Kennebec Valley Explorer

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Kennebec Valley Explorer

Ongoing outdoor adventure filled with culture and scenic splendor in the Kennebec Valley Region. What is The Kennebec Valley Explorer?

We start the year with our Sporting Winter which is followed by Ice Out when the fishing challenges even the best angler. Spring Adventurers take you far and wide in our region. Summer vacation needs no introduction. Harvest time brings Agritourism and then the Hunt and all its tradition. Then we end the year in true New England fashion with our season of wonder: the Holidays in Maine. Come Explore a new perspective on Maine in the Kennebec Valley.

18/06/2024

Who's ready for this heat wave?! Our rivers and lakes are really about to shine. ☀️🛶

📍: Indian Pond

17/06/2024

World-class fishing with even better company. Find it here

The perfect spot awaits:

With over 250 square miles of water, visitors are sure to find some of the best fishing in the state in Maine's Kennebec Valley.

14/06/2024

Hit the trails. Whether you take a leisurely stroll on an in-town trail, hike to a waterfall, or summit a peak, there is a trail to suit everyone in the Kennebec Valley.

Find your next road less traveled: https://bit.ly/3RfWfHm

13/06/2024

We are truly fortunate to be made up of so many vibrant and uplifting communities! 🐝 🌈

Who’s showing up for Stride For Pride this Saturday in Skowhegan!? Check out BEEcoming The Changes FB page for details.

12/06/2024

Did someone say "Get me some travel inspo, stat!" Word on the street is that even if you haven't said that yet, (it's coming) and we have the best Maine travel emails around. Just what the doctor prescribed for that case of wanderlust this summer.

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/3Lnwsdm

10/06/2024

Destination? The unspoiled, unfiltered, lush outdoors that is Kennebec Valley.

📍Moxie Bald, Caratunk

Ongoing outdoor adventure filled with culture and scenic splendor in the Kennebec Valley Region.

08/06/2024

Happy ! If you enjoy road trips with unique stops, small-town art scenes, good beer, and outdoor adventure, you're our kind of people. Let us guide you to all the right spots. 🍻

Download our (free) app today: https://visitkennebecvalley.com/visit-maines-kennebec-valley/plan-your-trip/explorer-app/

05/06/2024

THE scenic drives of ALL scenic Maine drives: The Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway.

This infamous road stretches nearly 78 miles across Maine’s Kennebec Valley from Solon to the Armstrong-Jackman Border Crossing at Sandy Bay Township. Traveling along the Kennebec River, Wyman Lake, and through The Forks area, where the Dead and Kennebec Rivers converge, you can just imagine the non-stop views you'll be treated to.

03/06/2024

The scent of lilacs blowing through the air AND a view like this...say no more.

June 1. Lilacs are full bloom in Rockwood 💜

31/05/2024

🥾 Let's talk hiking 🌲
Kennebec Valley is home to countless hiking spots for the trail connoisseur and those looking to go a more leisurely route. Here are some of our favs to get you started:

For seasoned hikers: Try our beloved section of the AT which includes the only guided water crossing from here to Georgia.
Family-friendly: "Hobbitland" in Hallowell includes stone bridges, picturesque waterfalls, and a wild meadow (oh my)!

Whatever trail you find yourself on here, we are so glad to have you! Welcome to KV.

30/05/2024

Keep your eyes open when driving around! These cuties cross roadways to return to vernal pools and other habitats.

It’s the time of year to watch for turtles in and along the roads. We gloved up and helped this snapping turtle cross East River Road near Eaton Ridge Preserve. A painted turtle yesterday was not so lucky. Please give them a brake as they move through their egg-laying process.

28/05/2024

You're down for thrills (big and small). Outside experiences are your domain. This is your sign to book that trip to Maine's Kennebec Valley for unmatched whitewater rafting! With thrilling Class IV rapids, daily trips, and serene tubing options, there's excitement for everyone.

Home to the most reliably excellent whitewater rafting in the Northeast with a guaranteed minimum of 4,800 CFS throughout the season.

27/05/2024

Rain or shine, there's always somewhere you can catch your breath here.

📍 Rail Trail, Augusta. This specific trailhead is one of many on the Rail Trail route. This parking lot can be found next to the YMCA with signage to help identify.

24/05/2024

Hellooo fiddleheads!

Now to cook 'em!

