Aerial image of the town of Farmington with mountains in the background

Explore the Farmington Area

Adventure, Culture, & Nature

Farmington is nestled at the foothills of the mountains in western Maine — a safe, laid-back place where skiers and riders hang with artists and writers.

Life at the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) goes far beyond campus. Located in downtown Farmington and Maine’s lakes and mountains region, students enjoy a lifestyle full of outdoor adventure, creativity, and a high quality of life. All within walking distance of campus you’ll find local restaurants, shops, live music, local art shows, hiking trails, and more.

Western Maine—also known as the Lakes & Mountains or Ski Country—boasts 6,000 lakes, 17 million acres of forest, and abundant wildlife, including moose, deer, bald eagles, and beavers, the school mascot. With free gear rentals through Mainely Outdoors, students can easily explore lakes, trails, and ski areas by kayak, canoe, bike, or snowshoe, and join guided group activities to discover new adventures and meet friends.

 

Explore Maine's Lakes and Mountains

Outdoor Recreation Haven

Farmington offers easy access to a variety of hiking trails, from nearby paths along the Sandy River and Powder House Hill trail network to more extensive hikes within an hour at Mount Blue State Park, the Bigelow Mountains, Tumbledown, and beyond.

Students can also enjoy water and biking adventures close by, including swimming, fishing, and paddling on the Sandy River or Wilson Lake, as well as gravel rides on the Whistle Stop Trail or mountain biking at Titcomb Mountain, with free equipment rentals available through Mainely Outdoors.

Explore Regional Recreation

Welcome to Ski Country

Winter in Farmington offers great snow sports right near campus. At Titcomb Mountain, students can enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, Nordic trails, and the slopes are even lit for night skiing. Best of all, students ski free!

Within an hour, you’ll find a number of additional ski options including Sugarloaf, Black Mountain, and Saddleback for great downhill skiing, uphill touring, and groomed Nordic Trails. For those looking for a longer adventure you can even do some hut-to-hut skiing with Maine Huts and Trails. For a bigger winter adventure, explore the hut-to-hut trails of Maine Huts & Trails. You can also enjoy snowshoeing on many local hiking trails or try sledding at some of the nearby hills around Farmington.

Explore Skiing and Snowboarding

We Heart Art

Through the Emery Community Arts Center and local affiliated groups like ArtsFarmington you’ll find a wide range of arts—music, theater, visual arts, poetry, film, and improv as well as exhibitions, workshops, and events.

Live performances thrive year-round from the Whistlestop Concert Series, Western Maine Community Chorus,  Old South Church Concert Series, and Sandy River Player Community Theater Group. You can also catch the latest movie at the Narrow Gauge Cinemas. There’s always something artistic happening in Farmington, Maine.

Emery Community Arts Center

Weekend Adventures

Want to explore further afield in Maine? Portland is only 90 minutes away and you can visit hike Maine’s tallest peak Katahdin, Acadia and Mid-Coast Maine, and New Hampshire’s White Mountains all within 2-3 hours.  You’ll have no shortage of things to do and see.

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