The Kennebec Explorer 2020 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 59
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 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. Cast 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 unfor-
gettable 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 right out the
door of virtually every accommodation
and restaurant. Services are provided
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
Moose River Valley
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