Strong, Maine

Toothpick Capital of the World.

Overview

Strong is a charming Franklin County town historically known as the "Toothpick Capital of the World" for its once-dominant toothpick manufacturing industry that employed hundreds. Incorporated in 1801, this community of 1,122 residents sits along the Sandy River in western Maine's mountains. The town celebrates its heritage annually with Pierpole Day, honoring the log drives that brought timber to local mills. Today, Strong serves as a gateway to the Rangeley Lakes region, offering friendly small-town character, access to mountain recreation, and a welcoming community that values its unique industrial and logging heritage.

Key Facts

Population 1,122

Region Maine Lakes & Mountains

County Franklin

Founded 1801

Nearest City Farmington (10 mins)

Town Office Visit official website

What Strong Is Known For

Strong Local Highlights

Toothpick Capital

Historic toothpick manufacturing center where the Forster Toothpick Company once employed hundreds, earning the town its unique nickname.

Pierpole Day

Annual summer celebration honoring the town's logging heritage with log rolling, ax throwing, and traditional lumberjack competitions.

Sandy River Access

Scenic river offering fishing, swimming, and kayaking through western Maine's mountain landscape.

Gateway to Rangeley

Strategic location providing easy access to the Rangeley Lakes region and western mountain recreation.

Things to Do

Attend Pierpole Day

Experience this unique summer festival celebrating logging heritage with lumberjack competitions, crafts, food, and family entertainment.

Fish the Sandy River

Cast for brook trout and other species in this scenic river flowing through mountains and forests.

Visit Strong Historical Society

Discover local history including the toothpick industry, logging era, and farming heritage at this community museum.

Explore to Rangeley

Use Strong as a base for day trips to nearby Rangeley Lakes, hiking, and mountain recreation just 30 minutes away.

Living in Strong

Strong offers affordable small-town living in western Maine with close access to Farmington services and Rangeley recreation. The town of 1,122 residents provides a tight-knit community atmosphere, good schools, and classic Maine character. Housing is very affordable, and the town maintains strong traditions while welcoming newcomers seeking mountain living and outdoor adventure.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm, 68-80°F

winter

Cold and snowy, 8-26°F

spring

Cool, 35-55°F

fall

Crisp and colorful, 40-60°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Moose Black Bears White-tailed Deer Brook Trout

How to Get There

Strong is located in Franklin County along Route 4 and Route 145, approximately 10 minutes north of Farmington and 30 minutes south of Rangeley. From Farmington, take Route 4 north to Strong. The town sits along the Sandy River at 44.80°N, 70.22°W in western Maine's mountains.

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

Satellite preview

Strong outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Strong called the Toothpick Capital of the World?

The Forster Toothpick Company operated in Strong for many years, at one point being the world's largest toothpick manufacturer. The industry employed hundreds of residents and defined the town's economy for generations.

What is Pierpole Day?

Pierpole Day is Strong's annual summer festival celebrating the town's logging heritage. It features lumberjack competitions like log rolling and ax throwing, plus crafts, food, and family activities honoring the log drives that once moved timber down the Sandy River.

Is Strong near Rangeley?

Yes, Strong is about 30 minutes south of Rangeley, making it an affordable base for accessing the Rangeley Lakes region's recreation while maintaining small-town character and lower living costs.