Let the waters feed your spirit
The lakes and rivers that cover 250 miles of area in Maine’s Kennebec Valley not only offer myriad ways to recreate on the water, but they are the reason the region became an industrial and political leader within the state. They served as early highways and powered factories that sent goods around the world. The area’s lakes inspired stories, poems, and fed the creative spirit of theaters and musical venues. They are heralded as some of the best places to enjoy world-class Bass fishing, while the rivers are now famous for some of the very best whitewater on the East Coast.
The Kennebec And Dead Rivers
The mighty Kennebec River begins not from a small spring or stream, but rises out of two major outlets on the western side of Moosehead Lake, the West and East Outlets.
In The Forks the Kennebec connects with its primary tributary, the Dead River. It then weaves through the communities of Madison, Skowhegan, Waterville, and on to Maine’s capital, Augusta. Along the way several smaller tributaries feed into the Kennebec; among these are Wesserunsett Stream, Messalonskee Stream, and Cobbosseecontee Stream. About 20 miles south of Gardiner, it finally meets up with the Androscoggin River as it flows into Merrymeeting Bay.
These rivers are extremely popular with whitewater paddlers and rafters. The Dead River boasts the most continuous whitewater in New England. Fed by a man-made reservoir, Flagstaff, the dam-controlled river offers special water releases each year, which create the river’s famous Class III–V rapids.
our lakes are calling
Across the region, it’s not just one lake or another that attracts visitors; it’s all of them, from Lake Cobbosseecontee and Annabessacook near Augusta to Attean Lake and Brassua Lake around Jackman, and all those in between. Each is a haven for boating, water skiing, paddling, fishing, and swimming for the kids.
To the northeast of Augusta, China Lake is a fishing and boater’s paradise and holds a place on the Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes.
In the southernmost part of the region in Litchfield are the Tacoma Lakes, dotted with quaint vacation cottages. The small rural towns of Fayette and Readfield surround Echo Lake, known for its abundant fishing and summer camps. Flying Pond, a popular summer cottage location, sits nestled among the rolling hills of Vienna and Mount Vernon.
the belgrade lakes
As loons call to each other, the sunset casts a golden light across the waters of Great Pond and Long Pond, combining to create the classic feel of “summering in Maine.” The Belgrades are comprised of seven lakes: Long Pond, East Pond, North Pond, Great Pond, Messalonskee, McGrath Pond, and Salmon Lake, offering a nearly endless variety of recreation.
Set on the shores of Messalonskee Lake in Sidney is one of Maine’s grandest outdoor venues, Snow Pond Center for the Arts’ Bowl in the Pines amphitheater. Every summer, they host a concert series and Snow Pond on Tap, a celebration of brews and bands.
In the Upper Kennebec Valley
In Somerset County, the lakes are wilder. North of Skowhegan, Wesserunsett Lake is home to Lakewood Theater, Inn and Restaurant, and Golf Course. Further up Route 201 in Moscow, Wyman Lake is not a lake, but a riverine reservoir formed when Wyman Dam was built in 1930 and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Moxie Pond, east of Mosquito Mountain, is a favorite of paddlers. Pierce Pond, set along the Appalachian Trail, has long occupied a place in the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts for coldwater game fish. While Attean Pond, west of Jackman, boasts more than 40 islands, offering both a peaceful retreat and excellent salmon fishing.
