Eustis & Stratton

The tiny town of Eustis and the nearby village of Stratton are located on the High Peaks Scenic Byway in the northeast corner of Franklin County. Stratton is situated near 20,300-acre Flagstaff Lake and the Bigelow Preserve, which includes the entire Bigelow Mountain Range. The towns are perfect for accessing Sugarloaf Ski Resort and the area’s numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.

Things to Do in Eustis and Stratton

In June, you can participate in the Family Fun Days in Eustis and Stratton for some classic Maine festivities. Summer and fall have perfect weather in Eustis and Stratton for hiking. From Stratton you can also access two long-distance recreation trails. The well-marked Northern Forest Canoe Trail enters Flagstaff Lake from the South Branch of the Dead River and heads north on the river’s main branch. The Appalachian Trail traverses the Bigelow Range and there is a trailhead in Stratton. In the warmer months, you can camp at Cathedral Pines Campground on the shores of the lake.

Just east of Stratton, you’ll find the 36,000-acre Bigelow Preserve, which contains all seven peaks of the mountain range and the southern shore of the lake. You can go camping, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing here.

Eustis and Stratton are a snow lover’s paradise. In February, the four-day Polar Blast Festival, is the region’s largest gathering for snowmobilers. There are miles of groomed trails maintained by the local snowmobile club that connect the area to the entire region.

Where to Stay in Eustis and Stratton

Hotels in the Eustis-Stratton area are all located just minutes away from the finest outdoor recreation in Maine. The Mountain View Motel in Stratton and The Spillover Motel and nearby inn are cozy places year-round. Tea Pond Lodge is a sporting camp in Eustis with historic cabins. Lakeside camping is available at the Cathedral Pines Campground or at Trout Brook Campsites on Flagstaff Lake.

Restaurants in Eustis and Stratton

The White Wolf Inn is a favorite among thru-hikers and snowmobilers both for its popular restaurant in Stratton. Located in an old farmhouse, the Coplin Dinner House and its Tigerlily Pub is a favorite spot to rejuvenate after a day outdoors and and The Blackstrap Bar & Grill offers a varied menu. In Eustis, the go-to spot is the Trail’s End Steakhouse & Tavern.