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Western Lakes
Click here to download a Western Lakes
trail guide |
| Some of the loveliest, most civilized lakes in Maine are in the
southern half of Oxford County. Some of the wildest are in the
northern half. Between them lie several mountain ranges, one exceptional
state park, and 47,000 acres of the White Mountain National Forest. The
Androscoggin and the Saco Rivers drain the heavy snows of the
White Mountains through this county, gathering the volume of their
tributaries along the way.
In many ways, southern Oxford County presents the best aspects of the White Mountains without suffering the worst. The area is simple and uncrowded. Resorts are small. Lakes are silent, save for the wail of loons. Hiking on trails is a solitary experience. As with everywhere else in Maine, development pressure is growing from southern New England as well as the Portland area. Fortunately, local residents are sensitive to it and supportive of five area land trusts that are continuing a tradition of public access to Maines wildlife. Maines share of the the White Mountain National Forest, including Evans Notch, is harmoniously quiet compared to the rest of the forest in crowded New Hampshire. The clear, mountain waters of Wild River tumble through it, and many of the flat waters within it are well-stocked with trout. Moose are common. Farther north, Grafton Notch State Park is a good escape from crowds and offers some of the best mountain climbing in the state. Indeed, within this one county, birds of southern New England may be found on the lower end while birds of the boreal forest are found just 90 minutes away on the upper end. N orway is a lovely lakeside community only a stones throw from Paris. Fryeburg is a quiet town most of the year, but activity picks up whenever there is good paddling on the Saco River or during the hugely popular Fryeburg Fair in autumn. Conversely, Bethel is bustling in the winter due to its proximity to Sunday River - a major ski resort. Summers are quieter as the hospitality industry caters to golfers, mountain bikers, hikers, and birders. The northern portion of the county borders the Rangeley Lakes area described in the Western Mountains guide. Birders will often want to enjoy both regions, whether chasing lifers or just appreciating warblers. |
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