Outdoor Adventures

To go to a specific category, click on the links below:

Parks and Trails
Golf
Guide Services
Horses
Recreation Areas
Other Outdoor Adventures

Parks and Trails

Chase Hill

Chase Hill is a 755-foot mountain peak with a fire tower that overlooks the area. Enjoy the pretty views on the half-mile hiking trail up to the tower.

Chase Hill Rd., Canaan

Coburn Park

Donated to the town in 1885 by former Governor Abner Coburn, Coburn Park features more than 100 species of trees and shrubs, a waterlily pond with a fountain, walking paths, a gazebo, and a number of monuments illustrating the town’s heritage. Stop by to enjoy the serenity of this in-town oasis, or check out one of the many concerts held in the park on Sunday afternoons in the summer.

Water St., Skowhegan (approximately 0.5 miles east of downtown)
FMI: Coburn Park

Coburn Woods

This mostly wooded preserve offers ample opportunities for walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and—with newly developed single-track trails—mountain biking. Parking is available on Russell Road. Mature timber, early successional growth, riparian areas, and vernal pools provide diverse and essential habitat for many wildlife species.

Russell Rd., Skowhegan
FMI: Somerset Woods Trustees

Debe Park River Walk

With 800 feet of river frontage, this ADA-compliant paved riverside trail provides outstanding scenic views, fitness stations, and benches and picnic tables. The trail runs from Mt. Pleasant Street (near the walking bridge to town) to the end of Joyce Street, where it connects with a canoe portage site, the Philbrick Trails (see below), and the River's Edge Bike Park (see below).

FMI: Somerset Woods Trustees

Good Will-Hinckley Nature Trails

Behind the L.C. Bates Museum at Good Will-Hinckley, a series of four-season nature trails beckons. Delight in the natural beauty, historic stone monuments, and a bird sanctuary while hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing—and if you're so inclined, recite the Good Will Trail Song along the way: "Oh, fair trails, I'll stroll beneath the shadows of thy leaf-laden arms, and the joys of the woods shall be mine." Download a trail map here.

14 Easler Rd., Hinckley
FMI: Good Will-Hinckley

Heselton Street Trail

Forming three loops, the Heselton Street Trail wends through a white pine forest. The loamy soil covered with pine needles provides a cushioned walk, and bridges and stairs aid in traversing steeper areas. Access the trail from Heselton Street, just after the Margaret Chase Smith School, or from Memorial Field at the end of East Maple Street.

52 Heselton St., Skowhegan

Historic Pines Trail

Located near the Madison/Norridgewock town line, this one-mile trail is an easy walk along the Kennebec River, with several granite markers providing historical information. There is access for canoeing and kayaking plus a great fly-fishing spot offering the best wade-in trout fishing in the area. The 1833 Father Rasle Monument is also accessible from the trail—stop by to learn about Father Rasle and the Wabanaki tribe who inhabited the area until they were attacked by English troops in 1724. Take Route 201A to Father Rasle Road. Continue on Father Rasle Road, and the trailhead will be about 3 miles on the left.

Father Rasle Rd., Madison
FMI: Historic Pines Trail

Lake George Regional Park

In addition to the lake, beaches, and playing fields, this four-season park offers extensive trails for hiking, walking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. To learn more about this local gem, read an article and see a photo slideshow here.

Route 2, Skowhegan/Canaan border
207-474-1292

FMI: Lake George Regional Park

Lakewood Golf Course Ski and Snowshoe Trails

After the golf course closes for the season, the ski and snowshoe trails open for winter wonderland fun! The trailhead is at the corner of Route 201 and Golf Course Road. Parking is available across the street.

803 Lakewood Rd., Madison
FMI: Lakewood Ski and Snowshoe Trails

Marti Stevens Trail

Accessed behind the Marti Stevens Learning Center, this trail veers down to the Kennebec River and follows it upstream, providing beautiful river views. Along the way watch for the remains of the old ski jump and check out the various species of trees that have been labeled. Off-trail hiking is permitted, but use caution: scrap metal left behind from an old dairy farm may be hazardous.

195 West Front St., Skowhegan

Philbrick Trails

The Philbrick Trails traverse a remarkably isolated nature refuge in the heart of Skowhegan. Perfect for walking, mountain biking, or snowshoeing, this wide, well-maintained trail system offers several loops and includes approximately 1,200 feet of river frontage. The trailhead is located at the end of Joyce Street to the right of the water control plant, across from the Debe Park River Walk Trail. The trail is also accessible from behind the New Balance Shoe Factory at the end of Walnut Street.

FMI: Somerset Woods Trustees

Skowhegan River's Edge Bike Park

This small mountain biking park is accessible from the Debe Park River Walk Trail, near the Joyce Street end.

Yankee Woodlot Trail

Pick up a brochure at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension office (7 County Dr., Skowhegan) and hit this trail to learn about the mixed forest lands found throughout much of Maine. From black cherry and apple trees to hemlock, spruce, and fir, this mostly wooded trail contains a bounty of plant species. You’ll also encounter a dammed pond and the Trail of Thoughts, which includes quotations related to woodlands, hiking, and the outdoors from famous poets and philosophers. It is advisable to follow the trail counterclockwise since blazes are keyed in that direction. Parts of the trail may be uneven; boots are suggested.

