ATV/Snowmobile Trails

River Valley Riders ATV Club: Over 200 miles of access trails from the River Valley. Bill Morse 364-7373 or Dan Mitchell 562-8873.

There’s a network of trails throughout the area. For more info about local snowmobile clubs, call the Chamber office at 364-3241.

Canoeing/Kayaking

Webb River: Beautiful canoe rides up and down the Webb River from the access at Mountain View Campground on Weld St. (Rt. 142) in Dixfield.

Boat launches: Rt. 2 Rumford

Worthley Pond, Peru, Maine

Roxbury Pond, Rt. 120 Roxbury, Maine

Gold Panning

Swift River: The Swift River, in Byron, has supplied prospectors from the beginner to the professional with gold found within its beds. The history of gold mining goes back to the early 18th Century, when gold was first discovered here. Youngsters to old timers still enjoy searching for gold. All it takes is patience and a little luck. See campground operators at Coos Canyon Campground, Byron, 364-3880, or contact guide, Francis Arsenault at 364-2469 for more information.

Golfing

Oakdale Country Club, 6,198 yard, par 72. Season: May 1-November 1. Country Club Rd. off Rt. 2 in Mexico. 364-3951.

Hikes/Walking Trails

Appalachian Trail: Three access sites:

1. Grafton Notch State Park – watch for signs in 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.

Falls Hill Hike: Take abandoned road-east side of the bridge across from the Androscoggin River on Rt. 108 in Rumford. Walk to the top of the falls, across the High Bridge above the Power Plant and down the sidewalk on Falls Hill to Information Center Parking lot.

Little Jackson Mountain: Pleasant climb to views of the Weld area. From Dixfield, take Rt. 142 to Weld Corner, left onto Byron Rd. Dirt road on right about 2 miles.

Mexico Ledge: Easy walk off Swett Ave. in Mexico.

Old Spec/Grafton Notch State Park: Rt. 2 West onto Rt. 26 in Newry. More info at the Park.

Step Falls, Screw Auger Falls, Mother Walker Falls, Trails to Moose Cave & Jail

Grafton Notch State Park, 20 miles north on Rt. 26, off Rt. 2 in Newry. Scenic drive, hiking, picnicking, and swimming. Hike to Table Rock – Info signs in the Park.

Swift River Walking Trail: Picnic tables and trail along the Swift River in Rumford. Take Rt. 2 to traffic light at the intersection of Lincoln Ave. and Hancock St. Travel about .5 miles on Hancock St. and turn right into the recreation area to parking lot.

Tumbledown Mountain: In Weld with hiking trails, inquire at the Ranger Station.

Mines

May not be opened if being worked.

Perham’s of Maine, 1-800-371-GEMS for current information.

Tamminen & Harvard Quarries, Near Rt. 219 in Greenwood.

Mount Mica, Paris Hill

Dunton Quarry, Rt. 5 in Newry

Black Mountain of Maine, Rt. 120

Mount Zircon, Off the South Rumford Rd.

Mountain Biking/Ski Trails

Weld: In Weld at Center Hill. Ask for directions at one of the stores in the center of Weld.

Sunday River: Bethel, Maine

Carter’s X-C Ski Centers and Shop: Intervale Rd., Bethel Maine 539-4848 or 824-3880

Black Mountain of Maine: Located on the Glover Rd. 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 available. FMI call 364-8977.

Museums

Dixfield Historical Society and Tool Museum, 63 Main St., Dixfield. Collects and preserves artifacts and data from Dixfield’s past, protects current historical materials and promotes through education the desire for future generations to honor and respect their heritage. Featuring the John L. Towle Antique Tool Museum with over 1,200 rare antique tools and Stanley planes. FMI, call 562-7595.

River Valley Mineral Museum: The world’s largest Amethyst displayed with stones and minerals. 1125 Rt. 2 Rumford. 369-0030.

Lufkin Museum, Rumford Historical Society. Rumford Ctr. Displays artifacts from Rumford & surrounding areas. Open summer months, Wednesday and Friday. Society archives located in the Municipal building contain newspapers, photos, cemetery records & other historical material. Open to the public. FMI, call 364-8455.

Parks

Mexico Recreation Park: Picnic tables, playground equipment, tennis, volleyball, basketball, baseball & softball fields, fireplace, snack bar, & performance stage. On the Swift River for swimming or fishing.

Mount Blue State Park: Camping, beaches and boat launch in Weld.

Grafton Notch State Park: Rt. 2 West onto Rt. 26 in Newry.

Recreation

Mexico Recreation Center: Offers many activities for children and adults. Friday nights offer roller-skating. Fall and winter dancing lessons. Youth and adult volleyball in the fall & winter. Contact Greg at 364-2051 or 364-4912.

Shopping

Rumford Shoppers Island: Shop on “The Island” created by the Androscoggin River and a canal. With easy return to Rt.2 and Rt. 108, you will find restaurants, gift shops, financial services and retail stores, as well as Maine souvenirs.

River Valley Crossing, Rt. 2 Rumford. Retail shops.

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