Winter, spring, summer, or fall, Norway Maine offers up 4 seasons of fun. Located in west central Maine, near the popular recreational area of Lake Penneseewassee, visitors simply marvel at the multitude of activities they find throughout the year. Guests at our bed and breakfast in Poland rave about hiking in fall, boating in summer, snowshoeing in winter, and biking in spring. With so much to see and do, it’s simply a matter of choosing your favorite season to visit.
Spring
SpringTypically known as mud season, spring in Maine can be beautiful. With snow melting, our waterfalls are a top attraction. Though hiking can be tricky in mud, the reward of catching the rush of water down a rockface at the peak of snowmelt is nothing short of invigorating.
Ice out, too, can be a rush. Predicting the exact moment of this annual event keeps even lifelong Mainers guessing. But, sometime in April, this harbinger of spring signals the official end of winter on our lakes. Slowly the ice darkens and melts. Each warm sunny spring day hastens the thaw, changing the profile of the lakes daily. Even amateur photographers are mesmerized by this phenomenon.
If you’re not into melting snow and ice and the inevitable mud, you can still find plenty of fun things to do in Norway Maine come spring. Shopping always entertains, and strolling along Main Street never disappoints. Cool shops, and even cooler restaurants invite visitors to step inside and stay awhile.
Other great options for entertainment in the Norway area include:
Summer
SummerSummer in Norway Maine means donning gear for the abundance of water sports activities. Norway Lake Marina rents boats, kayaks and everything else you might need for a great day on the water. If you bring your own water craft, you can launch at the public boat launch at the lake. You’ll also find 2 beaches, picnic grounds, playground, basketball and volleyball courts, and walking trails.
Bring your golf clubs for an outing at the Norway Country Club. This scenic 9-hole course may not be the longest you’ve ever teed up at, but it sure is pretty, with gorgeous views of the White Mountains.
If you really want to challenge your physical endurance, sign up for the annual Norway Triathlon. Held in July, this 3-part event attracts athletes from all parts to test their mettle running, swimming, and biking. Taking place in and around beautiful Lake Pennesseewassee, the event is a highlight of the summer season in Norway Maine.
Fall
Nothing equals the beauty of fall in Maine. When Mother Nature paints the landscape with the colors of autumn, there is no better place to be than hiking the wooded trails of the Roberts Farm Preserve in Norway. Situated above Lake Pennesseewassee, the elevated trails offer views of the lake and mountains beyond. A network of 7.5 miles of multiuse trails means they see activity year-round. If you need to upgrade your hiking boots, stop by the New Balance Factory Outlet in nearby Oxford for good deals on hiking footware.
Trails are groomed in winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, but before the snow flies they make for excellent mountain biking. If you need to rent or buy equipment before you head out to the trails, stop by the Green Mountain Bike Shop in downtown Norway. Or if you are a budding artist and want to capture the beauty of fall foliage while trekking through the woods, pick up everything you need to at 100 Aker Wood Art Supply downtown.
Ordway Grove in Norway offers a more modest .7-mile trail for those looking to catch a glimpse of the lake while rambling through a forest of white pine. Noted as having some of the oldest white pines in the state, the 10-acre grove lies on the eastern shore of Lake Pennesseewassee.
Winter
WinterKnown as a winter wonderland, you can’t beat the cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing at Robert’s Farm Preserve. Groomed trails, a warming hut, and equipment available for free tempt those looking for an outdoor experience in freshly fallen snow.
Once the hub for snowshoe manufacturers, Norway hosts an annual winter Snowshoe Festival. Two days in February brim with activities for the whole family. Arts and crafts, entertainment, and food from local restaurants are just part of the fun. Racers compete in 2-, 5-, and 10-kilometer races for bragging rights. Held at Roberts Farm Presereve, this event has been recognized as something uniquely Maine.
Ice fishing and snowmobiling on Lake Pennesseewassee bring out hearty outdoor enthusiasts. The below infographic depicts safe ice conditions.
Perhaps the highlight of the snowmobile season is the annual Norway Trackers Snowmobile Club Parade of Lights. Cars line the street with onlookers to watch dozens of snowmobiles parading across the frozen lake.
For more information about shopping and restaurants, check out our guide to downtown Norway, Maine.
No matter what season you choose to explore Norway Maine, be sure to book a room at the Wolf Cove Inn. It’s a little piece of heaven right on Tripp Lake, just 15 minutes from downtown Norway and all its indoor and outdoor attractions.
The loons of the lake are calling you!
Want to hear more about what’s going on in our area of Maine? Get the inside scoop on things to do, special offers, packages and great information about what’s happening at and around our romantic Maine bed and breakfast. Rest assured, we won’t spam you. We only email you every other month or so and it’s good information.