Maine Camping Guide 2017 - 60

Kennebec Valley

The Kennebec Valley is best known for fertile farmlands, countless lakes,
streams and ponds, and the historically important Kennebec River. While
all types of outdoor activities abound throughout the valley, whitewater
rafting on many of the beautiful rivers that flow through this region is
especially important.
SUBMITTED BY ERIC MORENO, KENNEBEC VALLEY - INDIAN POND

hile the Kennebec Valley contains some of
Maine's largest cities - Waterville, Skowhegan
and Augusta - it is best known for its rolling
countryside and quiet, old-fashioned villages that define
the Winthrop, China and Belgrade lakes area and other
towns to the north.

In addition, a major roadway - Route 201 - follows the
trail Benedict Arnold took during his march to Quebec in
1775. A beautiful ride, especially during the late summer
and early fall, 201 will take you to the northern portion of
this region, which is mostly owned by the paper companies
that manage Maine's huge forest industry.

Families are especially attracted to this region because of
the many opportunities to fish, canoe, hike or bike. Sightseeing, a major item on most people's agenda, as well
as antique hunting, shopping at the numerous vegetable
stands and garage sales are found on many of the area's
back roads.

Once there, you'll discover The Forks, a major outdoor
and whitewater rafting area lying at the confluence of the
Dead River from the west and the Kennebec River from the
east. More than a dozen whitewater rafting outfits are now
housed in The Forks.

State fairs are a staple of the region and one of the largest
is the Skowhegan State Fair in August. It is the oldest continuously operating state fair in the country.
History also plays an important role in the Kennebec Valley. For instance, Maine's capital city - Augusta - while
the second smallest in the United States (only Montpelier,
Vermont, has fewer residents) - offers tours of several
museums, historic homes and the oldest surviving wooden
fort in New England.
Speaking of history, Gardiner and Hallowell are quaint river
towns now considered antique centers. Both feature brick
sidewalks and turn-of-the-century lampposts that remind
visitors of a bygone era and invite them to sample several
interesting restaurants, boutiques and art galleries.

Route 201 then pushes north to the Canadian border at
Jackman - a four-season recreational area heavily involved in whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking and
mountain biking.
There are several things to see and places to visit in this
region. They include:
* The Blaine House in Augusta, built in 1833, was given to
the state in 1919 to be used as the Governor's mansion.
* The State House in Augusta was designed by noted Boston architect Charles Bulfinch and built in 1829.
* The Maine State Museum in Augusta houses some of the
most historic artifacts in Maine, especially those associated

continued on page 64

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maine Camping Guide 2017