Franklin County: Mountains, Trails and Culture

Franklin County offers a range of experiences for a trip: summits and long-distance hiking trails, winter activities, water access and museums. The Bigelow Range brings together several of these natural attractions. The Bigelow Preserve encompasses the entire mountain range with seven peaks; the Bigelow Ecological Reserve stretches from Flagstaff Lake to West Peak and protects more than 3,100 acres of subalpine spruce-fir forest. Bigelow Mountain is designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Mountains and Trails Around the Bigelow Range

The Appalachian Trail runs for 17.6 miles across the seven peaks of the Bigelow Mountain Range. Access to the Bigelow Preserve is via gravel roads off Route 27 in Carrabassett Valley, as well as Long Falls Dam Road from North New Portland. Road conditions may vary. For a shorter hike in Mount Blue State Park, try the Center Hill Trail: It is about 1.5 miles long and passes through challenging terrain. The Rock Trail branches off from the Center Hill Trail and ends at a rocky overlook.

The Powder House Hill Trails form a 4.5-mile network of non-motorized woodland trails in Farmington that can be used year-round. Highlights include overlooks, spring pools and old wells, as well as views of Mount Blue and the Sandy River valley. On-site conditions and trail management may change. The Whistle Stop Trail offers a different range of uses, including hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, dog sledding, ATV riding and snowmobiling. Some uses may be regulated seasonally.

Winter Activities and Seasonal Options

Winter offerings at Mount Blue State Park include snowshoe trails, groomed and ungroomed cross-country ski trails, snowmobile trails, an ice-skating rink, a sledding hill and a warming hut. The park offers 15 miles of ski trails. Sugarloaf Outdoor Center has more than 50 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails available; grooming is seasonal. Mountain bikers can access more than 80 miles of trails in the Carrabassett Valley trail network from the center; conditions may also vary seasonally.

Another seasonal option at Sugarloaf Outdoor Center is its NHL-sized ice rink. It is open from mid-December to mid-March, weather permitting; skates can be rented for all ages. Titcomb Mountain combines alpine and Nordic skiing: It has 16 downhill runs for all skill levels, from beginner to expert, as well as more than 16 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails for classic skiing and skating. Winter operations are seasonal. For these seasonal activities, check dates and conditions for your visit before you travel.

Water Access by Boat Type

Information about the waterways can help you choose the right type of access. At the Chain of Ponds in Franklin County, there is an access point on Route 27 for vehicles towing boats on trailers. Trailer boats are also accommodated at Rangeley Lake, with access points at Rangeley Lake State Park, Rangeley Town Park and Route 4. At Quimby Pond in Rangeley, there is an access point on Quimby Pond Road where boats can be launched by hand. The pond is designated as a brook trout habitat. At the Sandy River in Farmington, there is walk-in access. The different types of access show why it is worth deciding in advance whether you want to reach the water with a boat trailer or on foot.

Museums, History and Regional Cuisine

Washburn Norlands is a 400-acre estate with a grand Victorian country house and a farmhouse. Farm-to-table meals are served there, prepared with seasonal produce from family-owned farms in the Livermore area. A visit combines historic buildings with locally inspired cuisine.

The Stanley Museum preserves the history of the Stanley family, including Francis Edgar Stanley's invention of the Stanley Steamer and its manufacture by him and his twin brother. Exhibits include photographs, violins and Stanley steam-powered vehicles from 1905, 1910 and 1916. The Nordica Homestead Museum focuses on the life and career of opera singer Lillian Nordica, born Lillie Norton.

The Maine Ski & Snowboard Museum preserves Maine's skiing heritage through artifacts, photographs, artwork and documents. It also offers educational programs, social events and activities throughout the year; specific program dates may vary. The annual Farmington Fair is held at a historic fairground, where it has taken place since 1840. Check event dates for your travel period.

Use the experiences you plan to enjoy to guide your search for a hotel in Franklin County.

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