Gray brings together local history, recreational trails and a beach at Wilkies Beach. If you’re looking for a hotel in Gray, you can start planning your trip by considering these options: Would you like your stay to focus on cultural history, outdoor activities or swimming? These differences can help you choose a focus that suits your interests.
Local history of water, school and church
Samuel Mayall’s operation began in 1791 on Collyer Brook in what is now Gray. It grew into the first successful water-powered woolen mill in North America. Its connection to the waterway and wool production offers a glimpse into Gray’s industrial history.
The Dry Mills Schoolhouse, Gray’s last surviving one-room schoolhouse, was built in 1857 on Game Farm Road. It was added to the National Register in 1996. The construction date and later register listing are two distinct points in time in the building’s history. The present-day building of the First Congregational Church also has an exact date: it was dedicated at this location on January 2, 1901. The three dates—1791, 1857 and 1901—point to different chapters in the town’s history.
The Gray Historical Society is open most Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., as well as on announced open-house days and by appointment. If you’re planning a focused visit, check the latest announcements; visits by appointment are also possible.
Trails for different activities
Libby Hill Forest has more than eleven miles of multi-use recreational trails. The Libby Hill Forest Trails also include five miles of wide trails designed for cross-country skiing. This gives you a choice of both a varied trail network and routes with a clearly specified use. When planning your activities, you can distinguish the five miles of cross-country ski trails from the total length of the multi-use trail network.
The Village Area Loop Trail offers a different kind of route: it consists of stone-dust and paved paths that connect to sidewalks and crosswalks. Together, they provide safe pedestrian access through the Gray Village area. Bicycles are also welcome. This lets you distinguish between the Village-area routes, with their sidewalk and crossing connections, and the extensive trail network at Libby Hill Forest.
Beach and seasonal conditions
The sandy beach at Wilkies Beach is approximately 300 feet long. A swimming float is available for swimmers. The approximate length gives you a specific sense of the beach’s size, while the float is an additional detail to consider when planning a swimming day. Seasonal conditions can change. If you’re planning a visit to Wilkies Beach, check the conditions before you go.
Discover more destinations: Westbrook, Gorham, South Portland, Scarborough, New Gloucester, Falmouth, Windham, Portland.
Return to the overarching travel overview: Cumberland.
