The Kennebec Explorer 2015 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 56

The Moose River Valley Explore Boundless Outdoor Recreation Photo by: Daniel J. Marquis Photography A Remarkable Journey The stretch of the Old Canada Road above The Forks — one of Maine’s four National Scenic Byways — takes on a slightly different feel. The rolling green pitches of the hills urge you northward as you leave the Kennebec Valley and approach the Moose River Valley. The road takes you through prime moose-spotting marshes and ponds that line its edges. In autumn those greens become the vibrant golds, yellows and reds prized by legions of leaf peepers. While there are remarkable and memorable views at virtually every turn in the road, we highly recommend taking time — especially around sunset — to enjoy the truly spectacular view from The Attean Overlook rest area located as you head north just before arriving in Jackman. Stay Awhile For visitors to this unspoiled destination, its finest attribute, there is a wider selection of lodging than one might expect. There are accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets ranging from lodges and resorts like Lake Parlin Lodge and Cedar Ridge Outfitters to in-town motels like Bishop’s or the Northland. Fans of sporting camps may wish to consider 54 Bulldog Camps or the aptly named Last Resort. The more you look, the more options seem to appear, be it a tidy, basics-only campsite or an off-the-grid getaway like Attean Lake Lodge, accessible only by boat. So go ahead and boldly forge your plan. Paddle Into the Region’s Wildness During warmer weather every vehicle seems to be topped with the familiar form of a canoe or kayak, with the driver on the prowl for an open patch of water and a few hours to kill. Who could blame them? There is water everywhere. Jackman itself sits on the shore of Wood Pond at the epicenter of 60 easily accessed lakes, ponds and streams. For paddling devotees, the list of known trips is filled with great variation in length and tests of skill. Days could be spent exploring and paddling among the more than 40 islands that populate Attean Pond spotting the wide variety of birds overhead and earthbound wildlife. This is the home of the Moose River Bow Trip. East of Jackman, paddlers can enjoy the Moose River to Long Pond trip. Challenge yourself with some light rapids on the Moosehead Lake to Indian Pond trip. Or look into the vast stores of information online if you seek something different.