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About Western Maine Vacation Rentals
Western Maine is not for the faint of heart. The weather is unpredictable and the winters are numbing, but for those who enjoy the great outdoors, Western Maine is a veritable wonderland of activity. The natural beauty of this area was formed by the last ice age. In its wake, the ice carved out majestic mountains, deep, clear-water lakes, and devastating rivers and streams that boggle the eye as well as tempt the spirit. A day's itinerary in Western Maine can include hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, kayaking, white-water rafting, and just about any outdoor endeavor imaginable!
Western Maine is lake country. The waters are as big a part of Maine culture as coastal fishing villages. The Rangeley Lakes region, located close to the picturesque little hamlet of Rangeley, has been particularly blessed. Rand McNally called the area "one of the best vacation areas in the United States." The lake's first claim to fame came in the form of the prize winning fish that were caught in the area. Anglers flock to the lake for the brook trout and land-locked salmon while the lake's tributaries offer great opportunities for tossing in a fly line. The lake is also a great place for kayaking, sailing and, in summer months, an afternoon dip.
Sebago Lake State Park, located between Casco and Naples, offers more lake enjoyment. The crystal clear waters beg swimmers to dive right in as anglers fish for trout and togue. There isn't a better place in Western Maine to just kick back, read a book, and relax by the water as sailboats go whisking by. The lake also offers a plethora of active pursuits for boaters, kayakers, and canoeists.
A great way to see Western Maine is by donning a pair of hiking boots and venturing out the front door. One of the best spots is Grafton Notch State Park, located along the Maine-New Hampshire border. The most famous footpath in the world, the Appalachian Trail, passes through the park on the way to its terminus in Mt. Katahdin. Throughout the park, you will see waterfalls, caves, and incredible mountain vistas. One of the more popular trails is the Grafton Loop, a 21-mile round tripper that can be tackled in sections, depending on your skill level. Bald Mountain Trail, near the town of Mexico in the Rangeley Lakes region, offers an easy 1-mile hike that overlooks the region's many lakes.
In the winter, Maine's attention shifts to snow related activities. The gem of the bunch is Sugarloaf USA, located in the Carrabassett Valley. Sugarloaf has 1400 acres of skiable terrain, 15 lifts to whisk visitors, and 129 trails equally divided between beginner to advanced skill levels. The mountain allows full access to snowboarders and has an extensive cross-country skiing area. Near Rangeley, Saddleback has 40 runs that reach as high as 4,000 feet in the air. All skill levels are represented at this small, but impressive, resort. There are also 50 km of cross-country ski terrain available. Sunday River Skiway, near Bethel, has 18 lifts servicing over 120 trails and three half-pipes for snowboarders.
Whether it's traversing a historic hiking trail or kicking up snow as you careen down a mountain, Western Maine has something to offer every vacationer. The lakes seem to be everywhere and the rivers that flow from them lure kayakers to tag along. Towns and villages are untouched by the hassles of urban sprawl. So, if you are looking for a vacation that is off the beaten path but right in the middle of extreme fun, Western Maine is just what you are looking for!
