The Kennebec Explorer 2014 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 11

HIKING & BIKING A mountain path. (Less than) secret in-town places. The open road. The Kennebec Valley holds an untold wealth of places to walk or bike. Somerset County, up near The Forks, is even home to a section of the storied Appalachian Trail. It would take a lifetime to walk, or describe every mile of trail or the best roads the region offers, so to the right we offer four of our faves. Ideal for mountain biking are the Bond Brook Area in Augusta, Lake George Regional Park in Canaan, the huge Kennebec Messalonskee Trails, the Kennebec Highlands in Belgrade and on and on. There are vast resources both on the ground and online at MaineTrailFinder.com that will point you in the right direction. All you need to do is look and see. Visitors planning on biking in the region can make the most of their ride here by checking out the Bicycle Coalition of Maine at BikeMaine.org and by connecting with the three active bicycling clubs in the region: Central Maine Cycling Club, the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club and for trail riding CeMeNEMBA. Each holds recreational rides for peddlers of all ages and skill levels. Rest assured the scenery is beautiful whether you walk along the river, ride on our huge collection of rugged trails or take to the numerous scenic wooded roads well-suited for a country ride. Moxie Falls Location: The Forks Area Length: 0.6 Miles Challenge: Easy The reward of this beautiful hike is Maine’s most picturesque waterfall — great way to end a day of whitewater rafting. Burnt Jacket Mountain Location: Jackman Length: 1.5 Miles Challenge: Moderate Burnt Jacket, visible from the approach to Jackman and only a few miles southeast of the Canadian border, offers beautiful open summits with dramatic views. Bigelow Preserve – Fire Warden’s and Horns Pond Trails Loop Location: Dead River Twp, Wyman Twp Length: 12.4 Miles Challenge: Difficult Within the Bigelow Public Reserved Land this challenging combination trail allows for the summiting West Peak and the Horns. Quarry Road Recreation Area Location: Waterville Length: Varies Challenge: Varies A four-season 200-plus acre park with multi-use trails for all experience levels. Beautiful views, woods and open spaces. To learn more about Hiking and Biking in the region, visit KennebecValley.org. 9