Route 4 is a heavily traveled route extending from South Berwick to Oquossoc. It is 168 miles long, but for the purpose of this road trip I explored the section from Auburn to Rangeley.

Along this route are many diversions and attractions, some well known — Washburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore (www.norlands.org) and the Smalls Falls rest area in Madrid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smalls_Falls) — and others less well known but equally delightful — among them a natural Indian head rock formation and a waterfall with a 200-foot drop, not to mention swimming, ice cream and a strange collection of shoes nailed to a telephone pole in Rangeley.

Of particular note, recreationalists will appreciate the offerings of the Sandy River, which runs along Route 4 and is a great place to canoe, kayak and raft from points near Madrid to Farmington and further south. (http://www.riverfacts.com/rivers/11415.html) Saddleback Mountain ski area is nearby, so there is no shortage of things to do no matter what the season is. But visit their website for many summer activities including moose tours. www.saddlebackmaine.com

 But the businesses and attractions along Route 4 will also allow you to take a flying tour of the area or flying lessons, hike, camp, fish, enjoy roadside farm stands, golf and get an ice cream at a windmill. Go 4 it!

Roy’s All Steak Hamburgers and Golf Center

Route 4

Auburn

782-2801

www.roysgolf.com

This well-known business has been family run for many years, and along with their famous all-steak burgers they offer seafood items and Gifford’s ice cream for dessert. Along with the golfing there are batting cages. And don’t forget their cruise nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Twitchell’s Airport & Seaplane Base

40 Airport Road

Route 4

Turner

225-3490

www.twitchells@3B5.com

Twitchell’s not only gives flying lessons but offers aerial tours from the mountains to the coast. It’s open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week weather permitting. Call for more information or visit their website.

This Ole Farm Market & Kennedy’s Greenhouse

Route 4

North Turner

224-7964

A combination of quality Maine gifts, pottery, home-grown vegetables and flowers, Cabot cheese and other tasty treats, along with antiques, artwork and museum pieces. Stop off and say hello to owner George Kennedy.

Brettun’s Pond

Route 4

Livermore

This 165-acre pond offers not only swimming but fishing and boating also. The public beach is right on Route 4 and easy to find. The beach offers good swimming and a nice view of the pond. A great way to cool off on a hot day.

Dutch Treat Ice Cream

Route 4

Wilton

645-2145

Open since 1963, it offers hard and soft varieties of ice cream and many other menu items. Just look for the windmill. Join them on Wednesdays for classic car cruise night from May through August.

Indian Head Rock Formation

Route 4 between Wilton and Farmington

Look carefully for this natural rock formation, which is on a curve two miles north of Dutch Treat. At the right position you can see the face clearly. It is on the right side of the road when you are driving north. This is one of the better rock formations I have seen.

Abbott Park

University of Maine Farmington

Route 4

Farmington

A small park with rock foot bridges leading to trails through the woods. It also has a small pond that hosts a fishing derby in the spring. Located beside the UMF Learning Center parking lot on Main Street in Farmington.

Cascade Falls

Off Mosher Hill Road

Farmington

To get to these falls, turn right from Route 4 onto Route 43 in Farmington. Drive approximately 3.5 miles, then turn left onto Mosher Hill Road. Continue another 3 miles and you will see a small dirt parking area on your left, large enough for two cars. This is the head of the trail. Walk a short distance into the woods along a brook. You need to cross the brook and follow the trail as it curves down to a point where you can see the falls. Be aware the falls are fed by Clearwater Lake and at times will not be flowing very strongly. The falls have a vertical drop of about 200 feet.

Shoes on Telephone Poles

On South Shore Drive off Route 4

Rangeley

This is an oddity I first saw about 12 years ago. There are many more shoes nailed to this telephone pole now, along with two other poles that showcase ball caps and socks. If you know how this ritual began please send an e-mail to bmail@sunjournal.com and reference the shoes nailed on poles.

Rangeley Lake State Park

On South Shore Drive

Rangeley

864-3858

www.state.me.us/doc/parks

One of the many parks in Maine offering campsites, fishing, boating, swimming in the summer and winter activities. Call or visit the website for more information.

Copy the Story Link