take it all in than on a bike tour? Maine offers many bike tours and bike clubs for the avid cyclist or tourist. In fact there are 7 tours just in the Maine Lakes and Mountains region. Here’s a list of the tours in the area and links to overviews about the tours.

1. Lake Auburn Bike Tour: With two loops under 35 miles, these routes make for excellent day trip rides. The routes follow the shores of Lake Auburn and offer scenic views of Streaked Mountain and Oxford Hills.

2. Franklin Heritage: This tour consists of 4 different loops; a 16-mile moderate loop, a 29-mile moderate loop, a 54-mile challenging loop, and a 107-mile varied terrain loop for experienced cyclists. The tours lead you through the historic towns of Franklin County and reward you with views of the Bigelow Mountain Range, Sugarloaf and Saddleback Mountains as well as, Sandy River and Rangeley. You will also pass by great hiking areas, quaint villages and a few of Maine’s historic museums.

3. Bethel and Evans Notch: Offering 4 tour loops Bethel and Evans Notch bike tours offer access to beaches and swimming holes, historical landmarks, mountain views and more. While the 14 mile loop around Songo Pond and the 18 mile Farm and River Loop offer something for the less experienced cyclist, the Covered Bridge Ride (33 miles) offers a little history and the Evans Notch Loop (67 miles) offer more challenging terrain and some rewarding sites for the biking explorer. 

4. Andover & Grafton Notch: Also consisting of 4 different loops, Andover and Grafton Notch also lend themselves to a tour of Maine’s covered bridges. Three of the four loops are appropriate for any skill level and are less than 30 miles in length. The last loop is the Grafton Notch Loop, which is a 53-mile loop with challenging terrain for experienced cyclists. Grafton Notch offers incredible mountain views, as the scenery has been said to rival any ride you can find in New England. A major highlight of this ride is not only the chance, but also the likelihood to see a moose along your way, as they are plentiful in Grafton Notch. There are also many hiking trails  and waterfalls in the area.

5. Western Foothills: The Western Foothills tour has 3 loops; a 28-mile loop, a 42-mile loop and a 69-mile loop, all consist of moderate to challenging terrain. These loops offer spectacular mountain views, river views, a covered bridge, museums and more.

6. Fryeburg Favorites: All four loops within this tour are less than 20 miles in length making for excellent day rides. The rides take you through public parks great for picnics, bird watching and swimming as well as the historic town of Fryeburg, which is one of the oldest towns in the region and boasts 11 buildings registered in the National Register of Historic Places.

7. Atlantic Coast Route and the Northern Tier Route: Both of these routes are for the seriously experienced cyclists, as they are multi-day tours with varied and challenging terrain. The routes traverse the state of Maine and both consist of over a total of 220 miles in length; one starting in Bar Harbor and ending in Kittery and the other starting in Fryeburg and ending in Bar Harbor.

Many of these trails pass historical landmarks, lakes, ponds, rivers and mountain views, museums, waterfalls, hiking trails, state/national parks, wildlife and more.

Interested in taking in Maine lakes and Mountains via biking? Learn more about bike tours in Maine by visiting Explore Maine.

Maine’s waterfalls offer amazing beauty – below you’ll find some of our favorites in Western Maine.

Maine offers an amazing array of natural beauty from its beautiful rocky coast to its gorgeous lakes and mountains. And, though, Maine isn’t particularly known for waterfalls, Maine’s waterfalls are nothing to scoff at.  Maine offers spectacular scenery and these waterfalls are no exception. Many of these awe-inspiring waterfalls can be found while hiking through Maine’s State Parks and  - mountains. Below is a list of some must visit waterfalls in Western Maine.

1.  Dunn Falls: Located in Oxford County Maine. This is an almost 80 foot vertical drop, and is one of Maine’s most amazing waterfalls. As part of the Appalachian Trail, the hike itself is moderately difficult and offers plenty of exploring. Hike time is about 90 minutes.

