“These lands offer rugged terrain for back-country hikers and include 12 of the most challenging miles along the Appalachian Trail. Hikers who negotiate the steep summit trails are rewarded with spectacular views, particularly on Old Speck (4,180 feet).”
Events
Maine Brew FestSunday River, 15 South Ridge Rd, Newry, ME 04261 | (800) 543-2754
The Maine Brew Fest features around 100 craft beer and cider samplings from almost 30 Maine breweries. The weekend-long event features a beer dinner, an oyster tasting event, great food, family-friendly activities, and more.
Looking for a unique event? Head over to Sunday River for the Wife Carrying Championship, where couples cross a 278-yard obstacle course over hurdles, through a watery mud pit, and up an unsteady sandhill, competing to win the wife’s weight in beer and five times her weight in cash.
This fun-filled weekend features the North American Wife Carrying Championship, kids’ pumpkin pie eating contest, the New England cornhole championship, and the Blue Mountain Arts and Crafts Fair. There are also concerts, scenic chairlift rides, free wagon rides, and more.
Sunday River15 South Ridge Rd, Newry, ME 04261 | (800) 543-2754
“Overlooking the Sunday River Valley with the Mahoosuc range towering above, the course follows the natural topography of the landscape while striking the perfect balance between challenge and playability. Facilities include a clubhouse, restaurant and bar, pro shop, and practice range.”
The final 282 miles of the Appalachian Trail are located in Maine.. The difficulty varies depending on the part of the trail, but Maine’s portion of the trail is the “most challenging, rugged and remote state, and it has the wildest feel of any area of the trail.”
“These lands offer rugged terrain for backcountry hikers and include 12 of the most challenging miles along the entire Appalachian Trail…those who seek tamer adventures can find short walks leading to impressive waterfalls and gorges.
Sunday River15 South Ridge Rd, Newry, ME 04261 | (800) 543-2754
Check out the link above for a great listing of local hikes!
Skiing
Sunday River Ski Resort – Photo Credit: Sunday River
The most well-known destination in Newry. Year-round activities and season passes available.
Local legend has it that an elusive yeti inhabits the mountains in and around Sunday River. Some lucky visitors tell stories of meeting the shy but friendly creature, and even finding his mountainside home…
One of Maine’s most popular waterfalls. There is a relatively short trail to the waterfall, which is a beautiful 25-foot plunge into the Bear River that goes into more shallow pools. Past this, also in Grafton Notch, is the smaller Mother Walker Falls.
“Spectacular long chain of descending horsetails and cascades… Wight Brook, a wide mountain stream, meanders its way down several hundred feet of sunny granite slabs.” One thing to keep in mind is that during the spring it is filled with water but later in the summer it mostly dries up.
Grafton Notch State Park and the surrounding area boast many other swimming holes and waterfalls to cool off in the summer. These include the Angevine Park Swim Hole, Mother Walker Falls, and Rumford Falls. If you’re feeling determined you can add a hike in to get to Dunn Falls.
The Bear River and Sunday River, feeding into the Androscoggin River, are all popular fishing spots. Find some more helpful fishing info here.
