Mainepedia
Fryeburg, Maine

Fryeburg, Maine

Home of Maine's Finest Fair

Overview

Fryeburg sits on the New Hampshire border and serves as a gateway to the White Mountains. It is most famous for hosting the Fryeburg Fair every October, the largest agricultural fair in Maine. In summer, the Saco River is filled with canoes and kayaks floating downstream.

Key Facts

Population 3,384
Region Western Mountains
County Oxford
Founded 1777
Nearest City North Conway, NH (10 mins)

What Fryeburg Is Known For

Fryeburg Local Highlights

Fryeburg Fair
Home to Maine's largest agricultural fair, a week-long celebration held every October.
Saco River
A popular destination for summer canoeing, kayaking, and camping trips.
Fryeburg Academy
A historic private boarding and day school that serves as a community hub.
Jockey Cap Rock
A prominent geological feature offering a short hike with 360-degree views.

Things to Do

1
Attend the Fryeburg Fair
Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Maine's blue-ribbon agricultural event.
2
Canoe or tube down the Saco River
Float down the crystal-clear waters of the Saco on a warm summer day.
3
Hike Jockey Cap
Take a short hike to the summit for a panoramic view of the White Mountains.
4
Visit the Hemlock Bridge
See one of Maine's few remaining historic covered bridges.
5
Drive to the White Mountains
Use Fryeburg as your base camp for exploring the nearby Presidential Range.

Living in Fryeburg

Fryeburg is a classic New England village with a prestigious private school (Fryeburg Academy) that serves as the local high school. It is very close to the tax-free shopping of North Conway.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm, 70-85°F

winter

Cold and snowy, 15-30°F

spring

Cool, 45-60°F

fall

Spectacular foliage, 50-65°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Deer Moose Bald Eagles Turtles (river)

How to Get There

Fryeburg is located on Route 302, right on the NH border. It is about an hour west of Portland.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Fryeburg outline

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the fair?

The Fryeburg Fair is always held the week surrounding the first Sunday in October.

Is the Saco River safe?

The section in Fryeburg is generally sandy, shallow, and slow-moving, making it very popular for families and beginners.

Nearby Towns

Explore More

Western Mountains Region Seasonal Guide Wildlife & Nature