Town of Kingfield, Maine

Kingfield is a lot more than its moniker of being a gateway town. Besides being the home of about 1100 residents, it is scenic with streams, Victorian homes, and tree-lined roads. The tone here is friendly, industrious, and creative as it’s known here and there as being an inland artists’ haven. It’s a place where you’re as like to find snowmobilers as mountain bikers, and large, wild critters as well as the domestic sort.

If you’re the traveling sort, it’s interesting to note that the Canadian border is closer than the state capital of Augusta. And, while there, why go to Boston when it’s about the same amount of time to get to Quebec City? Or it’ll take you roughly the same amount of time to travel to Acadia National Park as to head on over to the Presidential Range in New Hampshire.

Then again, when you’re in a neat hamlet like Kingfield, it’s wise to relax and enjoy what’s here and quite nearby. In fact, it’s freeing in a way as it expands your thinking in new and interesting ways!

Exploring Kingfield Maine

Unique Lodging & Local Flavor

One of the distinct advantages of spending any amount of time in Kingfield is its unique lodging. The village boasts stays that suit your interests and wallet, along with being quite accessible to Route 27, the main thoroughfare.

Keep in mind that even though the area abounds in four-season recreation, some of those seasons are slower (or lots colder) than others. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan ahead, whether you’re looking for a place to stay or grab a meal.

Stanley Avenue offers you the advantage of gracious lodging and dining right in two Victorian buildings around the corner from the center of town.

The Herbert Grand Hotel is like a “Welcome to Kingfield” beacon, sitting right in the middle of town.

The Inn on Winter’s Hill is literally a crowning jewel that sits atop a knoll heading out of town. It is as elegant inside as out.

This is an area with a rich array of places to stay. There are yurts, A-frames, places by a lake or river, and those that are slope-side. A quick search online lets you find whichever suits you! Be sure to check out Maine Huts & Trails if you’re looking for a combo of adventure and lodging.

The dining experience is varied and dependable with some places running consistently for many years. Some are open just for breakfast while others are for dinner or beer garden dining. That makes for a nice variety in a small town. Then there are more places, some seasonal if you travel up Route 27 into “The Valley.”

If you’re into cooking your own meals or getting some grab-and-go, there’s variety there too! Kingfield has a full-service grocer plus small shops for trying out true local flavor.

Nearby Goings-on

Before we get into all about Kingfield being a gateway location, let’s look at what’s going on in the center of town or just a short drive away and off the beaten path. These really are unique! As such, it’s wise to plan ahead if one of these is a reason you’ve marked Kingfield as your next stop in checking out all that inland Maine offers.

Kingfield Pops is a marvelous annual outdoor celebration of music. Be sure to make your reservations early!

Maine Ski and Snowboard Museum is worth reading about and then visiting. It’s a good way to learn why Kingfield is a gateway community!

Stanley Museum should be on the list of all auto lovers! Yup, this is indeed the same name as the “Stanley Steamer!”

The Irregular has been around and informing us on all sorts of interesting topics since 1968. Of course, back in the day it was in print. Now, you can still get all you need to know right online.

Just like that! Take your time, check out all the sections as they’ll help you plan your visit. Yup, that’s why it’s included in this “goings-on” section.

The New Portland Wire Bridge is about 10 minutes south of the center of town, spanning the picturesque Carrabassett River. It’s an engineer’s or photographer’s dream come true, plus offers you plain old-fashioned fun. Go try it out and you’ll get what I mean!

Gateway Adventures & Conservation

Whether your idea of adventure is going all-in, off-the-grid, and back-country, or a leisurely hike, fishing in mountain streams, or snowshoeing a pristine trail, you’ll find it nearby. Some folks reading this will say I’ve saved the best for last. Well, as is with many things in life, it all depends on your perspective. And the perspectives you’ll find in this section are jaw-dropping!

What follows here is why Kingfield is a gateway place. You enter through a lovely village and in a matter of miles out of town, heading up Route 27, you’re surrounded by magnificent peaks and the rocky and often roaring Carrabassett River.

That’s because you’re in what’s come to be known as the High Peaks region of Maine with several mountains toping out at over 4000 feet and another bunch in the 3000 foot-plus range. The area has guardians of the natural sort and those of the human variety.

They’re associated with the High Peaks Alliance, a group devoted to keeping these beautiful lands and vistas available to everyone. The natural and built environments hold every manner of outdoor adventure you could ask for!

Appalachian Trail | Bigelow Preserve is for you if you are hardy, fit, and well-prepared. Even a seemingly balmy day can end up with weather you didn’t want to see coming. Don’t let that hold you back though as place is the definition of wilderness.

Ira Mountain also gives you wonderful vistas and is a mere four miles from the center of town. You can take this in leisurely fashion, driving up in your vehicle. Up there you’ll find built rock formations and a wheelchair accessible pathway.

Narrow Gauge Pathway Trail is 12 miles away, also up the road and located in Carrabassett Valley. This is an all season trail, super for peaceful hiking, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. You can even bring your pet along!

Sugarloaf is renowned for many reasons, including its snowfields, famous people and friendly atmosphere.

In addition to skiing and boarding there’s the Outdoor Center with its XC and fat bike trails and skating rink. In the warmer months you can partake in rounds at the Sugarloaf Golf Club well known because it’s a Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course.

Or bring your bike for a rugged workout on the mountain, or a bit more leisurely on the trails. Ski and bike rentals are available.

Carrabassett Valley Academy in many ways could be one of Maine’s well-kept educational secrets. That is, unless you’re well acquainted with where some of the country’s topnotch skiers and boarders have studied. Yup, right here!

Now, there’s lots more I could tell you about Kingfield and the surrounding area. Yet there’s so much within mere miles, why bother going on and on. It’s time for you to dust off your spirit of adventure and go for it!

Related Posts