7 County Dr., Skowhegan

Golf

Diadema Golf Club & Restaurant

Carved through the Maine woods, the nine-hole Diadema layout requires course management and careful approach on every hole. When played as 18, the course utilizes 10 greens and varying tee placements from the generous tees. Diadema features a putting green, driving range, and training area, plus a clubhouse with a pro shop, dining room, and banquet facility with garden area. Visit Diadema to make some memories and savor the bucolic beauty.

419 New Portland Rd., North Anson
207-635-3060
FMI: Diadema Golf Club & Restaurant

diadema-square

Gifford’s Mini Golf

Have fun practicing your short game, and don’t forget to try a scoop (or more!) of Gifford’s award-winning ice cream while you’re there.

307 Madison Ave., Skowhegan
207-474-6238
FMI: Gifford's

Lakewood Golf Course

Lakewood is an 18-hole course nestled among white pines and mountain views. Built in the early 1920s as part of the Lakewood Colony summer resort, the original nine has a classic links feel and a good balance between challenge and playability. The back nine, designed by Phil Wogan and completed in 1995, is a parkland course cut out of the thick Maine woods. Relish the amazing scenery and what Golf Digest has called “great holes that are challenging and lots of fun to play.”

803 Lakewood Rd., Madison
207-474-5955

FMI: Lakewood Golf Course

Loon’s Cove Golf Course

This fun, well-groomed course features the Kennebec River on one side, large and small hills throughout, and a pond to cross. Enjoy the private, relaxed ambiance and picturesque beauty.

942 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan
207-474-9550

FMI: Loon's Cove Golf Course

Guide Services

Allagash Guide Inc.

Allagash Guide offers fully guided and outfitted canoeing, camping, fishing, and hunting trips. Explore Maine's famous Allagash and other select rivers, woods, and forests. Trips ranging from three to ten days are available for all ages and abilities.

292 River Rd., Norridgewock
207-634-3748
FMI: Allagash Guide Inc.

Fins and Furs Adventures

Run by Master Maine Guides, Fins and Furs offers sporting adventures both worldwide and close to home, including fishing and hunting trips with vetted outfitters and hosted adventures where Fins and Furs will guide you on your trip. They also run a Maine Guide School.

32 Greenwood Ave., Skowhegan
207-474-5430
FMI: Fins and Furs Adventures

Howard Brothers Guide Services

Offering small- and big-game hunting as well as canoe trips, camping trips, and inland water sightseeing tours, Howard Brothers is ready to help you experience Maine's many rustic charms.

1074 Beckwith Rd., Cornville
207-474-4632

PB Guide Service

For more than 30 years PB Guide Service has offered guided black bear, moose, and whitetail deer hunting. From its camps in the Baker Lake region of the north Maine woods, this outfitter offers a vast hunting territory of private wilderness. Whether you're a first-time hunter or a veteran, a single person or a party of six, PB Guide Service can provide a hunting experience to remember.

PO Box 307, Skowhegan
207-474-2644
FMI: PB Guide Service

Silverton Sporting Ranch

Silverton offers rental cabins, family vacation packages, upland hunting, guided nature tours, snowshoe excursions, snowmobile trail access, sporting clays, and more.

51 Webb Rd., Canaan
207-399-3647
FMI: Silverton Sporting Ranch

Horses

Hidden Valley Equestrian Center

Hidden Valley offers horseback riding, boarding, lessons, sale/leasing, training, horse camps, private parties, horse rehabilitation, therapeutic riding, retirement boarding, and a dude and guest ranch.

8a Hidden Valley Ln., Cornville
207-474-3014
FMI: Hidden Valley Equestrian Center

Recreation Areas

Eaton Mountain Ski Area and Snow Tubing Park

Eaton Mountain is a small, family-oriented winter resort offering skiing and tubing. Grab the family and get ready for a fun and invigorating winter adventure!

89 Lambert Rd., Skowhegan
207-474-2666
FMI: Eaton Mountain

Lake George Regional Park

This four-season park offers a serene lake for swimming, fishing, and boating; two beaches; playing fields; and extensive trails for hiking, walking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Take the family to the East Side’s sand beach, savor the fall foliage on a hike, or check out Somerset SnowFest in February—Lake George has it all. Interested? Read an article and see a photo slideshow here.

Route 2, Skowhegan/Canaan border
207-474-1292

FMI: Lake George Regional Park

Mercer Bog Wildlife Management Area

Open for a variety of public uses including canoeing, kayaking, hunting, fishing, bird-watching, and more, this 371-acre bog contains a diversity of wetland types and is fringed with wooded wetland, providing habitat for various waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, aquatic and upland furbearers, and turtles, among other wildlife species. Parking and access are adjacent to Bog Stream at its intersection with Route 2 in Mercer.

FMI: Mercer Bog Wildlife Management Area

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park

This Yogi Bear-themed campground offers a plethora of activities even for people not staying there. Enjoy three small ponds stocked with rainbow and brown trout, a unique 60' x 100' pool with gradual entry on both the shallow and deep ends, bouncy houses and slides, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball, gem mining, and more!

221 Lakewood Rd., Madison
207-474-7353
FMI: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park

Other Outdoor Adventures

Old Canada Road Scenic Byway

Drive any or all of the 78 miles of gorgeous water, mountain, and forest views along Route 201 from nearby Solon to the Canadian border. Stop at quaint villages along the way for a meal, overnight stay, or guiding services for all sorts of outdoor recreation.

FMI: Old Canada Road Scenic Byway