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
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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.