More than 200 lilacs grow alongside Maine wildflowers and ferns at McLaughlin Garden. Mature plant collections give the garden its distinctive botanical character. The McLaughlin Foundation invites visitors to explore the historic home, barn, and Garden Gift Shop as well. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.
At Valentine Farm, two loop trails, each 0.6 miles long, connect to form a route totaling 1.2 miles. The accessible trail follows one loop to the Androscoggin River, where visitors can observe birds, fish, and other wildlife. The Habitat for All Garden offers a different focus: this lush garden was created especially for pollinators and birds. At Valentine Farm, trails and wildlife habitats go hand in hand.
Between River Valley, Waterfall, and Long-Distance Trail
The Grafton-Mahoosuc landscapes lie in a region of Maine that includes Franklin County and Oxford County. Grafton Notch is a U-shaped valley formed by glaciers during the last ice age. Here, the region’s geological history can be paired with hiking destinations that vary considerably in scale.
A 2025 state guide describes the Route 26 trailhead as a starting point for day hikes and overnight backpacking trips on the Appalachian Trail and the Grafton Loop Trail. The Grafton Loop Trail is 38 miles long and winds through the backcountry as a high-elevation long-distance trail. Trail and facility conditions can change; check the latest advisories before your trip.
The two loop trails at Valentine Farm, totaling 1.2 miles, offer a different scale. Screw Auger Falls is another notable stop for a trip along Route 26: the waterfall is 23 feet high and accessible via a footpath from the route. Roberts Farm Preserve also offers opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. The preserve is physically connected to downtown via the Farm to Town Trail System; the system’s access point is at 22 Water Street.
Winter Activities and the Changing Seasons
Sunday River connects eight peaks and offers more than 800 acres of ski terrain. The resort may update these figures, so check its latest information when planning your winter trip. Black Mountain of Maine has 33 kilometers of Nordic trails and The Edge Tubing Park. These offerings may be seasonal.
Mt. Abram adds skiing and snowboarding, lift operations, lessons, rentals, and seasonal programs to the winter lineup. When the snow melts, the area becomes a bike park with lift access, trails, and downhill riding. Both winter and summer operations are seasonal, so check the latest operating information before your trip.
Historic Homes, Museums, and Events
In Bethel, the Dr. Moses Mason House is a Federal-style home. Its murals in the style of Rufus Porter depict seascapes and landscapes. Public access is seasonal. Paris Hill is home to historic houses, prominent public buildings, and a former stone jail. Views from Paris Hill stretch across the White Mountains.
The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum is currently open every day except Tuesday. If you’re planning a visit, check the opening hours before you travel. The Fryeburg Fair is another seasonal highlight: the eight-day event takes place during the first week of October and features more than 3,000 animals. Confirm the specific dates for the year in question.
For motorsports enthusiasts, Oxford Plains Speedway is a key destination: it hosts the Oxford 250. Check the event schedule and dates in advance. Along with its historic sites, gardens, and walking trails, Oxford offers a variety of ways to explore rather than just one type of outing.
Discover more destinations: Rumford, Lovell, Paris, Newry, Fryeburg, Norway, Hancock, Androscoggin.
For the broader travel overview: Maine.
