Kennebec & Moose River Valleys

A vivid landscape of river towns, lakes, mountains and vast forests, the Kennebec & Moose River Valleys region offers visitors a wonderful combination of outdoor adventure, scenic splendor, history and culture. Famous for its whitewater rafting and snowmobiling, the region also boasts nationally known museums, Shakespearean theater, Maine’s capital city, and an international heritage corridor.

In Augusta, Maine’s capital city, you can explore 12,000 years of history at the Maine State Museum and visit the Capitol Building with its 180-foot granite dome. Make time for Old Fort Western, built in 1754, and beautiful Viles Arboretum. Nearby Hallowell is a must for antiquers.

Waterville boasts two colleges, Colby and Thomas, the turn-of-the-century Waterville Opera House, and the renowned Maine International Film Festival. Be sure to see the outstanding collection of American art at the Colby College Museum of Art.

The Skowhegan Indian––62-feet tall––welcomes you to this classic river town. Cross the Kennebec on the Swinging Bridge. Visit the Margaret Chase Smith Library; and see a show at historic Lakewood Theater. In nearby Hinckley, discover the offbeat L.C. Bates Museum.

The Belgrade Lakes region inspired Ernest Thompson to write his play, On Golden Pond. Enjoy superb fishing, boating, hiking, biking and golf on a championship course, plus spectacular fall foliage and winter cross-country skiing and ice fishing.

The Forks, hub of whitewater rafting, is where the Dead and Kennebec Rivers converge. Local guides provide gear, meals and lodging. Come also for fishing, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, mountain biking, hunting, ATVing, moose spotting and snowmobiling. Make the half-mile trek to 96-foot Moxie Falls.

The Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway (Route 201) traces a centuries-old travel route between Maine and Canada. Wind through scenic forests, mountains and old-time villages, along the Kennebec River, Wyman Lake and the Dead River, between Solon and the Quebec border.

Jackman, on The Old Canada Road, is gateway to 60 lakes, ponds and streams as well as an extensive interconnected snowmobiling trail system and a growing ATV trail network. Picnic at the Attean View rest area. Stay at a traditional sporting camp. Canoe, kayak orfish for trout and landlocked salmon.

The Kennebec-Chaudiere Corridor stretches into Quebec, marking the early, river trading routes of the Abenaki, and the much-traveled path of European settlers. Look for interpretive signs and maps at locations along Route 201.

	Visit the Official Website of this Region
	View a video of this Region
	View/Order a regional brochure

"Don't Miss" Fairs & Festivals

• Lake George Regional Park Winter Carnival and Ice Fishing Derby - Skowhegan - February
• Northeast Championship Sled Dog Race - Jackman - March
• Whatever Family Festival - Gardiner, August, Winthrop - June
• Kneading Conference - Skowhegan - July
• Maine International Film Festival - Waterville - July
• Kennebec River - Fest - Bingham - July
• Maine Quilts Annual Show - August - July
• Monmouth Apple Fest - Monmouth - September 

So Much More to Do...

• Discover Maine-made goods at the Center for Maine Craft, in the West Gardiner Service Plaza off the Maine Turnpike.
• Hike or cross-country ski at the new Grand Falls Hut on the banks of the Dead River, part of the Maine Huts & Trails system.
• Reserve your seats at the Shakespearean Theater of Maine in Monmouth, a year-round professional repertory company. 
• Pick you own apples at one of the region's many orchards and enjoy the crisp air and brilliant fall colors.
• Head to Jackman where you can canoe the 34-mile Moose River Bow Trip, one of Maine's finest wilderness paddling adventures.