The mountains, lakes, farms and fields of western Maine serve as the perfect backdrop for numerous summer activities. 

Waterfalls and picnics:

Screw Auger Falls, Grafton Township: North of Newry on Route 26. Sightseeing, picnicking, and hiking on its 3,000 acres of varied terrain with somewhat limited access to certain areas. There are several picnic tables, bathrooms and a large parking area. Sights include Screw Auger Falls, Spruce Meadow, Mother Walker Falls, Old Speck Mountain and Moose Cave.

Ellis Falls, Andover: Not far from Grafton Notch, there’s a lesser known and more secluded waterfall arising from the Ellis Meadow Brook. Look for an off-road parking area on Route 120, about two miles east of Andover.

Snow Falls, West Paris: Picnicking and hiking along Little Androscoggin River, as it cuts its way through a narrow gorge alongside Route 26. Four cascades send the peaceful waters gushing downward; however, the gorge, at least 30 feet deep, is surrounded by a fence.

GRCC, 50 Congress St., Rumford: The Greater Rumford Community Center is a nonprofit organization providing affordable, quality recreation programs and services for all residents of the River Valley Area. The facility houses a basketball court, gymnastics, fitness room, running track, racquetball court, sauna, program rooms, game room and locker rooms. www.rumfordgrcc.com or call 207-369-9906.

Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, 290 Norlands Road, Livermore; 207-897-4366; Norlands@norlands.org http://www.norlands.org/.

Whistle Stop Rail-Trail: 13-mile trail from Jay (off Rte.4/17) to Farmington (off Farmer Lane), the trail is used for horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, walking, and cross country skiing.

Worthley Pond in Peru offers camping and a beautiful beach.

Rangeley Lakes Logging Museum, 291 Route 16, Rangeley, 207-864-5595.

Titcomb Mountain in West Farmington offers skiing in a friendly atmosphere.

Wilton Parks and Recreation Department, 645-4825; email: wiltonrec@beeline-online.net

Kineowatha Park: Located on the shores of Wilson Lake, this 63-acre park features a beach with a dock and a float to accommodate swimming lessons, play space for the younger set, a basketball court with six hoops, two tennis courts, a volleyball court, a Little League field, a practice field, a multi-purpose field and two sets of horseshoe pits; picnic tables and a cookout area; an ice skating rink and walking trails.

Black Mountain of Maine, 39 Glover Road, Rumford. For more information, call 207-364-8977 or visit www.skiblackmountain.org/.

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