Town of Rumford, Maine

Rumford is a beautiful small town located in Oxford County, Maine, not far from the New Hampshire border and at the “Foothills of the White Mountains.” The town has a population of about 6,000, and is a quiet but close-knit community with great schools and businesses.

In 1774 this area became known as New Pennacook when settlers arrived from Concord, NH. This farming community was founded as Rumford in 1800 and focused primarily on agriculture for its first 100 years until its first paper mill was opened. The Rumford Historical Society was established in 1961 to help preserve some of the original Victorian and Edwardian architecture of the area. Most notably Strathglass Park District and the Rumford Public Library (a 1907 Carnegie Library).

The Androscoggin River flows through Rumford, magnifying the already serene landscape of trees and mountains with streams and a spectacular waterfall. This waterfall with its drop of 176 feet over solid granite is the highest drop east of Niagara Falls.

The Reflection Pool, at the foot of The Falls, is a peaceful spot that will transport you back in time. It is reminiscent of a time many years ago when the Anasagunticook Indians visited the area to hunt and fish.
Also located here are the popular larger-than-life statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. There’s also an Information Center located here.

Rumford’s Business District is located on The Island and is a unique area to visit. This area lies between the Androscoggin River and the canals which were constructed to supply water to the mill. On the Island, you will find restaurants, stores, banks, and government buildings such as the Post Office and the Town Hall.

Exploring Rumford Maine

In 1882 Industrialist Hugh J. Chisholm directed the construction for the Portland and Rumford Falls Railway. This connected the area to the National Rail Network in 1892. And in 1893 he opened the first paper mill in the area, The Oxford Paper Company.

The Oxford Paper Company thrived and was eventually bought by the ND Paper Company in 2018.

The ND Paper Company is the largest employer in Rumford and they produce a large variety of high-quality products in the paper, writing, and packaging market. These products include Kraft bags and paper, corrugated boxes, retail inserts, magazines, flyers, brochures, catalogs, corporate communication manuals, and books.

Local Hiking and Skiing

Because of the area’s proximity to the White Mountains, there are many trails and mountains to discover. And always something no matter what time of the year. Snowmobiling and skiing in the winter; fishing, hiking, and ATVing in the warmer months.

Black Mountain of Maine Ski is the place to be if you’re looking to ski, snowboard, or sled. Edge Tubing Park is located here as well. And if you’re visiting during the summer come to check out the 4th of July celebration with a spectacular fireworks display.

Black Mountain of Maine Ski Resort, which is known for its National and World Championship events, has 1380 feet of vertical and mountain-wide night skiing, 2 chair lifts, 17 kilometers of Nordic trails, and a T-bar with over 50 trails and glades.

Rumford Whitecap Mountain Preserve, located at 52 E Andover Rd, is part of the Mahoosuc Land Trust which encompasses 20 miles of trails and 8600 acres of conserved land. The Trust was set up in 1989 to help protect this beautiful area for future generations.

There are two scenic trails at Rumford Whitecap Mountain. Both hiking trails lead to the summit and beautiful panoramic views. If you plan to hike here during the summer bring a small container along to collect the yummy wild blueberries whose bushes line the trails.

Also, check out these other nearby trails, including Black Mountain Resort Loop, Mount Zircon Trail, Glassface Ledges Trail, Red Hill Trail, Swift River Walking Trail, and Androscoggin River Walk.

Places to Stay, Eat, and Shop

Whether you’re planning a trip to Rumford or just passing through when looking for a place to stay you can’t go wrong with any of the local Inns and B&Bs.

Boardwalk Inn Bed and Breakfast offers beautiful scenic views overlooking the Swift River and only minutes from downtown Rumford.Blue Iris Motor Inn is a quiet motel option close to Black Mountain Ski Resort and next to the Androscoggin River.

You’ll also find plenty of restaurants to choose from depending upon your cravings. One of the most popular local restaurants is The Lure, an American Thai, sushi, and seafood restaurant.

Rumford has all of the basics covered as far as shopping is concerned, including local grocers, pharmacies, and many, many more shopping options for any needs that you may have.
If you are looking for local treasures, a couple of local stores are well worth a stop as you never know what you may find. What Not Shop on Lincoln Avenue is a great place to visit, just be sure to leave room in your suitcase for all the great finds you’ll end up bringing back.

Related Posts