The Kennebec Explorer 2018 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 61

The Moose River Valley
A place to find a sense of peace or
experience the thrill of adventure.
Devotees have been visiting the Moose
River Valley for its unblemished natural
beauty and access to fishing, paddling,
and hunting for well over a century.
Now many come for the snowmobiling
and ATV riding.
Along the historic Old Canada Road
National Scenic Byway this unspoiled
place is a delight when seen from behind
the wheel in the autumn. Those looking
to harvest enjoyment of a more natural
kind should spend a day or two here,
and push deep into the red-painted and
golden-tipped forest for a day of hiking
or paddling across fish-filled lakes. Spot
a moose in rut or simply climb one of
the surrounding peaks at dawn to
capture a glorious sunrise (or set).
Fishing: the original “sport.”
Quiet days interrupted only by the
splash of hungry land-locked salmon
or trout is nothing new around here.
Day-trippers should consider hiring
a Registered Maine Guide for the best
results. If you are going it alone check
out the many tributaries along the
Moose River. Drop a line along the drop-
off in Moosehead Lake near Rockwood
for brook trout and salmon. Springtime
anglers should head to Attean Falls
for landlocked salmon and splake.
more remote parts of the North Woods
is filled to the gunwales with lakes and
ponds. But you won’t need to go far to
find watery adventure. Wood Pond sits
at the epicenter of 60 easily accessed
and paddle-friendly spots. Paddling
expands your access to other activities
that transform a vacation into an
unforgettable experience. Spend time
exploring, bird watching, and wildlife
watching or do a little exploring on
40+ islands that populate Attean Pond.
Ambitious adventurers should try the
Moose River Bow Trip. Other paddling
trips include the Moose River to Long
Pond, or those seeking an in-between
challenge and light rapids should
seek out the Moosehead Lake to
Indian Pond trip.
Hunting remains popular.
Some folks joke that camouflage and
blaze orange are the official colors of
the Moose River Valley. The fact is,
something always seems to be in season
here. Deer, moose, and bear are again
plentiful, and other types of hunts are
popular as well. During the winter,
many guides even offer bobcat, coyote,
and snowshoe hare hunting.
Thrills of a different kind
Sometimes the area’s best thrills come
from the action of snowmobiling or an
ATV trek through the woods. This remote
(but accessible) part of the Kennebec
Valley welcomes riders in all seasons,
offering easy access to national and
international trail systems, like the ITS,
right out the door of virtually every
accommodation and restaurant. Services
are offered both on the trail and in town,
and clubs are here to show you around.
Plus, Coburn Mountain (highest trail
in Maine) is just a few miles south of
Jackman on ITS 89.
Just add water. And go.
Your escape won’t be complete without
time spent on the water. The area is home
to incredible options for swimming,
fishing, or gliding in your kayak or canoe.
The area around Jackman and up into
View across The Moose River Valley, ©Dan Marquis
59