7 Coziest Mountain Towns In Maine
Maine is the lobster and wild blueberry capital of America. It is also the place most people picture when someone mentions lighthouses and forests. After all, it is called the Pine Tree State for a reason, as forests cover nearly 90% of the state.
Maine is also mountainous with notable peaks such as Mount Katahdin, Cadillac Mountain, and the Bigelow Range. Small towns dot the foothills and valleys linked to these mountains and are some of the coziest destinations in the country. The following places are a must-visit for a true Maine mountain town experience full of warmth, comfort, and relaxation.
Bethel
Bethel is more of a mountain village than a town, with around 2,000 permanent residents. Located in Oxford County and sitting against a mineral belt, this gorgeous place is surrounded by the Mahoosuc Range and White Mountains.
Bethel’s cozy atmosphere comes from its slower pace and peaceful environment. The downtown area can be explored on foot while you take in the beautiful classic architecture. For an outdoor adventure, you can ski at Sunday River Resort or go mountain biking at Mount Abram Bike Park.
This welcoming village lies three hours from Boston and just 90 minutes from Portland. This great setting means it is highly accessible, while still offering a fully immersive nature experience. The town is beloved by students and families who want to take a load off and experience something both well-known and different.
Bethel also has the largest collection of Martian and lunar meteorites in the world at the quirky Maine Gem and Mineral Museum. The community is home to the Gem Theater, where visitors can perform at an open mic.
The town is one of those rare places where you feel right at home while having one-of-a-kind experiences straight from a bucket list.
Greenville
Greenville lies in the Maine Highlands along Moosehead Lake, which is the largest lake in the state. As ‘Moosehead’ implies, there are plenty of these majestic animals to see, especially during the spring season. You can go on a moose safari before boarding The Katahdin for a serene lake cruise. The Katahdin is the last steamboat in Maine and was built in 1914.
If you visit during winter, you can watch the Wilderness Dog Sled Race, which starts and ends in this tiny town. There are also lots of opportunities for skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Still, what draws most visitors is not purely the chance at outdoor fun. Greenville beckons to those who want to relax and enjoy a cozy ambiance. The Greenville Inn sits close to Moosehead Lake and the downtown area. The views alone make this accommodation option exceptionally appealing. It was a 1890s lumber baron’s country estate and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It offers both modernity and luxury, all within mere steps of the lake.
Dixfield
Dixfield is unique in two ways. It is ‘The Only One’ that has claimed the name Dixfield in the world. And it is home to Science Hill, an area that boasts a history of inventors who patented unique devices. The town is also the place you will find the Bull Rock statue, a commemorative sculpture depicting the legend of a moose falling into the picturesque Androscoggin River. It is said that the moose was so overwhelmed by the beauty of the view from Bull Rock that it tripped and stumbled from the ledge into the water.
Today, Dixfield is a popular destination for families and overnight travelers. The Mountain View Campground offers RV and tent space, a playground, and a swimming pool to enjoy. The town also has several green spaces, including The Village Green, where Bull Rock stands. McGouldrick Park has a skating rink and jogging trails.
Millinocket
Millinocket is a frontier town at the boundary of Maine’s incredibly large forest. It is a gateway to Mount Katahdin and the Golden Road. Millinocket’s history as a paper-mill town can be traced back to the forest surrounding it. Today, it is known more for outdoor adventures such as snowshoeing, canoeing, and hiking.
The town is surrounded by the best of what nature offers in Maine, including thousands of acres of lakes, rivers, forests, and mountains. Visitors come from far and wide to fish, snowmobile, swim, and hike. Some train hard to take part in the Millinocket Marathon and half-marathon, which takes place each December.
Climbing to the top of Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park is another highlight, as it marks the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, one of the most famous hiking trails in the country. It is also the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. Katahdin is a very demanding hike; therefore, you need to be an expert hiker to attempt it and stay aware of the risks.
