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Come visit the Oxford Hills region of Maine. Where the riding never gets old,
and the scenery's breathtaking at every turn. Paris Hill is an idyllic New England
village, with a unique twist. Streets are lined with black-shuttered residences and
boasts grassy commons to enjoy a picnic. The view from the village, atop a high
hill in Oxford County, is a White Mountain vista that stretches from Mt. Chocorua to
Mt. Washington. It has been called the finest view in Maine.
While here, stop and visit JEM Motorsports, the area's finest Kawasaki dealer who's
knowledgeable and friendly. A short ride down the road you'll find Ken's Yamaha,
featuring Yamaha motorcycles and all the accessories you need. What you'll find in each
of these dealers is years of commitment and knowledge, mixed with that Maine pride.
The man you see there, who services you, and makes sure you're happy, is the owner, and
the one who depends on you coming back. Nowhere do you find service and personal
attention like this. So, be sure you're ride to Maine includes a road through the Oxford
Hills and surrounding area.
At the junction of Routes 2, 5 and 26 lies the town of Bethel. Among the many shops in
the historic village, you will find restaurants to satisfy any taste. Don't forget to try the
fudge at Maine Line Products. A walk in the Broad Street National Historic District or a
Frisbee game on the village common is a nice way to spend an evening. For something a
little more physical, try rock climbing at Big Adventure Center, just off Route 2; walking or
jogging on our beautiful Bethel Recreational Path; or maybe a canoe or kayak trip on the
Androscoggin River (rentals available at either Sun Valley Sports, Sunday River Road or
Bethel Outdoor Adventure on Route 2).
Heading west on Route 2 from Bethel go ten miles, take a left on Route 113 – a lovely
scenic driving loop through the Evans Notch region of the White Mountain National
Forest to Fryeburg, and then back to Route 5 north to Bethel. The Artists' Covered Bridge
is a short ride from the town center. Take Route 2 east from Bethel village, turn left at the
Sunday River Brewing Company onto Sunday River Road, and follow the covered bridge
signs. A ride to either the Jordan Grand Resort Hotel or to the South Ridge base lodge area
provides you with a glimpse of Sunday River Ski Resort.
For a longer ride, take a left on Route 26 north at its junction with Route 2 east (at Bear
River Trading Post), the scenery along this route is amazing as it winds its way along the
Bear River. There are plenty of places to pull off the road for picnics and pictures. Step
Falls at Wight Brook Nature Preserve is a good place to take a break. It is a long chain of
falls with pools for wading and swimming. The driveway access to it is exactly eight miles
from that same junction of Route 2 and 26, and is just a half-mile south of Grafton Notch
State Park.
In the park, a couple miles north on the left, is Screw Auger Falls. Here you will find
picnic tables, toilets, and a large parking lot. Continuing north on Route 26 you will
come to Mother Walker Falls and Moose Cave, both good stretch-your-legs spots. The
Appalachian Trail crosses Route 26 a little further up the road; there is a parking lot on the
left with toilets and hiking signs. For those looking for a hike, Table Rock and Eyebrow, are
both loop trails about two miles long. (Plan on two-three hours to hike.)
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