Angel Falls – In the Byron area of Route 17 out of Mexico. Easy 45-minute hike. Stop at Coos Canyon Campground on Route 17 for directions.
Appalachian Trail – Three access sites. 1. Grafton Notch State Park, watch for signs and a parking lot. 2. Off the South Arm Road in Andover. 3. East B Hill Road, 8 miles from the intersection in Andover. Check with the rangers or South Arm Campground for exact location of trail access.
Black Mountain of Maine – Located on the Glover Road in Rumford this family-oriented ski area features day and night downhill and Olympic-quality cross-country course and snow tubing. An active summer program for the kids is available, including a swimming pool and day camp. Mountain bike and hiking trails are also on Black Mountain. For more information call 207-364-8977.
Canoeing on the Webb River – Beautiful canoe rides can be made up or down the Webb River from the access at Mountain View Campground on Weld St. (Rt. 142) in Dixfield.
Coos Canyon – A beautiful gorge carved into bedrock by the Swift River. Picnic tables, viewpoints and walking trails. 13 miles west on Route 17 out of Mexico.
Gold panning – The Swift River, in Byron. All it takes is patience and a little luck. See campground operators at Coos Canyon Campground, Byron, ME, 207-364-3880 or contact guide Francis Arsenault, 207-364-2469.
Ellis River Riders Horse Shows – Old Route 5, Airport Road, Andover. Good family entertainment on the first Sunday of each month, June through October.
Falls Hill Hike – Take a bandoned road on the East Side of the Bridge across Androscoggin on Route 108 in Rumford. Walk to the top of the falls, across the High Bridge above power plant and down the sidewalk on Falls Hill to the Information Center parking lot.
Height of Land – Viewpoint overlooks the Rangeley Lakes region. Take Route 17 off Route 2 at the traffic light in Mexico. Viewpoint is about 20 miles out that scenic highway which is also a source of regular moose sightings.
Little Jackson Mountain – Pleasant climb to views of the Weld area. From Dixfield take Rte. 142 to Weld Corner; turn left onto Bryon Road. Take the dirt road on the right about 2 miles.
Lovejoy Covered Bridge – Located off Route 5 North at South Andover.
Mexico Recreation Park – Picnic tables, playground equipment, tennis, volleyball, basketball, baseball and softball fields, fireplace, snack bar, performance stage. Located on the Swift River for swimming or fishing.
Mount Blue State Park – Camping, beaches and boat launch in Weld.
Pennacook Falls – Viewpoints at Information Center parking Lot, Route 2 and 108 in Rumford. Plunges 180 feet over granite. highest falls east of Niagra.
Public Beaches – Worthley Pond in West Peru, Ellis Pond/Silver Lake in Roxbury, various spots on the Swift & Ellis Rivers and for a day use fee; Mt. Blue State Park and Dummer’s Beach in Weld.
Step Falls, Screw Auger Falls, Mother Walker Falls, Trails to Moose Cave and Jail – Grafton Notch State Park, 20 miles north on Route 26, off Route 2 in Newry. Scenic drives hiking, picnicking, and swimming. Hike to Table Rock – look for information signs in the park.
Send questions/comments to the editors.