Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Whale Watching
Boats running from ports all along the coast from Portland, to Boothbay
and especially from Bar Harbor take thousands of people daily to visit
marine mammals. Nothing compares to the thrill of seeing finbacks sur-
facing right next to the boat, the spray from their blowholes wetting the
decks. Watching humpbacks broach - they literally shoot right up out of
the water and seem to stand on their tails - has been compared to a reli-
gious experience. Trips are quick, safe, and most offer money-back guar-
antees if no whales are sighted.
Kokadjo/Greenville
Greenville is the gateway to spectacular Moosehead Lake, but if you
haven't been to tiny Kokadjo (population 3), a half-hour up the road, well,
you haven't been to the Great North Woods. Just south of Kokadjo is
where the utility poles end and real wilderness begins. The entire region
is prime moose-watching territory. Greenville is famous for fishing,
swimming, boating, snowmobiling in winter, and for being a jumping off
place for hikers using the nearby Appalachian Trail, heading up Squaw
Mountain or the flint monolith, Mount Kineo, part-way up the lake.
Pemaquid Point
The stunning lighthouse and ledges of Pemaquid Point comprise the
quintessential Maine seashore scene. This is vintage coastal Maine drip-
ping with history - Fort William Henry is just a few miles away. Public
access to the shore is good and the back roads and byways of this portion
of the coast are lined with pretty farms, antique houses, unique shops
and restaurants and lobster piers that offer up Maine's most delectable
crustacean in dozens of ways.
Rafting/Kennebec
Once you've bagged a few peaks and beachcombed along the coast, it's
time to test yourself against one of Maine's mightiest rivers. Dozens of
rafting companies offer safe trips down a steep-sided gorge and through
“Magic” falls, a potentially-perilous Class V rapid unrunnable by open
boats. After learning the fine points of paddling as a team, and running
the maelstrom, relax, and enjoy the remainder of the trip floating along-
side the boat in fast, yet smooth water. All trips include a delicious lunch.
