Rumford & River Valley
Maine’s River Valley, located in the state’s Lakes & Mountains region, is home to a multitude of small, friendly towns offering their own unique history, local businesses and outdoor experiences. Among them is Rumford, a charmingly historic town that has been a thriving destination for business since the 1800s. Intersected by the picturesque Androscoggin River and surrounded by trees and mountains, today it is a four-season destination offering outdoor recreation, dining and lodging.
Things to Do in Rumfrod
The Rumford area offers you snowmobiling and skiing in the winter, and fishing, hiking and ATVing in the warmer months.
A top draw to the area has long been Black Mountain of Maine. With the fourth-largest vertical drop in the state, this local ski area offers 1,380 feet of vertical and mountain-wide night skiing, two chair lifts, and a T-bar with over 50 trails and glades. In addition to alpine skiing, Black Mountain is also home to a world-class cross-country ski center and a snowtubing park.
Yet another frosty-fun activity you can experience in Rumford is snowmobiling. For advice on the top trails and group rides, contact local clubs in the region.
Come spring, the local waters of the Androscoggin and surrounding lakes open up for warm-weather fishing, boating and paddling. Top-rated bass fishing is available in sections of the Androscoggin River and Kezar Lake. There’s also trout (brook, rainbow and brown), sunfish, perch and landlocked salmon. The upper Androscoggin is also excellent for scenic paddling – local canoe and kayak outfitters in nearby Bethel can provide you with what you need. Try Bethel Outdoor Adventure or Western Maine Guide Service. The recently completed boat launch expansion allows easy access to the Androscoggin River.
Back on land, motorsport fans swap their snowmobiles for ATVs to experience more than 1,000 miles of ATV-riding trails available throughout the Rumford and Androscoggin River Valley area. Check out these local clubs for information on the best times and places to go.
Rather try some hiking? The western Maine mountains offer plenty. For some moderate hiking, consider the climb up Rumford’s Whitecap Mountain. There are two trails which offer great views and seasonal blueberry picking. For something a little less challenging, take Rumford’s Swift River Walking Trail, a short, wheelchair-accessible stretch that offers a quiet respite and easy walking.
Rumford’s charming historic town is centered around scenic Rumford falls. Best appreciated in the spring months to witness their spectacular strength and flow, you can spot them right from downtown. Walk through J. Eugene Boivin Park or stroll along the bridge on Bridge Street for great views of the falls. From there, explore the local shops and restaurants dotting the streets.
Rumford’s downtown contains shops and businesses of hidden treasures. Peruse Wardwell’s for antiques, go thrifting for gems at What Not Shop (if you get lucky, you might catch them on one of their $5 “Fill-A-Bag” days!) and gifts and collectibles at Port to Port Imports.
Restaurants in Rumford
After your outdoor adventure or perusing downtown, grab a bite to eat at one of these local spots. The Lure is a fusion seafood restaurant with a great selection of drinks and draft beers. For a family-style restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, head to Chamberlain's. Be sure to browse additional options to find what satisfies your craving.
Where to Stay in Rumford
Looking for a place to stay in Rumford and the River Valley region? Try out the newly opened 63-room Rumford Falls Best Western Plus for great access to Sunday River and Black Mountain. There are also many bed-and-breakfasts and inns – be sure to give them a call to check availability.
For more information and trip ideas for this area, check out our Androscoggin River itinerary.
Businesses & Organizations
Retrieving results.
