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Western Maine Lakes and Mountains

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Western Lakes and Mountains
Composition
Largest cityLewiston
Area
 • Total4,957 sq mi (12,840 km2)
 • Land4,710 sq mi (12,200 km2)
 • Water247 sq mi (640 km2)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total264,754
 • Density53/sq mi (21/km2)
DemonymWesterner

The Western Lakes and 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. The region consists of Oxford County, Androscoggin County, Franklin County, as well as northern York and interior Cumberland counties. The largest cities in the region are Lewiston and Auburn. 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 crystal clear lakes and scenic hiking trails in the summer. Fall can also bring tourists who come to see the brilliant Autumn leaf color provided by the region's maple-dominated forestry. In the winter, skiing becomes the region's largest attraction. This region has many resorts and ski areas to choose from, including Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton, Sunday River in Bethel, Black Mountain in Rumford, Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, and Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley. The economy in these areas is largely based on seasonal activities and 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.[1]

Communities

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Name County Population (2020)
Auburn Androscoggin 24,061
Bethel Oxford 2,504
Bridgton Cumberland 5,418
Casco Cumberland 3,646
Dixfield Oxford 2,253
Fryeburg Oxford 3,369
Gray Cumberland 8,269
Greene Androscoggin 4,376
Jay Franklin 4,620
Kingfield Franklin 960
Lewiston Androscoggin 37,121
Lisbon Androscoggin 9,711
Livermore Falls Androscoggin 5,187[a]
Mechanic Falls Androscoggin 3,107
Mexico Oxford 2,756
Naples Cumberland 3,925
Norway Oxford 5,077
Oxford Oxford 4,229
Paris Oxford 6,945[b]
Porter Oxford 1,600
Rangeley Franklin 1,222
Rumford Oxford 5,858
Sabattus Androscoggin 5,044
Standish Cumberland 10,244
Turner Androscoggin 5,817
Wilton Franklin 3,835
Windham Cumberland 18,434

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Population includes Livermore
  2. ^ Population includes West Paris

References

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