From Moosehead Lake to the Atlantic, the Kennebec River and its lush valley fulfill outdoor enthusiasts’ dreams. Try rafting, fishing, kayaking or canoeing.
For world-class whitewater rafting, boundless trout fishing, paddling and hiking, visit Kennebec Valley. The 170-mile-long (270-kilometer) Kennebec River flows from Moosehead Lake, cascading into the Atlantic Ocean. The river and verdant valley offer extensive outdoor recreation opportunities.
Nearby, the Dead River and Cobbosseecontee Lake are also popular among boaters and anglers. Salmon, brook trout, brown trout and smallmouth bass inhabit these waters, making the area one of the Northeast’s most popular fishing destinations.
Canoe or kayak the valley’s many rivers and lakes for hours of solitude. From this unique vantage point, spot wildlife, such as Maine moose. Other area favorites include Flagstaff Lake with Bigelow range views, Moose River for great fishing and the Belgrade Lakes for paddling and hiking.
Try rafting on the Kennebec and Dead rivers, where each twist, turn or drop elicits screams of excitement. As Maine’s top whitewater destination, Kennebec Valley offers up to Class IV rapids between Indian Pond, the Upper Kennebec Gorge, The Rock Garden, The Three Sisters and Big Poplar Falls.
Seek land-based adventure in the nearby mountains of the Appalachian Trail. Feel the spray from Moxie Falls, Maine’s highest waterfall. Drive along The Old Canada Road scenic byway or stop to observe maple sap harvesting and processing into syrup.
Explore Kennebec Valley’s thriving arts scene, including performances year-round at the Waterville Opera House, the Snow Pond Center for the Arts in Sidney and Madison’s Lakewood Theater. The Colby College Museum of Art features an impressive collection of American art, including watercolors by Andrew Wyeth and pencil drawings by Louise Nevelson. The 10-day Maine International Film Festival takes over Waterville annually, while Rangeley’s Moose Dash Snowshoe Race offers rollicking fun in March.
Kennebec Valley extends from Winthrop and Gardiner in the south to Jackman and Canada in the north. Fly here via airports in Augusta, Bangor or Portland. Car rental agencies, train service and bus service are also available in the area. Come see where adventure was born in Maine.