2.  The Cataracts: Located in Oxford County Maine. The Cataracts waterfalls can be accessed via an easy 20-minute hike. The best time to visit is May to October as the warmer months are great for swimming, even though the water is always a bit chilly. In low water conditions, people can be seen using this as a natural waterslide. So cool! There are many plunges that consist of a total of 100 feet. In the summer, the water is a bit lighter, so you are able to explore caves near the waterfall.

3.  Angel Falls: Located in Township D, Maine in Franklin County. With a short 30-minute hike on an easy to moderate trail you can find these gorgeous falls. These falls look like they are right out of a book, with a 90-foot plunge that is an amazing sight to see.

4.  Screw Auger Falls: Grafton Township, Maine, in Grafton Notch State Park. Though this is in Grafton Notch State Park, which is well known for some great hiking, this particular waterfall doesn’t require a hike. Which may or may not be the reason behind it being Maine’s most heavily visited waterfall. There are wading pool areas, and a giant gorge that you can explore and see the waterfall from different areas. It’s a fabulous place to have a picnic and safe for kids and dogs to run around, as there are barriers/gates blocking off dangerous areas.

5.  Kees Falls: Batchelder’s Grant, Maine. Located in the White Mountain National Forest, this waterfall is about an hour’s hike on an easy to moderate trail. The hiking trail offers plenty of waterfalls that you might confuse with Kees Falls, so note that it’s found at the third river crossing on the Caribou Trail. If you continue on the trail, it will lead you to the summit of Caribou Mountain. 

6.  Mad River Falls: Batchelder’s Grant, Maine. Like Kees Falls, this waterfall is also part of the White Mountain National Forest. You will reach these falls after a 50 minute easy to moderate hike. These falls have a 100-foot total drop but it is hard to see the falls completely, as they are covered with trees and getting too close is too dangerous.  The great thing about Mad River Falls, however, is that it is very close to other waterfalls such as Rattlesnake Falls, so you can make a day of checking out different waterfalls.

7.  Rattlesnake Flume and Pool: Located in Stoneham, Maine, it’s about a 35-minute hike to get to this waterfall. The waterfall itself isn’t huge, the first flume is a 10-foot drop and after that some shorter falls. However, the coolest part about this waterfall is the small pool below (Rattlesnake Pool), which is great for swimming and has cool teal colored water. People have been coming from all over the U.S. for years to swim in this small pool because of its unique color and romantic setting. This waterfall is actually located on private property but has been kept open to the public. Make sure that you abide by the signs and stick to the CTA trails as to not trespass.

8.  Step Falls: Located in Newry, Maine, Step Falls is on the border of Grafton Notch State Park. Step Falls in one of the tallest falls in Maine. It offers lots of shallow pools to wade in as well as many deeper pools that you can actually swim in. The best time to visit according to New England Waterfalls is between May and October.

Interested in visiting more Maine Waterfalls? Check out this map of Maine waterfalls; also check out Waterfalls of Western Maine for more information on these waterfalls and hiking trails leading to them.

There are plenty of sightseeing tours in Maine, but have you ever thought of taking a driving tour through Maine to explore Western Maine’s 6 covered bridges?

In the 19^th century covered bridges started popping up everywhere in Maine.  The main purpose for these bridges was to help horse drawn carriages cross our bustling rivers without being taken down stream.

The covers on the bridges were built to help the bridge stay protected from Maine’s harsh elements, that would rot and destroy the wood.  Most of these bridges were constructed in the mid 1800’s up to the early1900’s, and at one point there were 120 covered bridges in Maine.

Through the years due to the elements, ice, snow, fires and progress, most of the covered bridges are now gone.  There are just 9 covered bridges left in Maine, 6 of them are in Western Maine’s Lakes and Mountains, and 2 are still open for local traffic to use after reinforcements have been implemented.

From the most photographed and painted bridge, The Sunday River Bridge or otherwise known as the “Artist’s Bridge” to the shortest covered bridge in Maine, The Lovejoy Bridge in South Andover, Maine has you “Covered”.

Fall is the perfect time to take in the beauty and history of these amazing structures. The trees are fiery red and yellow and Maine’s wildlife is out and about.

Tour Maine’s Covered Bridges and take in the beauty and history of these wonderful attractions.