In hot, summer weather, Bethel and Rumford area residents seek out Frenchman’s Hole to swim in a clear and powerful mountain stream. The only other options for public swimming are at lakes more than 16 miles away that have minimal public access. The unspoiled stretch of stream at Frenchman’s Hole, rushing down through steep terrain Read More
Oxford County
Little Concord Pond Addition (Speckled Mountain Parcel)
The Speckled Mountain parcel was part of an early Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) project that included multiple parcels totaling 37,000 acres. This 64-acre tract, near state park land that the Bureau of Parks and Lands holds around Little Concord Pond in Woodstock, includes a portion of the Bald-Speckled Mountain trail on the west slope Read More
Moran’s Landing at Bear River Rips
Bear River Rips lies at the confluence of the Bear and Androscoggin rivers, tucked between mountains just north of Bethel. A popular site among anglers and canoeists, the Rips are easily accessed from a small parcel of land that borders both the Androscoggin and Route 2. Like many such traditional access points across private land, Read More
Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land
Location: West of Newry, Oxford County Description: The Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land unit includes the entire Mahoosuc Range, which features some of Maine’s most challenging and beautiful mountains, including the 4,180-foot Old Speck. A receding glacier 12,000 years ago created the Mahoosuc Range and what is commonly known to be 12 of the most difficult miles of Read More
Richardson Public Reserved Land
Location: Northern Oxford County Description: The Richardson Public Reserved Land unit’s 22,000 acres of lakes and ponds are surrounded by mountains, forests, and beach flats. The unit is located in the Rangeley Lakes region and includes much of the shoreline of Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson lakes. Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson lakes are also a part of the Read More
Aziscohos Lake—kayaking from Black Brook Cove Campground
Chosen By: Pete Didisheim, Senior Director of Advocacy Location: Lincoln Plantation, Oxford County Description: Aziscohos Lake is spectacular for kayaking, no matter which part of it you tackle. Undeveloped shorelines on a long, narrow lake with forests, islands, wildlife, and mountains. Activities: Paddling Favorite Season(s) to Visit: Summer and fall Why It’s Special: It’s a Read More
Coos Canyon, Swift River
Location: Byron, Oxford County Description: Coos Canyon is a roadside park carved out of the Swift River. Erosion has chiseled steep cliffs on both sides of the river. There are pools to swim in, flat rocks to sit on while you sift for gold, 15-foot cliffs to jump from, smooth rocks to slide down. The Read More
Upper Androscoggin River
Chosen By: Allison Wells, Senior Director, Communications Location: Gilead to Bethel, Oxford County Description: A six-mile excursion from Gilead to Bethel along a beautiful stretch of the Androscoggin River. The paddle, at a leisurely pace, takes three to four hours and winds through the spectacular beauty of the Mahoosucs, the northernmost extension of the White Read More
Sabattus Mountain
Two Land for Maine’s Future program grants enabled the state to purchase 177 acres on and around Sabattus Mountain in Center Lovell, protecting hiking access to Lovell’s highest peak. A one-mile trail leads up to the 1,253-foot summit, where immense cliffs mark the southwestern side–providing clear views out to the White Mountains and Kezar Lake Read More
