Guide to Exploring the Kennebec Valley and Moose River Area of Maine
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Cultural attractions and outdoor adventures blend in the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys Region of Maine, encompassing the Belgrade Lakes area, Waterville, Skowhegan, Bingham, and the frontier town of Jackman, known for some of the best hunting and fishing in the state. View the exciting historical exhibits at the Maine State Museum in Augusta or take a thrilling whitewater rafting trip at The Forks.
The Kennebec and Moose River Valleys offer many adventure experiences at every level and for every member of the family. Hike short trails up Frenches Mountain near Belgrade Lakes to Moxie Falls in The Forks, or up Owls Head in Jackman. Experience a more challenging climb in the Bigelow Mountain Range or Pleasant Pond Mountain, both on the Appalachian Trail.
Bicycle on a path following the Kennebec River from Solon to Bingham or on miles of roads through the working forests. Canoe or kayak on the magnificent lakes and rivers and fish for brown trout and small mouth bass in the Kennebec, or salmon, brook trout, and togue in the northern waters. The famous 46-mile “Bow Trip” on the Moose River remains one of a handful of wilderness canoe trips in the northeast, offering unparalleled opportunity to fish, observe moose, deer, and other wildlife.
The region is renowned for its world-class rafting in spring, summer and fall from Class 1 rapids through Class IV and V whitewater on a breathtaking 12-mile run through the Kennebec Gorge.
In the fall, the drive along the spectacular winding and climbing portion of Rt. 201 between Bingham and The Forks, overlooking Wyman Lake, is unsurpassed. In the winter, more than 200 miles of groomed trails through the woods, over mountains, and across frozen lakes attract snowmobilers from all over New England.
To appreciate Kennebec Moose River Valley’s colorful history, visit the Redington Museum and Two-Cent Bridge in Waterville, Fort Halifax in Winslow and the Margaret Chase Smith Library and History House in Skowhegan. Benedict Arnold and 600 men, on orders from General Washington, made their historic and ill-fated march through the region in 1775 in an attempt to capture the city of Quebec, stopping at Fort Western and Fort Halifax on the way.
Other attractions are the State House Hall of Flags in Augusta, antique shops in Hallowell, the chain of seven island-dotted Belgrade Lakes, Colby College in Waterville, Lake George Park and a 62-foot wooden sculpture of a native Indian in Skowhegan. Don’t miss a drive over the wire suspension bridge, dating from the mid-nineteenth century, in New Portland.
The Kennebec and Moose River Valleys region is a place where a canoe and kayakers, or fisherman can be alone on a lake in the middle of the summer, and moose roam as they did before the motor vehicle. There are comfortable places to stay in Kennebec Maine and nice restaurants along the way, and plenty to do if you love the outdoors.