Maine Highlands
One runs out of descriptive statements when trying to describe all the attributes of the Highlands Region of Maine. The area is home to more moose and deer than anywhere else in the state. The last ice age left in its wake snow-capped mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, and streams that will excite any outdoor enthusiast. Enjoy all types of outdoor recreation, including canoeing, kayaking, snowmobiling, hiking, golf, water skiing, fishing, and snowshoeing. You can also occupy your time by visiting one of the many historical and cultural attractions in the region or searching for that special souvenir from the region's excellent craftsmen.
For a good look into the history of the region, visit the commercial and lumber center of Bangor. More than just the home of famous writer Stephen King, Bangor is Maine's third largest city and filled with cultural attractions indicative of the Highlands spirit. Your first stop should be the Bangor Museum and Center for History. The Museum is a one-stop-shopping venue for historical attractions in Bangor. The Center coordinates such attractions as the Civil War Museum, a "best of Bangor" bus tour, a candlelight ghost tour, and walking tours past Bangor's historically significant buildings. Be sure to take a stroll around the West Market Square Historic District, a mid 19th century influenced block of restaurants and shops.
For some serious fun in an aquatic setting, point your compass to Moosehead Lake. Moosehead is Maine's largest lake at 74,890 acres and one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the United States. Obviously, with all that water, Moosehead Lake is a favorite haunt for all kinds of angling endeavors. Brook trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon are the most notable targets for both summer and winter fishermen. Ice fishing is one of the most popular activities around the lake. Hiking trails meander through the lake, hosting cross-country skiers in the winter.
More outdoor entertainment can be found in Baxter State Park, located in Millinocket. The park was left in trust by Percival P. Baxter, businessman and naturalist, "as a sanctuary for beasts and birds, and that Katahdin in all its glory forever shall remain the mountain of the People of Maine." Thanks to Mr. Baxter's gift, millions of people each year enjoy the hiking trails that ramble through the park, one of the most popular leading to Mt. Katahdin. The park has over 201,000 acres and offers the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife species in their natural habitat. Birding enthusiasts will enjoy sightings of many different wood warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, several species of owls and hawks, ducks, and game birds.
When the winter's chill sets in among the Great North Woods, snow activities flourish, particularly at Big Squaw Mountain Resort in Greenville. This is New England skiing at its finest, as Big Squaw is blessed with incredible scenic views to go along with the 33 trails that twist over the mountain. The trails are spread out evenly between beginner and advanced skiers. There is also a scenic run that takes skiers through the trials of glade skiing (trails that lead through indigenous pine trees). Snowboarding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing are also offered in full force.
The Maine Highlands are a never-ending rock concert of outdoor and cultural activities. Try out some nerve shaking whitewater rafting on the Penobscot and Kennebec Rivers. Take a hike along a portion of the Appalachian Trail, which culminates on Mt. Katahdin. Hop on a mountain bike for a scenic ride down a flower-covered trail. Try your hand at ice climbing (a close cousin to rock climbing). However you choose to spend your vacation, you could not have made a better choice than the Pine Tree State!
