We came for the hike. The deer flies had other plans.

Our plan for Hiram was pretty simple: hike Mount Cutler, explore a few local stops, and end the day with ice cream.

We were really excited about Mount Cutler, but the deer flies apparently had a different itinerary for us.

We first parked at the trailhead on Mountain View Avenue, but there was a sign directing hikers to the newer parking area on Hiram Hill Road. The Mountain View trail is very steep and prone to erosion, so the newer access is the better choice.

We made it about a quarter mile up before deciding that being eaten alive was not really the outdoor experience we were looking for.

So Mount Cutler gets a rematch next week.

This time, we are showing up absolutely doused in bug spray.

I’ll keep you updated.

Hiram was incorporated in 1807 and sits along the Saco and Ossipee Rivers.

Like many of the towns we have been exploring along Route 5, its history is tied closely to farming, mills, and the rivers that helped move both people and goods through western Maine.

Hiram also has a strong Amish community today, something you can really see in the local farm stands, handmade goods, and agricultural traditions around town. First Fruits Farm Market was one of our favorite examples of that during this visit.

Today, Hiram still feels very rural, with farms, wooded roads, mountain views, and plenty of places where life seems to move at a slightly slower pace.

Hiram itself does not any places to stay, but that fits the town.

This is more of a place where I would look for a quiet campground, cabin, or small rental nearby and use it as a base for exploring the mountains, rivers, and neighboring towns.

If you are coming specifically for hiking or the Ossipee Valley Fair, I would definitely plan lodging ahead since options in the immediate area are limited. There is camping at the fairground during the fair.

Route 160 Ice Cream
Route 160 Ice Cream was a very sweet way to end our time in Hiram.

I was honestly surprised to see that they had gluten-free ice cream cones. I cannot remember the last time I got to order an actual cone instead of automatically asking for a cup, so obviously I had to get one.

It was really good, although it was also hot enough outside that I had to eat it at record speed before it melted all over me.

They also serve hot food. Layla got the walking tacos, which were okay, but not especially taco-y.

My vote here is definitely the ice cream.

Mount Cutler
Even though the deer flies won round one, Mount Cutler is still one of the main reasons I would come to Hiram.

There are several trail options and some really pretty views once you get farther up. We did not make it far enough this time to properly judge the hike, so I am saving my real opinion until after our next attempt.

For now, I can confidently say this: bring bug spray.

Lots of bug spray.

Ossipee Valley Fair
I had actually already spent some time in Hiram a couple of weeks earlier when Miles and I went to the Ossipee Valley Fair.

It is a smaller fair, but that was part of what I liked about it. We walked through the animal barns, watched the pig-calling contest, and checked out the Farmer’s Olympics, which ended up being the highlight of the night.

The newborn goats were my favorite, of course.

And yes, I also got Steve’s Fries.

Some fair traditions are non-negotiable.

First Fruits Farm Market
First Fruits Farm Market was one of those stops where we planned to “just look” and then somehow stayed longer than expected.

It is an Amish farm store with fresh vegetables, meats, dairy products, flowers, and baked goods. Layla picked up some chocolate chip cookies while we browsed.

Then we found the puppies.

They had a few absolutely adorable puppies for sale, so naturally we had to stop and play with them for a while.

For about five seconds, bringing one back to the camper seemed like an excellent idea.

Then we remembered Biscuit and Jasper exist.

We enjoy having a home, so the puppy stayed there.

If Mount Cutler is on your list, use the newer parking area on Hiram Hill Road.

And in the summer, do not underestimate the bugs.

We definitely did.

Every town connects to the next by road – not by chance.

ME Route 5
North: Brownfield ME
South: Baldwin ME

ME Route 113
North: Brownfield ME
South: Baldwin ME

ME Route 117
North: Denmark ME
South: Baldwin ME

ME Route 160
North: Porter ME
South: Porter ME

Hiram gave us a little bit of everything.

A hike we did not finish.

A fair we really enjoyed.

A farm stand full of good food and dangerously cute puppies.

And an ice cream cone I could actually eat.

Mount Cutler may have defeated us this time, but Hiram definitely did not.

We will be back.

Next week we are continuing north to Brownfield and Fryeburg, with a Mount Cutler rematch squeezed in somewhere along the way.

If you know a favorite restaurant, hidden spot, scenic stop, or anything else we should not miss in Brownfield or Fryeburg, let me know in the comments.

Progress Report – Approximately 51 of 118 Miles Explored
Old Orchard Beach  → Saco  → Biddeford  → Dayton  → Hollis  → Lyman  →  Waterboro → Limerick → Cornish → Baldwin → Hiram

Still to Come –
Brownfield → Fryeburg → Lovell → Stoneham → Albany Township → Bethel → Newry → Hanover → Rumford → Andover