22/05/2024

Antiquing and Maine go hand in hand. Take a virtual tour from the convenience of your phone of all the hidden treasure-filled spots in Kennebec Valley included. 🏴‍☠️

Download the tour from our app: https://visitkennebecvalley.com/visit-maines-kennebec-valley/plan-your-trip/explorer-app/

20/05/2024

There is NEVER a bad day for Selah Tea Cafe. Our local cafes are top-notch. Come experience them with us. ☕️

17/05/2024

Hey! So we have a website and... we think you'd really enjoy it. Use it to plan your next trip to the best parts of Maine or even as a way to reminisce on all the good times you had the last time you came to see us.

The go-to resource for Explorer videos, insights into the destinations and experiences to be found here, plus planning tips and information.

15/05/2024

The Viles Arboretum makes a walk in the park. 🌸

13/05/2024

The fresh air out here just hits differently. 😍

Just amazing to be outside…

11/05/2024

The greatest show on Earth.

📍Robbin's Hill in Solon, on May 10 around 11 p.m.

10/05/2024

No need for Wi-Fi, just pure local knowledge guiding you to the coolest spots in Maine's Kennebec Valley. Perfect for your next group or solo outing. 🌲🍺🏔

Download today: https://visitkennebecvalley.com/visit-maines-kennebec-valley/plan-your-trip/explorer-app/

08/05/2024

Your greenhouse runs this spring could look THIS good if you'd just come visit us in Kennebec Valley already! Longfellow's Greenhouses

07/05/2024

Happy ! Whether you're a first-timer or a Maine fanatic, there's always something new to discover here in Kennebec Valley.

03/05/2024

Well versed in small-town charm

📍: Downtown Winthrop

01/05/2024

Craving an epic adventure? Maine's Kennebec Valley offers some of the best whitewater rafting on the East Coast! With daily trips on the Kennebec and coveted high-water releases on both rivers, there's always a new challenge waiting for you where the Kennebec and Dead Rivers converge.

Looking for something a bit more relaxed? Many of our outfitters also provide leisurely tubing and inflatable kayak trips on the lower Kennebec. So whether you're in for the thrill or just want to chill, bring the family and make a splash in Maine!

Get out on the water: https://visitkennebecvalley.com/visit-maines-kennebec-valley/experiences/whitewater/?utm_source=Visit+Kennebec+Valley+Suscribers&utm_campaign=c8abac4ee3-whitewater-24-vkv&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-d539b05b36-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

24/04/2024

Did you know that we have an app?!
Like a local guide to nearly 100 spectacular locations throughout Maine’s Kennebec Valley right in your pocket.

Download it for free:

The Explorer App is like having a local guide right in your pocket with GPS-based mapping and no need for wi-fi or cellular data to use.

23/04/2024

An interactive art exhibition in downtown Waterville? Now this is a "must-see".

Where: Ticonic Gallery and Studios
When: May 24, 2024
What: Tom Jessen invites visitors to become part of the interactive journey that is At Play.

Step into the creative world of artist Tom Jessen as he brings his piece Atsuko to life right before your eyes at Ticonic Gallery!

On May 24, come together as Tom Jessen invites visitors to become part of the interactive journey that is At Play. Not your standard exhibition, At Play: Works by Tom Jessen—featuring several interactive pieces like Atsuko—touches upon a core theme of play and encourages visitors to directly impact the display of the exhibition.

Learn more about our upcoming exhibition at www.watervillecreates.org/shows/at-play-works-by-tom-jessen-reception/.

22/04/2024

Spend your in Kennebec Valley. Gazing at mountain ridge skylines and cleaning up your favorite outdoor spaces. We thank you, the Earth thanks you, and those who come after you surely will as well.

18/04/2024

You DON'T want to miss out on FREE cone night at Gifford's Ice Cream.
At the Skowhegan, Waterville, and Bangor stands from 6-8pm today, April 18th!

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http://www.kennebecvalley.org/

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Videos

Picture: A day hike to Pierce Pond along with a whitewater rafting trip on the Kennebec River, topped off with an ATV ride at Northern Outdoors Lodge in The Forks. What more is there to ask for when searching for the perfect day in Maine?Here's to all the cool things you can do and see on and around the #AppalachianTrail! Explore New England🌲🥾👉 For the full video (KV is featured at 11:22), visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYMXrOwDCXs

Summer Escapes in Kennebec Valley

Itching for a summer adventure? Come experience all Kennebec Valley has to offer. There is no better time than the present! Visit our website and plan your visit today: https://visitkennebecvalley.com/

