Maine Camping Guide 2017 - 36

Western Lakes &
Mountains

Maine's Western Lakes & Mountains Region is truly a four-season
destination. Not only is the region close, its one hour from the
Portland Jetport; it's also family-friendly, safe and affordable.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINE HAMILTON - LONG LAKE, NAPLES

he region is a study in contrasts, from the hustle
bustle of Lewiston-Auburn to the rural Sebago
Lakes area to the quiet serenity and winding back
roads of quaint New England villages like Bethel, Norway,
Farmington, and Rangeley.
Best known for its crystal clear lakes and rugged mountain ranges, the region also offers many outdoor activities
including water sports, fishing, hiking, biking, golfing and
skiing.
When it's time to relax and refuel, choose from many
great restaurants in the area. You might enjoy a handcrafted brew at a local pub, or a family outing to a homemade ice cream stand.
If you're looking for a unique experience, there are opportunities to enjoy llama trekking or digging in quarries
for gemstones and minerals such as amethysts, tourmaline, garnet and topaz. You might even try your hand at
panning for gold.
The well-known Sebago Lake area is the hub for all kinds
of recreational boating. Launch your own craft at several
points around the lake or head to the Naples Causeway
between Sebago and Long Lake to rent canoes, kayaks,
wave runners, fishing boats or a large pontoon.
The hand-operated Songo Locks, the only one remaining
from 27 locks built in the 1830s, makes it possible to see
the entire 42-mile waterway encompassing Sebago Lake,

Songo River, Brandy Pond and Long Lake.
Unlike many small towns with similar histories, the buildings of Norway have remained relatively intact. Listed on
the National Register of Historic Places, Norway's bustling
Main Street is characterized by unique, locally owned
shops, restaurants, and other businesses housed in architecturally significant buildings from the early 1900s.
The quintessential and historic New England town of
Bethel serves as an entry to the White Mountain National Forest, Grafton Notch State Park, and two of the finest
covered bridges in Maine are found in South Andover
and Newry.
Elsewhere, the Rangeley Lakes area is an authentic fourseason recreational community. The area includes some
of the best hunting and fishing in Maine, including more
than 40 trout and salmon lakes and ponds. Incredible
mountain views along the Carrabassett River, and unrivaled picnic spots such as Eustis Ridge can be found
nearby at the Bigelow Mountain Range.
The commercial hub of the region, Lewiston-Auburn,
originally came into its own in the mid-1800s when textiles and shoemaking were among the top industries of
the day. Nowadays the twin cities are best known for the
Great Falls Balloon Festival and several other festivals
that highlight the area's renaissance. Lewiston- Auburn
is also well known for the performing arts with performances at the Public Theatre, Community Little Theatre,
Maine Music Society, L/A Arts, and The Maple Room.
continued on page 37

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maine Camping Guide 2017