Millinocket is not only about nature, however. There are plenty of things to see and experience in the town itself. Moose Prints Gallery and Gifts offers a wonderful gallery of artwork celebrating Maine’s wildlife. Scootic is where you will find comfort food like spaghetti and meatballs. At the Millinocket Historical Society and Museum, you will find exhibits celebrating the town’s paper mill and logging history.
You can relax and unwind at the Big Moose Inn after a fun day exploring the town. The Inn gives new meaning to the word cozy, with its softly lit rooms and cabins, and excellent meals.
Fryeburg
Fryeburg is the location of the historic Fryeburg Fair and one of the quietest, most peaceful towns in Maine. The quiet implodes during the Fair, with more than 300,000 people attending each year. This is a major achievement for a town with only around 1,500 permanent residents. The Fair includes everything from tractor pulls to anvil throwing and is a classic event for many families.
Outside of fair season, especially during the summer, visitors can canoe or kayak on the Saco River. You can rent ATVs and snowmobiles during winter. Fryeburg also has an extended foothills area where you can take leisurely walks or hikes.
More beautiful trails await in Evan’s Notch, which is part of the White Mountain National Forest. The Baldface Trail, about 25 minutes away from Fryeburg, is for experienced hikers who can navigate the elevation across the 9.5-mile loop.
If you want to stay a while, The Oxford House Inn is where you will find cozy accommodations paired with fine dining. If you are passing through, make some time for a meal at Jonathan’s Pub, where you can enjoy mussels and beer in front of a traditional fireplace in winter.
Rangeley
Rangeley is a tiny mountain town overlooked by Maine’s western mountains. It is the location of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which stretches 740 miles across the Northern Forest. In Rangeley, you can get up close to nature from the water or take it all in from the air. Acadian Seaplanes offers seaplane flights, allowing visitors to see the beauty of the Northern Forest. The seaplanes also circle above the forests, lakes, and Kennebago River, which makes for a magical sight.
You can also hike to the top of Bald Mountain via a moderate trail. As the name suggests, you may even spot a bald eagle or two while you are there.
Rangeley is especially gorgeous during the fall, with the foliage framing the green spaces throughout the town. The Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway is a must-do if you are in town, especially in the fall. The highlight of the drive is the Height of Land overlook, which offers panoramic views across Mooselookmeguntic Lake.
Rangeley also offers its own share of coziness at the Rangeley Inn and the Loon Lodge. Here, you will find rustic accommodation, good food, and a tranquil atmosphere—everything you need to cap off a wonderful day in one of Maine’s prettiest mountain towns.
Monmouth
Monmouth is as charming as you can imagine a small town in Maine to be. It is a highly desirable summer resort area with cottages dotting the lake shore. Located a five-minute drive from another small town, Winthrop, there is enough to see and do between the two to justify a week-long stay.
Monmouth is home to the only active inland lighthouse in Maine, The Ladies Delight. There is also a lot of history to experience at the Monmouth Museum. If you plan on staying a while, you can play a game of golf at the beautiful Cobbossee Colony Golf Course. Or, you can catch a show at The Theater at Monmouth.
If you take the short drive to Winthrop, you can toss a fishing line into Maranocook Lake or climb the historic fire tower for panoramic views of this stunning part of the state. During the summer, you can enjoy Fourth of July fireworks here or at the Monmouth Fair back in Monmouth.
For a truly warm and cozy experience, consider booking a stay at 1 Big Sustainable Island, an off-grid eco-resort located in Annabessacook Lake, Monmouth. You can rent the whole island, which spans 14 acres, or opt for a luxury cabin or tent.
The Perfect Cozy Mountain Getaway Awaits in Maine
Maine’s mountain towns offer more than traditional food, accommodation, and breathtaking views. They provide the perfect cozy escape from everyday life. So, pack a bag, and go in search of the slower pace that comes naturally to those who live in these small towns. Your bucket-list mountain escape awaits.
