The Western Maine Mountains region spans most of Maine's western border with New Hampshire. A small part of the scenic White Mountain National Forest is located in this area. This is essentially all of Oxford County and northern York County and Cumberland Counties. Notable towns include Bethel, Bridgton, Oxford, Rangeley, and Rumford. Many of the state's highest peaks are located in the region, although the highest, Mount Katahdin, is not.
The area is known for its skiing, including Shawnee Peak in Bridgton, Sunday River in Bethel, Black Mountain in Rumford, Saddleback Mountain in Rangley and Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley. The economy in these areas is largely based around tourism.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail passes through this region, and the portion that passes through the region's Mahoosuc Notch is popularly considered by hikers to be the most difficult mile of the entire trail.
Famous quotes containing the words western, maine and/or mountains:
“Westron wind, when will thou blow?
The small rain down can rain.
Christ, that my love were in my arms,
And I in my bed again.”
—Unknown. Western Wind (l. 1–4)
“I have been oranging and fat,
carrot colored, gaped at,
allowing my cracked o’s to drop on the sea
near Venice and Mombasa.
Over Maine I have rested.”
—Anne Sexton (1928–1974)
“The mountains will be in labor and bring forth a ridiculous mouse.”
—Horace [Quintus Horatius Flaccus] (65–8 B.C.)