Bingham is a small Kennebec River town in northern Somerset County, and a natural stop on the Old Canada Road (US 201) for anyone heading north toward The Forks, Jackman and the Quebec border. With 866 residents at the 2020 census, it is a working town more than a resort, which is much of its appeal. Riders use it as a base for the Kennebec Valley snowmobile and ATV trails, anglers and paddlers use the river, and drivers pass through on one of Maine’s classic scenic byways. This guide covers what to do, where to stay, how to get here, and a little of the town’s history.
Looking for a place to stay? See our guide to the best cabins in Maine.
Riding the Kennebec corridor? See our guide to snowmobiling in The Forks and Bingham, or the full Maine snowmobiling guide.
Things to Do in Bingham, Maine
- Drive the Old Canada Road: US 201 through Bingham is the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway, about 78 miles from the Kennebec Valley to the Quebec border crossing at Sandy Bay. The road winds around Wyman Lake, and downtown Bingham is lined with the clapboard homes of the area’s 19th-century lumber boom.
- Get on the Kennebec River: Downtown runs along the river, which offers kayaking and fishing, and ospreys are common overhead. The town boat landing is at the end of Lander Avenue, off Route 201. Whitewater rafting outfitters are based right on Main Street in Bingham, and more run guided trips farther north at The Forks, on the Kennebec and Dead Rivers.
- Ride the trails: Bingham is on the ITS snowmobile network, and the local Valley Riders Snowmobile Club and Moose Alley Riders ATV Club are active in the area. See our Forks and Bingham snowmobiling guide and our Maine ATV trails and registration guide.
- Swim and boat at Wyman Lake: The town lists Wyman Lake, a short drive away, as a swimming and boating area.
- Ski a small community hill: Baker Mountain Ski Area in neighboring Moscow is a volunteer-run nonprofit hill with beginner and intermediate trails, open on weekends. Check its hours before you go. For the bigger mountains, see our Maine skiing guide.
- Visit the local history: The Old Canada Road Historical Society and the Bingham Union Library are in town, and the Benedict Arnold Trail is listed among the nearby sights.
- See the fall color: Foliage along the Kennebec and Route 201 is a draw in autumn, and the town lists fall foliage among its main recreation.
Where to Stay in Bingham, Maine
Lodging in Bingham is basic and fairly priced, which is why many snowmobilers and ATV riders stay here and ride north for the day. The Bingham Motor Inn & Sports Complex is the in-town motel we list, and lodges and cabins just outside town appear in the listings at the top of this page. For full-service lodge and cabin packages with guided trips, look to the outfitters in The Forks, covered in our Forks guide. More options across the state are in our Maine lodging directory.
Getting to Bingham
Bingham sits on US 201 and Route 16, about 23 miles north of Skowhegan, with downtown running along the Kennebec River. It is in the heart of the Upper Kennebec Valley, on the way to The Forks and Jackman. A car is required, and winter conditions can change quickly. Our Maine driving distances guide has travel times from the rest of the state.
A Little History
Bingham was settled in 1785 and incorporated in 1812. It is named for William Bingham, a Philadelphia banker who owned a huge tract of Maine land known as the Bingham Purchase. US 201 is the Old Canada Road, which was the main link between Lower Canada and Maine from 1820 to 1860. By 1859 the town had two water-powered sawmills and two gristmills, and for decades pulpwood was floated down the Kennebec from here until log driving was curtailed in the 1970s.
Heading north on Route 201? Moxie Falls, near The Forks, is a short hike to one of Maine’s tallest waterfalls.
Bingham, Maine FAQ
What is Bingham, Maine known for?
Bingham is known as a Kennebec River town on the Old Canada Road and a base for snowmobiling and ATV riding in the Upper Kennebec Valley. It is also a regional commercial center for northern Somerset County.
Where is Bingham, Maine?
Bingham is in Somerset County, on the Kennebec River and US Route 201, about 23 miles north of Skowhegan.
What is the population of Bingham, Maine?
Bingham had a population of 866 at the 2020 census, down from 922 in 2010.
Is Bingham a good base for snowmobiling?
Yes, especially for riders watching their budget. Bingham is on the ITS network with lodging at lower prices than the outfitter resorts farther north, and it is within a day’s ride of The Forks and Jackman. See our Forks and Bingham guide for trails, fuel and rentals.
Is there skiing near Bingham?
Baker Mountain Ski Area in nearby Moscow is a small volunteer-run hill with beginner and intermediate trails. For bigger mountains, see our Maine ski resorts guide.
Next stops: Jackman is the next major destination north on US 201, and our Jackman snowmobiling guide covers the ride. Planning a winter trip? Read our Maine in Winter guide.