The State of Maine is deceptively large for an East Coast State. Its total area is 33,215 square miles-2,175 of which are water.
The drive from Kittery, the southern most town to Madawaska, the northern most town, is 405 miles. The geographic center of the state is Bangor, however, the population center is Portland which is 130 miles south of Bangor.
Thus, Maine has an extremely large area of sparsely populated land in which to canoe, camp, fish, hike, hunt, or simply enjoy the spectacular beauty of the forested mountains or the rockbound coast.
The Maine topography is as diverse as can be expected from a land area as large as Maine. The western mountains rise to elevations over 3,000 feet. The eastern coast is renowned for it's islands, bays, and forested peninsulas. The abrupt change in elevation provides numerous lakes and ponds as well as rivers and streams. The topography of Maine lends itself very well to the many species of fish found in the cold, clear waters and the abundance of wild life found in the remote spruce forests.
The southern region, which includes the coast, will provide a perfect setting for boating enthusiasts. The coastal waters offer sailing and sea kayaking. There are many rivers and streams as well as lakes and ponds suited for canoeing and motor boating. The water ways offer the angler an array of warm and cold water fish. The hunter will find small game, bobcats, coyote, deer, wild turkey as well as puddle and sea ducks. This region is the closest to the centers of population and offers the family vacationer a wide variety of activities.
Coastal "Downeast" has something to offer everyone. The breath taking beautiful coast offers sea kayaking, sailing, whale watching, and sea duck hunting. The many rivers, lakes, streams and ponds will appeal to all types of anglers, from the experienced to the novice. The Atlantic and landlocked salmon, lake trout, whitefish, brook trout, and smallmouth bass fishing provides the perfect excuse to get away from it all. These waterways are not only for fishing. They offer unlimited recreational opportunities for the entire family. Much to the delight of the hunter, this less populated area is home to bear, deer, coyote, bobcat, moose, and small game. This region also has many lodges and sporting camps that offer accommodations both summer and winter.
The northern region is very sparsely populated, with few tarred roads. This area will provide the visitor with a real sense of wilderness. Mention northern Maine and the first thoughts that come to mind are of the Alagash and St. John Rivers. These two rivers flow through some of the most remote areas of Maine. There are many rivers to be canoed and fished, such as the Aroostook, the Fish, and of course the East and West Branches of the Penobscot. The hunter will find vast areas well suited to small game, bear, cats, coyote, deer, and moose. Many guides have camps and lodges in this region and offer their hospitality to sportsmen and vacationers. For the more adventurous water enthusiasts, rafting is offered on the West Branch of the Penobscot, Upper Kennebec and Upper Dead Rivers. Family vacationing in this region offers a diverse itinerary of camping, canoeing, and hiking. Winter visitors will find extensive snowmobile trails as well as cross country ski trails.
The western region is the most mountainous area of Maine and is noted for excellent hunting and fishing of all game species. This area is also well suited to fall and winter activities. There are many downhill ski areas and your guide can provide you with unforgettable experiences on cross country skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles. The region is mixed hard and softwood which provides a unique opportunity to view the fall foliage from the canoe or tote road. The Kennebec River is rafted from the dam at Indian Pond to The forks. The unique and thrilling Kennebec Gorge can only be seen from a raft and is an experience like no other.
Maine is a four season state. The outdoor experiences that your guide can provide in one season can be very different than the same trip in another season. We urge you to enjoy the Maine outdoor experience in all seasons.
