Outdoor Recreation in the Sister Cities

The Auburn-Lewiston 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.

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.  LA residents however, have over 15 miles of trails on 1000 acres State land within a half an hour drive of LA, up in Turner. See the trails link for more information.

Bicycling

Whether you enjoy road riding or trail riding there are many opportunities in the LA area for you.  There are several established road rides for the beginner and moderate bikers such as the Lake Auburn loop, College Ave, etc...  For the mountainbiker, Mt 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. Follow the link to the Stanton Bird Club "Hot Spots" so you can get all the details.

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 Rt 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.

More information and Lake Auburn boating rules are on the link menu.

Hiking/Walking

The best resource in town for access to local trails is LA Trails.  A link to their website is included below.  Here you will also find trail maps and other useful information.

Also, check out the Androscoggin Land Trust which owns and or manages a wide range of lands in the region that are ideal for pedestrian exploration.  Click on their link for more.

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.  Click on the link to the state Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website where you can find more information about your preferred angling interests.

Golf

Auburn features four local courses.  Links to Fox Ridge and Martindale are listed.  To contact Prospect Hill call 207-782-9220. To contact Pine Acres call 777-1177.

Mini Golf/Par 3

Tabors mini golf and driving range is a landmark in Auburn, situated on the shores of Lake Auburn the scenery is stunning.  In addition to golf they offer a full line of fast and delicious foods and ice creams.

Roy's Allsteak Hamburgers & Golf Center has an awesome 18 hole mini golf course with moving parts and interesting details, a driving range, batting cages, and a neighboring 9 hole golf course, Pine Acres. Roy's is famous for their delicious grade "A" allsteak hamburgers and hand cut fries that are arguably the best in the L/A area.

Disc Golf

Auburn features two disc golf courses and there are several nearby to challenge these enthusiasts.  Click on the link for more detailed information.

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 Beers and a wedding & events space. When it comes to outdoor recreation, this local resort offers something for all ages and skills levels. Visit their website link for information on trail conditions, hours of operation, pricing, and rentals. 

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 firearm restriction zone in Auburn and are always encouraged to get landowner permission before hunting on private property.  A map of the firearm exclusion zone is available below.  Of course the lack of firearm hunting makes many areas within this zone ideal for bow hunters

The maps listed will provide an overview of the city north section, and south section exclusion zones.  These zones are shaded and striped.  Please note however that 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 exclusion zones.