Outdoor Recreation

The Auburn area offers many recreation opportunities for bikers, hikers, anglers, hunters, birdwatchers, and much, much more. Listed below is a general guide to the outdoor highlights in the area and you can find more information under Additional Links.

ATV Trails

  • According to Maine State Law, ATV riders must have permission to ride on private property, and written permission to ride on agricultural land.  Auburn residents have access to more than 15 miles of trails on 1,000 acres of State land within a 30-minute drive. 

Bicycling

  • Whether you enjoy road riding or trail riding, there are many opportunities in the Auburn area. There are several established road rides for the beginner and moderate bikers such as the Lake Auburn loop.  For the mountain biker, Mount Apatite is a great spot to start, and nearby Bradbury Mountain State Park offers some excellent trails. 

Birdwatching

  • This activity can take place just about anywhere, but local birders have some "hot-spots" that may interest the visitor to town or folks looking for some good tips. 

Boating

  • Although the area is rich in aquatic resources, there are few bodies of water with public access.
  • Lake Auburn is paramount among these with a boat launch off of Route 4, but there are many restrictions due to the lake's status as the public drinking water supply.
  • The Androscoggin River is the other large body of water with public boat launches.  This remarkably wild river offers some of the best bass fishing in the region, and long stretches of pristine riverfront for canoeing and kayaking enjoyment.
  • Lake Auburn boating rules are available under Additional Links. 

Hiking/Walking

  • Mount Apatite Park is a 325-acre wooded park in Auburn, offering a variety of recreational opportunities. A trail map is located under Additional Links.  
  • The Androscoggin Land Trust owns and/or manages a wide range of lands in the region that are ideal for pedestrian exploration. 

Fishing

  • The area is rich in water resources.  Lake Auburn is well known for togue and landlocked salmon fishing.  The Androscoggin River is one of the best bass fisheries in the state, especially for feisty small mouth bass.  There are many streams and smaller rivers in the area for the trout enthusiast. Under Additional Links, visit the state's Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website where you can find more information about your preferred angling interests.

Golf

  • Auburn features two 18-hole courses, Fox Ridge Golf Club and Martindale Country Club. 

Mini Golf/Disc Golf

  • Tabers was founded in 1941 as a small vegetable stand on the shores of Lake Auburn. Since then it has blossomed into a restaurant, miniature golf, driving range, and ice cream stand. 
  • Roy's All Steak Hamburgers & Golf Center has an awesome 18 hole mini golf course with moving parts and interesting details, a driving range, batting cages, and a 9 hole disc golf course, Pine Acres. 

Lost Valley

  • Lost Valley is Auburn's very own ski, snowboard, snowshoes cross country & fat bike winter destination. Lost Valley is also open year-round with their brewpub featuring Lost Valley Brewing Co. and a wedding/event space. When it comes to outdoor recreation, this local resort offers something for all ages and skills levels. 

Hunting

  • Auburn offers a number of choice areas for those interested in the hunt, from small game, to deer and waterfowl.  Hunters need to know about the firearms discharge zone in Auburn and are always encouraged to get landowner permission before hunting on private property. Of course the lack of firearm hunting makes many areas within this zone ideal for bow hunters
  • Auburn has a Firearms Discharge Zone map with clearly marked prohibited areas. For additional information, visit the Auburn Police Department. Please note: it is the hunter's responsibility to assure that they are hunting in appropriate areas and this map should not be used as the only resource to determine the prohibited areas.