Lovewell Pond and Saco River in Fryeburg, Maine, offer Recreation Opportunities

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Lovewell Pond and Saco River in Fryeburg, Maine, offer Recreation Opportunities

Lovewell Pond in Fryeburg, Maine

Developed along the Saco River, Fryeburg is proud to be “The Oldest Town in Oxford County,”  Maine. Originally called Pequawket (Pigwacket), Fryeburg is packed with history, recreational opportunities and great mountain views.
The battle of Pigwacket (Pequawket), known as “Lovewell’s Fight,” took place on May 8, 1725, on the shores of Saco Pond. The pond was later renamed for Captain John Lovewell of Dunstable, who commanded a company of 46 colonists. Both Captain Lovewell and Chief Paugus lost their lives in this fight.

Lakefront Properties For Sale in Fryeburg, Maine



Lovewell Pond covers 1,120 acres and has a maximum depth of 45 feet. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife stocks it with brown trout. Other fish caught here include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white perch and chain pickerel. A state-owned boat ramp is located at the southern end of the pond—the entrance is across from the Eastern Slopes Regional Airport on Route 113.
To canoe here, you might want to rent from Saco River Canoe & Kayak. It’s fun to canoe along the Saco River from Walker’s Rip to the pond, a distance of 2 miles. After exploring the shoreline and paddling out to Loon Island to swim and enjoy the views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range, listen for the flute-like song of the Hermit Thrush, before continuing from the Saco River outlet to Brownfield Bridge, 5.9 miles away.

The Hemlock Covered Bridge
is another of the many gems found in Fryeburg. Built in 1857, of Paddleford truss construction with supporting laminated wooden arches, the bridge is a quaint and charming reminder of days gone by. It spans the old course of the Saco River. Though reinforced in 1988 so you can drive across, it’s more fun to walk. Take time to admire the work of our forefathers, peer at the river and read the graffiti on Maine’s oldest remaining covered bridge.
Known as Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic, the Fryeburg Fair is an 8-day agricultural fair that began 160 years ago and continues to offer a piece of Americana you shouldn’t miss. Roam the fairgrounds and you’ll find games, rides, music, exhibits, pie contests, pig and calf scrambles, skillet throw contests, bright lights, brilliant colors and . . . fair food! The midway is a wonderland of flashing lights, ringing bells and buzzing buzzers. Throughout the day and evening more than 100 different entertainment acts occur on the main stage and several other stages. Special events include Woodsmen’s Field Day, a Firemen’s Muster, Grand Parade plus 4 x 4 and Tractor Pulls. According to Fair President Roy Andrews, “The Woodsmen’s Field Day is the biggest spectator Woodsmen’s Field Day this side of the Mississippi River.”
The Fryeburg Library on Main Street is home to a special collection of works by Hopalong Cassidy author and creator, Clarence Mulford. Documenting the cultural, social, political, economic and military history of the people of Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire is the Fryeburg Research Library on Route 113 in North Fryeburg. The FRL houses personal collections of books, journals, letters, and photographs, which are archived for public access. Loretta Crocker, director of research, says, “We preserve the history of Fryeburg, Lovell and Brownfield, with our main focus being Fryeburg,” but  . . . the collection includes much more for your genealogical research. The library is open year round, from 9-12 on Wednesdays, 1-4 on Thursdays, and 9-12 on Fridays or by appointment.
Fryeburg Academy, one of the first schools built in Maine, was incorporated in 1792. Students come from Fryeburg and neighboring towns, across the state and nation, plus throughout the world. In 2009, the Academy opened the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, with a 400-seat theater, art galleries and seminar classroom.
The 150-foot granite dome known as Jockey Cap is located just east of the village and academy. A short hike up the back side provides an incredible view of the Mount Washington Valley. A granite monument commemorating Commodore Robert E. Peary identifies the surrounding mountains. Rock climbers are often seen scaling Jockey Cap’s boulders.
At Eastern Slope Regional Airport you’ll find a well-maintained, yet small, quiet and personal facility and occasionally a moose, black bear, coyote or turkey on the runway. Even though it’s tucked away, Eastern Slope Regional Airport is easy to access as it is less than three miles southeast of Fryeburg and just off Route 113. Local residents and businesses own the forty airplanes housed here. The 4,200-foot split runway can be approached from either end depending on the wind, and is one of the longest in the area. Though an un-towered airport, it is open day or night.
Walk along Main Street, or canoe the Saco River and Lovewell Pond and you’ll discover many more reasons to visit or live here.
To learn more about lakefront property listings available in Fryeburg, just click on the green box above.
To read blogs about other towns in western Maine, click on the links below:
Kezar Lake, Lovell, Maine: Lakefront Property Retreats Offer Natural Beauty and Exceptional Vistas
Bridgton, Maine, Offers Plenty To Do Throughout the Year
 
Fryeburg Town Office, 16 Lovewell’s Pond Road, Fryeburg 04037
www.fryeburgmaine.org, 207.935.2805, fax: 207.935.6008
Incorporated 1777
Named for Joseph Frye, Esquire
Square miles: 59.7
Population: 3,500
2010 Tax Rate: $13.20/thousand
Fire/Police/Ambulance: 911
Non-emergency—Fire: 207.935.2615
Non-emergency—Police: 207.935.3323
Non-emergency—Rescue: 207.935.2828
Fryeburg Public Library: 207.935.2731
Fryeburg Recreation Department: 207.935.3933
C.A. Snow Elementary School: 207.935.2536
Molly Ockett Middle School: 207.935.2401
Fryeburg Academy: 207.935.2001
Boat Launches: Lovewell Pond, Bog Pond (canoe), Saco River (Swan’s Falls, Canal Bridge, Walker Bridge) Old course Saco River (Hemlock Bridge)
Public Beaches: Weston’s Beach, Canal Bridge
Playgrounds: Graustein Park, C.A.Snow School*
Picnic Areas: Canal Bridge, Route 302 Rest Area
*Not available during school hours

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