Slide Down Falls_VERT_1

Slide Down Falls in Jackman is TRULY a gem amongst the wild! It’s about 8 miles north of Jackman, almost to Canada, but it’s worth the drive, trust me! You can’t find it on All Trails but https://bit.ly/3DEJb75 has great directions and descriptions on how to get there. A Google search will get you to the page. A few things I’ll add is the dirt road to the trailhead isn’t too rough but I would take a vehicle with a little clearance. At the very end of the trail it gets pretty steep, I had my dog with me so I took a less worn path to the left that brought me to the lower pool. If you want to go to the upper pool from there, to the main drop, it’s a pretty easy climb over a rock ledge. If you want some sun while your there, I’d probably go late morning/noon. I hope all of you get to experience this place and if you go, tag us in your photos because I want to see you love it as much as I did. Go forth and wander 🤘

Summer exploring in Kennebec Valley from top to bottom! 🧭 🗺️ For all things KV, visit our website and plan your next adventure with us: https://visitkennebecvalley.com/

Skijor Skowhegan

Today is the day! If you're looking for something to get yourself and the family out of the house and into to outdoors Skijor Skowhegan is just what the doctor ordered. Gates open at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony following at 10:45 a.m. The first race kicks off the racing at 11 a.m. For complete event information visit: https://somersetsnowfest.org/skijor-skowhegan/

Parker Pond Headland + Winthrop

Small town, big adventure. Let's goo! Video itinerary: >> Parker Pond Headland Hike >> Sightseeing and shopping in Winthrop >> End of day brews at The Woodshed

Reset in Maine

The early bird gets sunrise mountain views, fresh trails, and the best seat by the fire when all is said and done. Reset in Maine. Get the brand-new 2023 Explorer guidebook at https://bit.ly/3aDw0Gl

Wire Bridge in New Portland

We can't wait to go back here when there's snow on the ground!

Let's get ready for winter!

With the foliage gone, we can't help but get psyched for winter! Need help planning your visit to and around Maine? Our website is a great place to start: https://bit.ly/3EcnZn9

Watching the mist rise off the Kennebec River at Robins Hill Scenic Overlook.

Hiking is better when there's a fire tower at the end 🤙 This is Chase Hill fire tower in Canaan, Maine. It's actually a super quick hike from the trailhead, only 10 minutes, with big rewards. Easy one to do to snag a sunrise or sunset view!

If you've got FOMO from missing out on the Skowhegan Craft Brew Festival you have an upcoming opportunity to redeem yourself... Swine & Stein Brewfest hits the streets of Gardiner on October 8! Get tickets at https://gardinermainstreet.org/swine-stein-brewfest/

Oh my gosh, we forgot to post about National Lighthouse Day on our Facebook! Well, it was August 8 and we paddled out to Ladies Delight, the only inland lighthouse in Maine, on Cobbesseecontee Lake. We put in at the boat launch on the North end of the pond, and from there it's about a mile paddle out. Super easy and a nice way to spend the afternoon!

Exploring French Mountain in Rome

French Mountain is a quick and dirty hike if you're just trying to squeeze in a little exercise or if you're with the whole fam and need something easier on the legs. Best part is, even for such a quick hike, you're rewarded with amazing views!

Let's trade saltwater for freshwater, skyscrapers for mountainscapes, and cellphone service for atmospheric silence. That's the ✨Maine✨ way. #Maine

Meanwhile, somewhere in northern Kennebec Valley...

Dead River Whitewater Rafting!

Sometimes whitewater happens... If you really want to go on an adventure join us in the whitewater rafting capital of the Northeast 👊

It was a beautiful day in downtown Hallowell! Travel and exploration should know no stigma, discrimination, hate, or ideology. It should know only the joy and wonder it provides to those who seek it. We celebrate with communities that embrace humans as they are and make space for people to travel and explore without fear. Vision Hallowell

We hoofed our packs and a dog to the top of Moxie Bald Mountain to spend a night at the summit under the stars! If you're planning an excursion like this, please prepare carefully and don't get caught unprepared with your pants down (figuratively 😆). Check the weather, dress appropriately, make sure your gear is up to the task, and bring lots of water!

Go Your Own Way in the Kennebec Valley

Wander out from the beaches and lighthouses to experience a different side of Maine. The Kennebec Valley is a place where you can truly go your own way.

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Maine’s Kennebec Valley

Taking its name from the Kennebec River, the region stretches from the river's birthplace at Moosehead Lake down beyond the capital at Augusta. Lovers of the outdoors will find prime paddling and fly-fishing spots. Hikers will be amazed at the variety of ways to go. And adventurists will be thrilled with Class IV rapids on the Kennebec and the Dead rivers. Visitors to Waterville, Skowhegan or Augusta will find offbeat excursions and many of the region’s unmatched culinary offerings.

Get our 2020 Vacation Planner or spend some time on our site, then make a plan to go your own way in Maine's Kennebec Valley.

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