Milan: Nature and Ski Jumping History

Milan combines water activities, forest and winter trails with a remarkable ski jumping history. There are various activities to enjoy along the Androscoggin River; Milan Community Forest offers opportunities to experience nature, and Milan Hill State Park brings together scenic views, ski trails and camping. Then there is the Nansen Ski Jump, whose history dates back to the 1930s. You can plan your stay around the experiences that interest you most.

Forest and Water in Milan

Milan Community Forest covers 1,393 acres. Its character includes habitats for moose, black bears and wetland species along the Androscoggin River. The forest is open for hiking, hunting and fishing; a trailhead is located at the end of French Hill Road. If you prefer to experience nature from the water, the Androscoggin River offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, whitewater rafting and birdwatching. Check local conditions before doing any activities on the river.

Nansen Wayside Park also offers a boat ramp, as well as opportunities for picnicking, fishing and boating. Cedar Pond is a public boat access point in Milan managed by the Department. Both locations add to the options for a stay focused on water activities.

Scenic Views, Winter Trails and Camping

From the observation tower at Milan Hill State Park, you can see mountain ranges in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Canada. In winter, the park has more than 9 miles of groomed Nordic ski trails. Trail grooming and conditions are seasonal.

The Nansen Ski Club maintains more than 6 miles of groomed trails for snowshoeing, classic cross-country skiing and skating. The trail system runs across public and private land in and adjacent to Milan Hill State Park; here too, maintenance and access are seasonal. The more than 9 miles at the state park refers to groomed Nordic ski trails, while the club’s more than 6 miles of trails accommodate several activities. The Nansen Warming Hut welcomes everyone who uses the trail system.

Milan Hill State Park has 10 campsites, including 4 yurts for primitive camping. If you plan to use this camping option, check current availability in advance.

A Long Tradition of Ski Jumping

The Nansen Ski Jump was built from 1936 to 1938 by the City of Berlin and the National Youth Administration in collaboration with the Nansen Ski Club. In 1938, it hosted the first Olympic Trials. The United States Ski Jumping National Championships were also held in Milan in 1940, 1957, 1965 and 1972. These dates give the town’s winter sports tradition a concrete timeline without conflating the different events.

Find the Right Vacation Rental for Your Priorities

When looking for a vacation rental in Milan, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: are you most interested in forests and wildlife habitats, river activities, winter trails or the history of ski jumping? If your group has several different interests, these themes provide a good starting point for planning together. Match your choice to the specific activities and seasonal conditions relevant to your travel dates.

Discover More Destinations

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For the broader travel overview: Coos.