Explore Outdoor Activities in Maine

Everything about “the Maine brand” says “get outside!” Moose? They live in the woods. Blueberries? They grow wild on mountaintops and barrens all over the state. Pine trees on a lake? They’re green and blue year-round, swimming spots turning to skating surfaces as the earth turns.

No matter the season, scroll to find just a few suggestions for an outdoor adventure in the region. There’s something for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

Winter

Snow is increasingly precious in this four-season state, so once the temperatures drop, so do the sleds, skis and ice cleats. (Got a bum knee or not into the wind chill factor? There are plenty of indoor activities in winter too.)

Lost Valley is the Androscoggin region’s own winter recreation center, with downhill and Nordic skiing, tubing and snowshoeing on site. It’s a great place for beginners. If you want more of a challenge, Sunday River ski resort in Bethel is about an hour’s drive from Lewiston Auburn.

For snowmobilers, a primary corridor of the statewide, 14,000-mile ITS trail system can be found at the very north end of Lewiston off College Street. The Turner Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club maintains local trails and runs seasonal events.

And don’t forget about fat biking! Any trail suitable for mountain biking is just as great in the snow when you have a big set of wheels, and Rainbow Bicycle can get you outfitted. A popular swimming spot in the summer, Range Pond State Park has five miles of mountain bike trails on 400 acres.

Spring

People of all mobilities can find a trail in Androscoggin County. Minot Community Trails, the Riverwalk in Auburn and Lewiston and the Papermill Trail along the Sabbatus River in Lisbon are all wheelchair accessible.

Trails at the 325-acre Mount Apatite Park in Auburn link abandoned quarries, steep ledges and giant boulders. Gem-quality tourmaline was found and mined here starting 150 years ago. Today, amateurs that follow certain rules can still search for apatite, tourmaline and quartz.

Did you know that the Androscoggin region is home to around 40 disc golf courses? Or that Sabbatus Disc Golf boasts three of the top 75 ranked courses in the world? Traditional golf is popular in the region too. Find courses, driving ranges and country clubs in Auburn, Lewiston, Leeds, Poland, Poland Spring and Turner.

Summer

Summer in Maine will be pulling you to the water. Maine’s fifth largest state park is Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, with miles of multi-use trails along 12 miles of the river. Passing through there is the Greenway-Riverlands, a 65-mile stretch of the Androscoggin to canoe or kayak all the way to the ocean. Be sure to research conditions and abilities needed. While some areas are beginner-friendly, Dresser Rips can be Class 3 rapids in the spring.

Simard-Payne Park in Lewiston has a perfect view of Great Falls and a public dock where you can put in a canoe or kayak to explore the canals and mills from the water. You’ll also find the state’s first outdoor fitness court here.

The communities of Lewiston and Auburn host several family-friendly events each year that embed health and wellness into the culture of the region, while also raising funds for impactful organizations. All summer long, there’s the Triple Crown 5K, combining the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA Fit Fest in June, Emily’s Run in July and the LA Bridge Run in August. On Father’s Day Weekend in June, the American Lung Association’s cycling-based Trek Across Maine stops for a night at Bates College, and Lisbon’s Maine Blues Festival is a great way to celebrate with dad too.

Fall

Fitness for a cause continues into the fall. In September, take on The Dempsey Challenge. This annual event supports The Dempsey Centers, free cancer community centers with locations in Lewiston, South Portland and Westbrook. You can participate by walking, running or—founder and local son Patrick Dempsey’s favorite mode—cycling. In October, the Worumbo 5K and Wellness Festival in Lisbon Falls is a great opportunity to explore the area and for kids to play in the enormous inflatable obstacle course.

Fall is also harvest season: apple orchards, corn mazes and pumpkin patches open. State fairs are underway, and the Shaker Harvest Festival, Lisbon Harvest Festival and Taste the Harvest Dinner take place. Remember: while Maine’s rugged adventures are endless, any activity is good activity. Walking around the region’s festivals, fairs, farms, markets and community events rack up steps on your fitness tracker just the same.

Getting out and about in the Androscoggin region is easy because of the surrounding natural resources, but also because of the vibrant downtowns, small businesses and neighborhoods our communities have built and support. Discover LA Maine and all it has to offer with a trip for a day or a lifetime.