Discover Oxford: Peaks, trails and culture

Sunday River is defined by eight interconnected peaks and more than 800 acres of ski terrain. Alongside these, there are hikes, gardens, cultural attractions and other outdoor opportunities. When planning, it is worth considering the season and the activities you have in mind: some offerings are specifically winter activities, while others are seasonal or tied to specific event dates.

Winter sports and outdoor trails

Black Mountain of Maine lists 33 kilometers of Nordic trails and The Edge Tubing Park. Offerings may be seasonal. At Sunday River, the eight interconnected peaks are part of the ski terrain; resort information may be updated, so check it before planning your trip.

At Mt. Abram, too, the options vary by season. In winter, there is skiing and snowboarding with lift service, lessons, rentals and seasonal programs. When the snow melts, Mt. Abram becomes a bike park with lift access, trails and downhill riding. Check seasonal operations before deciding on your activities.

In winter, Roberts Farm Preserve offers almost 25 kilometers of groomed Nordic ski trails; trail conditions may vary. Hiking and mountain biking are also possible there. The Farm to Town Trail System physically connects the preserve to downtown. The trail access point is at 22 Water Street.

Valentine Farm has two accessible loop trails, each 0.6 miles long, for a total of 1.2 miles. One leads to the Androscoggin River. Birds, fish and other wildlife can be observed there. The Habitat for All Garden is lushly landscaped and designed especially for pollinators and birds. If these are a focus of your plans, you can combine the garden and river wildlife viewing with the loop trails. Check trail conditions before visiting.

Hiking landscapes and nature

From the Route 26 trailhead, day hikes and overnight hikes are possible on the Appalachian Trail and the Grafton Loop Trail. The Grafton Loop Trail is a 38-mile long-distance trail in high-elevation backcountry. Choosing a route also means planning for different amounts of time: a day hike is not the same as an overnight trip. Trail conditions and facilities may change.

Screw Auger Falls is 23 feet high and accessible via a footpath from Route 26; local conditions may vary. Grafton Notch, in turn, is a U-shaped valley formed by glacial activity during the last ice age. The Grafton-Mahoosuc landscapes are in a region of Maine that includes Franklin County and Oxford County. Here, a specific waterfall, a long-distance trail and geological features bring together landscapes on different scales.

Gardens, history and events

McLaughlin Garden features mature plant collections, including more than 200 lilacs, as well as Maine wildflowers and ferns. The McLaughlin Foundation invites visitors to explore the historic residence, barn and Garden Gift Shop. Check operating details before your trip. If you are interested in plants, it is worth exploring both the garden collections and the other areas mentioned.

The Dr. Moses Mason House in Bethel is a Federal-style house. Its Rufus Porter-style murals depict seascapes and landscapes; public access is seasonal. Paris Hill offers a different historic focus: it has historic houses, distinguished public buildings and a former stone jail that now serves as a library. Paris Hill also offers sweeping views of the White Mountains.

For museum visits, the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum is currently open every day except Tuesday. Check opening hours before you go. The Fryeburg Fair is an eight-day event featuring more than 3,000 animals and takes place in the first week of October; check the dates for the relevant year. Oxford Plains Speedway hosts the Oxford 250. You should also check the event schedule before your trip.

Performances at Celebration Barn bring touring artists and local audiences together for live shows. As an international residency center, Celebration Barn is also dedicated to theater education and theater creation. In this way, performing arts and events complement the opportunities offered by trails, landscapes and historic sites.

Discover more destinations: Rumford, Lovell, Paris, Newry, Fryeburg, Norway, Waldo County, Somerset.

For the broader travel overview: Maine.