The Kennebec Explorer 2015 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 57

Blissful Casting Mt. Kineo
With so much water, it was the area’s fishing that attracted many
of its original fans. Excellent opportunities for outdoor sport still
remain with fish biting in all seasons. So come on by! When Mt. Kineo swings into view as you roll into the tiny
village of Rockwood after the beautiful and sometimes
moose-filled drive from Jackman and the Old Canada Road,
the reason it has been a destination for longer than written
history becomes clear. It’s a mammoth beauty that you just
have to experience up close.
Spend a guided day fly fishing on a tributary that feeds the
Moose River or trolling for salmon and brook trout along the
drop-off in Moosehead. Head to Brassua’s inlet streams like
Johnson Brook and Misery Stream for an excellent day of fishing.
The great bass fishing on Moosehead may only be exceeded by
the Indian Pond fishery. Those seeking native brook trout should
explore the many miles of the Moose River above the path of
the “Bow” trip. Head to the area of Attean Falls in the spring
for a good chance at landlocked salmon and splake.
Take Aim on Excellent Sport Hunting
Blaze orange is popular here for a good reason. Something
always seems to be in season. Common quarry like deer, moose
and bear, while once over-hunted are again plentiful, and many
smiling hunters are returning to hunt again the following year.
But don’t limit yourself to tradition; increasingly popular are
hunts for coyote. And during winter, numerous guides offer
wintertime bobcat and snowshoe hare hunting.
The island mountain rises dramatically out of the cold blue
depths of Moosehead Lake to an epic 1,789 ft. It boasts
panoramic views of the indescribably beautiful lake below
and is snaked with an excellent collection of trails.
The prize for the hiker will always be the lookout tower at
the summit. The views from here are of an unspoiled Maine
Woods and include Big and Little Spencer Mountains to
the northeast and to the southeast the Lily Bay Mountains.
Cast your eye south to see Big Squaw, and southwest
beyond Blue Ridge and Misery Ridge you can spot
Mt. Coburn, home of Maine’s highest snowmobile trail.
Look west and see the three rolling bumps that comprise
Boundary Bald Mountain. And of course Little Kineo.
The climb and the views are well worth the effort.
Learn more at KennebecValley.org 55