About New Portland

NOTICE: The town's ice skating rink behind the firestation is ready for the public to use. We are looking for volunteers to help keep it cleaned off. Please call the town office at: 628-4441

New Portland is a steep and heavily forested, 43 square mile town in western Somerset County, Maine, United States. It is located 28 miles northwest of Skowhegan and 18 miles north of Farmington. The fewer than 1,000 residents live along the Carrabassett River, which snakes through town, or in one of the three villages, the small commercial villages of West New Portland and North New Portland, or the residential village of East New Portland. State Route 27, in the proximity of Sugarloaf Ski Area, skirts the western portion of town.

Photo: Phil Poirier

New Portland is situated in the heart of a wonderful year-round recreational area. In winter it becomes ski and snowmobile central! It is 30 minutes from Sugarloaf and ITS 84 is close by. Detailed ITS snowmobile maps can be purchased through www.mesnow.com.

Here are a few highlights of activities available nearby

• Snowmobilers can park and ride at Wirebridge Sno-Travelers lot by New Portland Fairgrounds. Trails here will connect you to North Anson, Solon, Bingham etc., New Vineyard, Farmington, Strong, Kingfield, Carrabassett, Eustis and Jackman.
  For more information contact: Wirebridge Sno-Travelers at P.O. Box 139 N. New Portland, ME 04961-0139
• Cross country skiing is available on many local trails as well as on a great new trail system: http://www.mainehuts.org/
• Ice skate at the Ice Skating Rink by New Portland Fire Station In East New Portland
• Ice fishing, at Embden Lake 20 minutes from New Portland, and Hancock Pond 3 miles
  from New Portland
• New Portland Lions Fair North New Portland is a great way to end the summer, held the second weekend in September.  Midway, exhibit hall, animal pulling events, crafts and livestock exhibits.  Contact John Duff at (207) 566-5722.
• Hiking trails, including the great new trail system: http://www.mainehuts.org/ the Bigelow Preserve, as well as the world-famous Appalachian Trail, are within a short drive.
• Mountain biking is everywhere on countless snowmobile trails
• Swimming can be had in the clear, cool Carrabassett River (If you are brave try it in the spring or fall!)
• Fishing- There are a number of great trout streams, as well as ponds and lakes
• Hunting
• United Bikers of Maine Rally– UBM Rally at the New Portland Fairgrounds, the 3rd Saturday of August

Visit New Portland...a Friendly Town!