Recreation
The Roberts Farm Preserve—which has land in Norway—is part of the Western Foothills Land Trust. Here you can go hiking, biking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The preserve overlooks Lake Pennesseewassee, also known as Norway Lake. Each July, the town of Norway holds a triathlon that takes place in and on this five-mile-long lake and proceeds go to support the Western Foothills Land Trust. You can also go fishing for brown trout, pickerel, landlocked salmon, large and smallmouth bass, splake, or white and yellow perch. There are two marinas along the lake and a public boat in launch in Pennesseewassee Park in Norway.
On the Little Androscoggin River, which runs through South Paris, you can paddle along the waterway or take a rafting trip through the more turbulent sections. In South Paris, a bridge crosses Snow Falls Gorge and a 25-foot waterfall off Route 26. Here you’ll find views, hiking trails, and a shady spot for picnicking. In Norway, walk through Ordway Grove to see ancient oaks and pines. And hike through Witt Swamp to observe Maine’s wildlife.
If you like to dig for treasure, you may want to visit Norway and South Paris in the heart of the Oxford Hills Region. These towns boast gemstone quarries that have earned the area the name “Gemstone Capital of Maine.” You can go mining in this area for tourmaline, quartz, rose quartz or crystal.
2010 Census
There were 5,014 people, 2,163 households, and 1,357 families residing in the town. The population density was 111.3 inhabitants per square mile. There were 2,804 housing units at an average density of 62.3 per square mile.
There were 2,163 households of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.0% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.3% were non-families.
The median age in the town was 44.4 years. 21.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.5% were from 25 to 44; 29.3% were from 45 to 64; and 20.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.