TAKE A HIKE!! Climb a mountain, swim in a cold mountain stream, listen to the quiet or see an amazing view from a beautiful open ledge. Hiking is a very popular activity in The Forks area.  Many trails are available in our area. Below is a short list but there are many more. Most of these trails are on private property and State of Maine Public Lands, which is open to the public. In order for these areas to remain open to the public it is important to respect the owners rights, ie., build fires in designated areas, carry in/carry out all trash, take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but tracks. For additional information give Moxie Outdoor Adventures a call at 800-866-6943.

 

A suggestion of things to take along: Camera, binoculars, local maps, compass, wind breaker/poncho, bandana/hat, sunscreen/bug dope, sunglasses, snack/water, litterbag and a hardy sense of adventure.

Remember you are out to have fun, test your skills and see the beauty of this area. The following are just a few destination hiking trails in the Upper Kennebec Valley/Old Canada Road region of Maine.

 

Moxie Falls

Easy hike on well maintained trails/boardwalk/stairs. Distance:   .6 miles

Moxie Falls is the highest falls in New England with a 92 foot vertical drop. Moxie Stream drops from Moxie Pond(elevation 970’) for five miles to the top of the Stair Case Falls(elevation 800’). The next 2000’ from the top of the Stair Case to the bottom of the main falls the drop is 100’. It is a spectacular view in any season and at all water levels. You will find a well maintained trail through mixed hardwoods, many examples of local flora and fauna and the occasional wildlife to include: deer, rabbits, many bird species like hawks and bald eagles. To control erosion on steep banks, stairways and boardwalks have been installed. There are multiple viewing platforms for easy picture taking.

To get to Moxie Falls take US Route 201 to The Forks. At the bridge over the Kennebec River, turn right onto the Lake Moxie Road on the south side of the bridge. At approx two miles there is a sign at the trailhead - Moxie Falls Scenic Area and a parking area for vehicles.

Moxie Bald Mountain Trail

Part of the Appalachian Trail- Kennebec & Moose River Region

Length of hike: 9.6 miles, round trip from trailhead.  Difficulty: Strenuous

This is a beautiful trail with ledges, moss and spruce covered hillsides. Summit elevation is 2630 feet. Wonderful views of Bigelow, Katahdin , Sugarloaf and Abraham mountain ranges.

Take Rt. 201 north from exit 133 of the Maine Turnpike to The Forks, take right onto Lake Moxie Road, just before the Kennebec Bridge. At Lake Moxie Station/dam, turn right onto the Troutdale Road and proceed approx 8 miles to an AT marker.  There is parking on the right. Trail goes off to the left side of the road and crosses a brook. It is one mile to Joe’s Hole Lean- to.

 

Owl’s Head Trail

Jackman, ME     Upper Kennebec Valley Region

Length of hike:    1.5 miles round trip from trailhead      

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Attean Overlook just prior to entering Jackman, Maine has spectacular views of all surrounding mountains and lakes. This overlook is a rest area with picnic tables and portable facilities and is the beginning of the Owl’s Head Trail. The trail is clearly

 marked and takes approx 30 minutes. From Skowhegan take Route 201 North to Jackman and watch for the picnic area and large pullout on the right.

 

Magic Falls Trail on the Kennebec River

Moxie Gore Township-Upper Kennebec Valley

Length of hike: approx 4 miles round trip.   Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate

Magic Falls is one of the most exciting whitewater rapids on the Kennebec River. This is where the photographers go to take pictures of rafting trips and you can watch rafters challenge the falls.

Route 201 North from Skowhegan to The Forks, then right onto the Lake Moxie Road, just before the Kennebec Bridge. Proceed 5 miles to Lake Moxie and turn left onto The Harris Station/ Indian Pond Road. Travel 4.7 miles, where the road crosses Black Brook and turn left onto Take Out Road. Approx 1.4 miles in on the right there is a small pullout at the trailhead.  This is a two mile hike with great opportunities to spot wildlife. As you approach the end of the trail  the river will get louder. Watch for a trail to the left down the bank into the gorge. It will be steep and more difficult at this point. Be careful.

 

Pleasant Pond Mountain- Part of the Appalachian Trail

Caratunk, ME

Length of Hike:  1.2 Miles from AT Lean- Difficulty: Moderate    

Elevation: 2477

Pleasant Pond Mountain has an open ledge peak, scattered with small trees and a 360 degree view. Trail is steep in places. There are views of icy cold and deep Pleasant Pond below.

From Skowhegan take Route 201 North to Caratunk. Turn left at the Maine Forest Service Station into Caratunk village. At 3/10ths miles, turn left across from the Post Office and head towards Pleasant Pond, at approx3.7 miles. Road forks-keep left-travel  approx 6/10ths of a mile. Pavement ends and the road narrows.  At 8/10ths of a mile take the small dirt road to the right onto fire lane #13. At 5/10ths of a mile you will be at the AT Lean-To.  Find parking off road.

 

Mosquito Mountain

Difficulty: Easy to moderate  

Elevation: 2215 feet.  Vertical rise: 1223 feet.    1 to 2 hours, 1.2 Miles.

Mosquito Mountain is a ledge topped gem, with a 360 degree view overlooking Moxie Pond, Moxie Bald Mountain, Pleasant Pond Mountain. Bigelow Mountain can be seen in the SW and Squaw to the NE. Little mountains can surprise you and this one does!  Take US Route 201 to The Forks and then take a right onto The Lake Moxie Road, just before the Kennebec River Bridge. Travel five miles to Moxie Pond and take a right onto the Troutdale Road. Follow this dirt camp road approx 2 miles to a pull out where the road and power lines meet , you should be able to see Mosquito Mt from here and proceed to the trail.

 

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