Franklin MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Franklin, Maine.
1. Connection Church
SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY HUB
Connection Church is a popular spiritual gathering place in Franklin, serving as an important community center for locals and visitors alike. The church offers various programs and services throughout the week, providing opportunities for worship, fellowship, and community engagement. Visitors appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the church's involvement in local events and charitable activities.
2. Shalom Orchard Organic Farm and Winery
ORGANIC WINES AND PRODUCE
Shalom Orchard Organic Farm and Winery offers visitors a chance to experience Maine's local agricultural heritage through organic farming practices and artisanal wine production. Visitors can tour the orchard, sample various fruit wines made from organic berries grown on-site, and purchase fresh produce when in season. The family-owned establishment provides a peaceful rural setting that showcases sustainable farming in action.
3. Honey In That Rock Cidery
CRAFT CIDER DESTINATION
Honey In That Rock Cidery produces artisanal hard ciders using traditional methods and locally-sourced ingredients. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their various cider varieties, learn about the cider-making process, and purchase bottles to take home. The rustic atmosphere and knowledgeable staff create an authentic Maine craft beverage experience.
4. Schoodic Mountain
SCENIC HIKING DESTINATION
Schoodic Mountain offers outdoor enthusiasts a rewarding hiking experience with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The moderate trail leads to a summit that provides vistas of Frenchman Bay, Mount Desert Island, and the Atlantic Ocean on clear days. Nature lovers appreciate the diverse plant life, exposed granite surfaces, and opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the hike.
5. Georges Pond
TRANQUIL WATER RECREATION
Georges Pond is a serene 358-acre freshwater destination offering various recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The pond features a public boat launch on Outlet Road, making it accessible for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming during the warmer months. Its relatively undeveloped shoreline provides a peaceful escape with opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat.
6. Tunk Mountain
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Tunk Mountain trail offers hikers a challenging but rewarding route with exceptional views of the surrounding downeast Maine landscape. The trailhead is conveniently located on Route 182 between Fox Pond and Tunk Lake, marked by a distinctive blue yard-arm sign. Hikers who reach the summit are treated to spectacular vistas that showcase Maine's rugged natural beauty.
7. Franklin Trading Post
LOCAL EATS AND GOODS
Franklin Trading Post serves as both a restaurant and convenience store, offering breakfast and lunch daily to locals and travelers. The establishment provides home-cooked meals in a casual, friendly atmosphere that captures the essence of small-town Maine. Visitors appreciate the authentic local experience, reasonable prices, and opportunity to interact with community members.
8. Titcomb Mountain
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SKI AREA
Titcomb Mountain is a community-oriented ski area offering affordable winter recreation for families and individuals in the Greater Franklin region. The mountain features a variety of slopes suitable for different skill levels, along with programs for children and beginners learning to ski or snowboard. During winter months, it serves as a vibrant community center where locals and visitors gather to enjoy seasonal outdoor activities.
9. Saddleback Mountain
PREMIER ALPINE RESORT
Saddleback Mountain is a premier ski resort in the Franklin County region, offering expansive terrain and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The resort features modern amenities, a variety of trails for all skill levels, and is known for its less crowded slopes compared to other major New England ski destinations. In addition to winter activities, Saddleback offers hiking and mountain biking opportunities during the warmer months.
10. Sugarloaf Mountain
ICONIC MAINE SKIING
Sugarloaf Mountain is one of Maine's largest and most renowned ski resorts, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from across the Northeast. The resort boasts the only lift-serviced above-treeline skiing in the East, providing a unique alpine experience with spectacular panoramic views. Beyond winter, Sugarloaf transforms into a four-season destination offering golf, mountain biking, hiking, and various events throughout the year.
11. Acadia National Park
ICONIC COASTAL WILDERNESS
Acadia National Park, located a short drive from Franklin, encompasses over 47,000 acres of stunning coastal landscapes, granite peaks, woodland, and lakes. Visitors can explore more than 120 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage roads perfect for biking, and the scenic Park Loop Road offering access to key attractions like Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Hole. The park's unique combination of ocean shoreline, mountains, and forests makes it one of the most visited national parks in the United States.
12. Ellsworth Historic Downtown
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Ellsworth's Historic Downtown district features a vibrant collection of locally-owned shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions just a short drive from Franklin. The area combines well-preserved historic architecture with modern amenities, creating a charming atmosphere for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Visitors appreciate the walkable layout, diverse retail offerings, and the authentic Maine character that permeates this gateway city to Downeast and Acadia regions.
13. Schoodic Peninsula
LESS-CROWDED ACADIA EXPERIENCE
Schoodic Peninsula offers a less crowded but equally spectacular section of Acadia National Park near Franklin, featuring dramatic coastal scenery and peaceful forests. Visitors can enjoy the 6-mile one-way loop road with stunning views of Mount Desert Island across the water, along with hiking trails and the impressive Schoodic Point where waves crash against the rocky shore. The area is known for its tranquility and authentic coastal Maine experience without the larger crowds found in other parts of Acadia.
14. Wild Blueberry Land
QUIRKY BLUEBERRY ATTRACTION
Wild Blueberry Land is a unique roadside attraction shaped like a giant blue dome, celebrating Maine's famous wild blueberry heritage. This family-owned establishment offers homemade wild blueberry products including pies, jams, syrups, and various baked goods made from locally harvested berries. The whimsical, Instagram-worthy exterior combined with authentic Maine flavors makes it a memorable stop when exploring the region around Franklin.
15. Bangor Waterfront
ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS HUB
The Bangor Waterfront is a revitalized riverside area offering entertainment venues, walking paths, and seasonal events within driving distance of Franklin. The waterfront hosts the popular Waterfront Concerts series, drawing major musical acts to its outdoor pavilion during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy restaurants, public art installations, and recreational opportunities along the Penobscot River, making it worth the scenic drive from Franklin.