We have 9 terrific winter activities in Maine and around the Wolf Cove Inn that allow you to enjoy the beauty of New England winter, a wonderful time of year. Yes, there is shoveling and driving on snowy, icy roads. But once you’ve dispensed with that, nature’s remnants are there to enjoy, invigorate your body and help you make a connection with the natural world around you. To top things off you’ll save $100-$280 per night during the winter season!
9 Winter Activities In Maine, Or Rather, 10 Activities
1 – Romantic Sleigh Rides
Travel past wooded pine groves with the tree boughs weighed down with snow. Traverse open snow covered pastures and delight in the warmth of the winter sun. Try to catch snowflakes on your tongue as mother nature repaints her canvas. Catch the views of majestic Mount Washington in the distance. Snuggle up under a blanket with the love of your life while listening to the quiet sounds of a winter sleigh ride. What could be more romantic than a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the woodlands and pastures of rustic Maine? Just down the road from our Maine B&B, the folks at High View Farm will delight you with a scenic ride through their farm.
2 – Winter Wonderland Horseback Riding
For the horse enthusiast, or folks wanting to try it for the first time, enjoy guided horseback tours at the Carousel Horse Farm just down the road in our neighboring town of Casco. Enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and hills in the area. On a clear day, Mount Washington is a spectacular site. Also you are likely to spot fox, deer and turkeys along the way. On this tour you will experience open pastures and wooded trails. When done, you can warm up at the new, on-site Road Apple Cafe. Then make your way back to the living room fireplace and some hot chocolate at the Wolf Cove Inn to top off your winter wonderland adventure.
3 – Snowshoeing
One of the most popular winter activities in Maine, snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore nature’s winter transformation of those favorite summer hiking and biking trails around our Maine B&B. Range Pond State Park, Bragdon Conservation Area are close by and easy. In addition, for more of a winter challenge, the Bri-Mar Trail on Rattlesnake Mountain offers scenic snowshoeing options ranging from beginner to advanced. All are within ten minutes of the Wolf Cove Inn. Or take a leisurely snowshoeing tour on frozen Tripp Lake right out our back door. You can also enjoy a winter tour of the Poland Spring Resort Golf Course as the groom the cart paths in the winter. Robert’s Farm Preserve in nearby Norway (the former snowshoe capital of the US) maintains groomed snowshoeing trails. They have a warming hut where you can borrow snowshoes for free. Pineland Farms also has an extensive network of trails. Rentals are available.
4 – Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing has long been a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts. Great exercise, invigorating fresh air and beautiful scenery leave one with a sense of peace and well being. We are lucky to have a wonderful touring center just down the road in Oxford. The Oxbow Beer Garden has an extensive groomed trail network less than ten minutes from the Wolf Cove Inn. Be sure to bring your own equipment. The aforementioned Robert’s Farm Preserve in Norway is also open to cross country skiing. You will find a larger network of trails a bit further away at Pineland Farms. You may rent gear there.
5 – Dog Sledding
That’s right. Dog sledding. Talk about a unique winter experience! Just five miles away, and across the road from Oxford Casino, you will find the Ultimate Dog Sledding Experience. Utilizing the extensive and well maintained snowmobiling network in the area, you’ll experience the beauty of the Maine lakes and mountains region with nothing but the almost silent sound of the sled runners gliding across the snow.
Team up with Alex, a professional dog sled racer, and choose from a wide variety of experiences. For those new to dog sledding, Alex offers one, two and three hour tours. In addition, the more adventurous will enjoy the multi-day Ultimate Experience where you will learn to handle your team. On the last day you run your own sled.
For those looking for the three-day experience, Alex’s clients will often head to his place on a Friday morning, stay overnight locally (i.e. here!) on Friday and Saturday night. Then they do their third day of the experience on Sunday and then head home. No doubt this is one of those winter activities you’ll be talking about for years to come!
Sue On The Slopes At Sugarloaf
6 – Downhill Skiing
Maine has some of the best skiing in New England. Of all the available outdoor activity options, it is by far my favorite. The challenge of the sport, the beauty of the mountains and the fresh air coursing through my lungs. I’m getting goosebumps! Here at our Maine B&B we have a number of areas within an easy drive. First of all, there are the beginner areas like Lost Valley to mid-sized mountains like Shawnee Peak. In addition, you can experience the full gamut of challenges and terrain at Sugarloaf (the best!) and Sunday River.
Sure, ski-in and ski-out is nice. But the accommodations are often spartan. And they may charge an arm and a leg for après skiing. So our suggestion is to pamper yourself with great lodging here at the Wolf Cove Inn. Take a short to medium to slightly longer drive for a great day of skiing. And finally, when it’s time for the water jets to soothe those achy muscle, you don’t have to share the spa with 20 of your new best friends. Most jetted tubs in our suites comfortably accommodate two in a nice, quiet, romantic setting.
7 – Snowmobiling
The western lakes and mountains region of Maine is home to extensive networks of snowmobile trails. It is one of those winter activities in Maine where you can enjoy the great outdoors. Furthermore you can satisfy your need for speed at the same time. There are many local snowmobile clubs (Poland, Raymond, Norway, Mechanic Falls, Oxford) that can let you in on the hidden secrets in the area. So bring your machines (note – limited parking is available) and explore the area.
8 – Ice Fishing
One of the more ancient and primal winter pastimes is ice fishing. Tripp Lake has an abundance of fish and you’ll see a number of ice fishing sites set up around the lake. Bring your auger and gear and enjoy a day of winter angling. Tripp Lake is home to many species of fish including large and small mouth bass, pickerel, sunfish, perch, salmon and brown trout. Furthermore, if you get a bit chilly, head right on into the Inn for hot chocolate, coffee or tea and the warmth of the fireplace.
9 – Ice Skating
One of the earliest winter sports parents teach their kids, outdoor enthusiasts have enjoyed ice skating for centuries. When conditions permit, we have a nice large skating rink right out our back door – Tripp Lake! Bring your skates and leisurely explore our small piece of paradise. Or head down to Pineland Farms for their skating pond. Come back in and warm yourself in front of the fire with some hot chocolate, Carrabassett Coffee or our selection of fine teas.
10 – Sledding
Pineland Farms has a groomed sledding area. Bring your own sled or rent one at the Outdoor Center at the farm.
Winter Activities in Maine at Our Winter Wonderland
We at the Wolf Cove Inn are happy to help make arrangements for many of these activities. Please check our specials and packages for more details and information.
We know you have choices for your winter romantic getaways in Maine. As you can see, there are many great outdoor winter options to be enjoyed at our Maine B&B. Best of all when you stay at our beautiful bed and breakfast in Maine, you can start your day with our signature Maine comfort breakfast. Then head out for a day of fun. Finally, wrap up your most excellent day around the fireplace in our cozy living room overlooking Tripp Lake.
To help you save a little money, we offer our lowest rates of the year during the winter. Save $100-$280 per night depending on the room. Now you have no excuses! We look forward to your visit.
Cheers, Roy
Wolf Cove Inn, Poland, Maine
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