Kennebec & Moose River Valleys Region

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The Kennebec & Moose River Valleys, renowned for its outstanding selection of outdoor recreation, extend northwards from Augusta to the upper Kennebec and Moose River Valleys. Best known for its world-class whitewater rafting and snowmobiling, the region also offers excellent hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, and fall foliage touring. Popular sightseeing attractions include the Maine State Museum and Fort Western in the capital city of Augusta, the Redington Museum and Colby College in Waterville, and the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Skowhegan. Maine Event highlights feature everything from summer activities like the Skowhegan State Fair to the Snowmobile Radar Run in February.

Counties in the Region

To see maps of Kennebec County and all towns & cities in the county, click here; for Somerset County and all towns & cities in the county, click here.

10 Largest Cities & Towns*

Other towns of interest include Albion, Belgrade, Benton, Chelsea, China, Clinton, Farmingdale, Fayette, Hallowell, Litchfield, Manchester, Monmouth, Mt. Vernon, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Rome, Sidney, Vassalboro, Vienna, Wayne, West Gardiner, and Windsor (Kennebec County); Anson, Athens, Bingham, Cambridge, Canaan, Caratunk, Cornville, Detroit, Embden, Harmony, Hartland, Jackman, Mercer, Moose River, Moscow, New Portland, Norridgewock, Palmyra, Pittsfield, Ripley, St. Albans, Smithfield, Solon, Starks, and The Forks (Somerset County). *Population figures are based on 2020 Maine Census estimates.

Climate – Average High/Low Temperatures (F)

• Augusta, Maine (Kennebec County): January: 27.6 to 10.4; April: 52.1 to 34.4; July: 79 to 60.1; October: 57.5 to 39.8
• Madison, Maine (Somerset County): January: 26.8 to 2.1; April: 51.2 to 30.1; July: 79.1 to 55.6; October: 57.2 to 34.7

Geography & Natural Attractions

Mountainous, heavily forested regions to the north. The Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead Rivers run through this region. Class IV and V whitewater in the Kennebec Gorge area. Two of Maine’s larger towns, Augusta, the state capital, and Waterville, sit on the banks of the Kennebec River in the southern part of this region. To the southwest of these towns are the Belgrade Lakes, a scenic chain of seven island-studded lakes.

Major Events

• February: Radar Run (Jackman)
• June: Art Festival (Belgrade Lakes)
• July: Log Days (Skowhegan)
• August: Logging Events (Jackman), Skowhegan State Fair (Skowhegan)
• September: Fall Fest (Jackman)
• October: Octoberfest (Belgrade Lakes)

Major Historic and Cultural Attractions & Sites

• Augusta: Maine State Museum, Blaine House – Governor’s home, Fort Western
• Pittsfield: Pittsfield Train Depot Museum
• Skowhegan: Margaret Chase Smith Library
• Waterville: Redington Museum, Two-Cent Bridge, Colby College Museum of Art
• Winslow: Fort Halifax

State Parks

Lake St. George State Park (Liberty) and Peacock Beach State Park (Richmond)

Recreational Activities

Biking, hiking (Appalachian Trail), canoeing & kayaking (Moose River Bow Trip, Belgrade Lakes), freshwater fishing (Belgrade Lakes, Jackman-Moose River area), whitewater rafting (Kennebec, Penobscot & Dead Rivers), moose-watching safaris, downhill & cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. See Sports & Recreation for related listings and detailed information.

Kennebec & Moose River Valleys Map

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