View of Scowhegan across the Kennebec River: Tichnor Brothers, Publisher, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsThe Kennebec & Moose River valley region is Maine-made for outdoor enthusiasts. With its two famous rivers and rugged mountain terrain, the possibilities for adventure are boundless.
The rivers, lakes and ponds provide ample opportunity for canoeing and kayaking, fishing and swimming, and world-class white water rafting. In the mountains and in the valleys, hiking, biking and scenic drives can fill summer and fall days, along with the numerous classic agricultural fairs. Fall adds foliage drives, apple picking, pumpkins, hayrides and cider. Winter is made for snowmobiling, with over 200 miles of groomed trails. Breathe in the balsam-scented air and pick up a balsam tree or wreath. Top that off with ice fishing, skiing and snowshoeing and you have a recipe for winter fun.
Wildlife abounds in this region, with plenty of opportunities for spotting that elusive moose – particularly along Route 201 between Bingham and The Forks, Route 15 from Rockwood, and while paddling the famous 46-mile Moose River “Bow Trip”.
Some of the most beautiful areas include Flagstaff Lake and Bigelow preserve, the seven Belgrade Lakes dotted with islands, along the Old Canada Road, stretching from Solon to the Canadian border for almost 80 miles, and amongst the farmland along the Kennebec valley.
It’s not all wilderness here, of course – Augusta, the state’s capital, stands guard at the southern end of the region, and pretty towns dot the region. Art and culture can be had not only in Augusta, but also in the theaters, music venues and theaters of Gardiner, Hallowell, Litchfield, Madison, Monmouth, Sidney and Waterville. Other key attractions include the Maine State Museum, Fort Western, the State House Hall of Flags and Blaine House (Governor’s home) in Augusta, the 19th-century wire suspension bridge in New Portland, the Pittsfield Train Depot Museum, the Margaret Chase Smith Library, History House and the 62-foot wooden sculpture of a native Indian in Skowhegan, the Redington Museum, Two-Cent Bridge and Colby College (including its Museum of Art) in Waterville, and Fort Halifax in Winslow.
If you haven’t been here yet, plan a trip – you’ll be glad you did.
