Discover Somerset
Accommodation in Somerset
Somerset combines distinctive landscapes, riverbanks, historic sites, and a wide range of trails for active days. The Bigelow Ecological Reserve spans more than 3,000 feet of elevation from Flagstaff Lake to West Peak and encompasses more than 3,100 acres of subalpine spruce-fir forest. These dimensions give the region a distinctive natural character and make it appealing to travelers who enjoy spending their days outdoors.
Forests, Rivers, and Trails for Different Interests
Those looking for a varied selection of walking and hiking opportunities will find an extensive network of trails in Somerset County. The approximately one-mile-long Historic Pines Trail runs along a ridge above the Kennebec River and provides access to the Father Rasle Monument. Along the way, it explores the history of the Wabanaki, English settlement, and Colonel Benedict Arnold’s Wilderness March to Québec.
The Weston Woods & Waters Trail offers a different perspective. It runs from downtown Madison along the Kennebec River through forests and fields. The trail also passes the remains of the Weston family’s old cemetery, cellar holes, and other historic remnants. The Weston Woods & Waters shoreline encompasses approximately 2.5 miles of riverfront along the Kennebec River.
For a level route, consider the Esker Trail: This wooded singletrack is 4.0 miles long, ungroomed, and follows an old transportation road from the 1960s. The paved Skowhegan River Trail/DeBe Park runs through the forest and offers views of the Kennebec River Gorge; it is ADA-compliant. Those planning longer distances can consider the Appalachian Trail, which runs for 17.6 miles across the seven peaks of the Bigelow Mountain Range.
Active Days in Every Season
Coburn Woods has more than four miles of mountain-bike singletrack. Coburn Woods and Taylor Field also offer opportunities for hiking, cycling, and snowshoeing. Skowhegan River’s Edge Bike Park is designed as a short, machine-built, lollipop-shaped loop. Optional boardwalks and bridges give advanced riders an opportunity to test their skills.
The selection remains varied in winter as well. The trails to Grand Falls Hut are groomed in winter and are suitable for winter hiking, snowshoeing, fat biking, and Nordic walking or cross-country skiing. Grand Falls Hut is accessible year-round via hiking trails. Grand Falls itself is approximately 40 feet high and 120 feet wide. In the Yankee Woodlot, the trails are open to all non-motorized users; in winter, they are suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
For waterscapes and regional nature experiences, Somerset County also offers opportunities for whitewater rafting. The Dead River and the Kennebec River meet in The Forks. A section of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail crosses the Upper Kennebec region via the Spencer Stream watershed and the Moose River. When choosing accommodation, it therefore makes sense to first consider whether hiking, cycling, winter activities, river landscapes, or culture should be the focus of the trip.
History, Culture, and Regional Specialties
Skowhegan offers several points of interest for cultural and historical discoveries. The Margaret Chase Smith Library features a permanent timeline exhibition about her life and career from 1897 to 1995. The collection can be viewed in the senator’s home as part of a guided tour. The Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center is housed in a Greek Revival-style building constructed in 1839. It displays antiques, furnishings, and everyday objects from Skowhegan dating from the mid-19th century. The museum also includes ornamental gardens with historic heirloom plants that were available to New England gardeners in the mid-19th century.
The collection of the Norridgewock Historical Society includes artifacts belonging to Indigenous peoples, early-20th-century medical items, maps, books, postcards, and newspapers. Skowhegan Island served as an east-west crossing point for Indigenous peoples. In addition, a cultural trail in Somerset County highlights works by artists Bernard Langely and Barry Norling.
Events and regional products are also part of the area’s character. The annual Maple Festival in Skowhegan features maple recipes, a cooking competition, a maple dinner, activities for children, and maple ice cream. The Skowhegan State Fair has taken place continuously since 1818 and includes performances, competitions, livestock shows, exhibitions, and a wide range of culinary offerings. Oak Pond Brewery offers short tours upon request, led by brewers Nancy Chandler or her son Adam.
Places for Further Planning
The base that best suits your plans depends primarily on the landscapes and cultural experiences you are looking for. For further orientation, you can also explore Dennistown, Norridgewock, Jackman, Madison, Skowhegan, New Portland, and Caratunk. This allows you to tailor your search for a vacation rental or holiday home to your preferred balance of nature, history, regional cuisine, and activities.
For the broader travel overview: Maine.
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