Bigelow Preserve is an absolutely gorgeous state-owned nature preserve in Western Maine…read more Established in 1976, this protected land is open to the public for hiking, camping, boating, fishing, fall foliage, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and so much more! At over 36,000 acres... you're sure to find something of interest. The flora and fauna are just breath-taking and it is absolutely worth a visit! I visited this vast parcel of land with the intent of climbing four out of the seven peaks of the Bigelow Mountain Range that are contained within the preserve. As some of the tallest mountains in all of Maine, I was excited for the challenge. The mountains are named after Major Timothy Bigelow who summitted the peaks in the late 1700s. There are many trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail, that snake through this forested playground. The Maine Appalachian Trail Club maintains these tracks and provides caretakers at the backcountry camping sites. From the mountains there are impressive views of Flagstaff Lake and the mountain range itself. Open all year round. One of the most scenic hikes I've completed in a while! Breath in the fresh air and get outside.

I feel the need to preface all of my nature reviews with this: being 90% forested and having around…read more3500 miles of coastline, Maine (and NH) has a tremendous amount of spaces, walkways, paths, and trails of all kinds and of all levels. There's something for everyone. What I'm reviewing is how a spot compares to similar outdoor spots in my personal opinion. Being in nature - and remembering to carry in, carry out - is always five stars! :) Parking? Yes. Loop trail? No. Well marked signs? Yes. Element of surprise? Yes. Heads-up: to even access the parking lot, you'll need to drive down some seriously rough back roads. Maine back roads. You've been warned. Admittedly, this was one of the most difficult hikes I have ever done (to date). It's a (give or take) 3,187' elevation done in about 1.5 miles. Yeah. Let that sink in. It's an out-and-back vertical rock scramble. It's very steep, it's very rocky and it stays that way from the very beginning to the very end. We saw on multiple different hiking websites that "experienced, athletic hikers can make this aggressive climb in 1.5 to 2 hours." We got there at around 4:30pm and left around 8pm (and we were hustling down the mountain at the end because we didn't want to be up there in the dark after having seen a lot of fresh moose scat). We were shocked to see people just starting their climb as we were coming down! "Are we almost there?" one person asked... The answer? No, no you're not. And that's the story of Mt Blue. Just when you think you're almost to the summit... you're not. "Let's just push forward for five more minutes." VERTICAL ROCK SCRAMBLE. "Okay, just another five minutes." MORE VERTICAL ROCK SCRAMBLING. "Five more minutes and then we'll turn around." VERTICAL ROCK SCRAMBLING FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. When we had reached our absolute physical breaking point we really did go "just five more minutes"... and reached the summit, which offered some of the most spectacular, most rewarding views I have ever seen in Maine. At the top is an old fire tower that you can climb (there are a few levels of stairs; it sways ever so slightly in the wind, so people who get motion sickness or have fear of heights, heads-up), but from there you can see panoramic views of the picturesque, seemingly endless, nearby mountains and lakes. It was one of the most breathtaking scenic summits I have ever experienced or witnessed; Maine in absolutely all of her glory and beauty and impressiveness.

Holy moly! That my friend is a hike to do. Not only does it boast a gorgeous 360 view atop the…read moreobservation tower, it also gives you a workout that you will physically remember...for days. As part of my hike 40 different Maine mountains, I figured this was a good one to add to my list.(This was 36 if you were wondering) I hit up the google maps for direction and got myself within a few miles when I turned it off and followed the signs. I stopped at the multi-use trails to ensure it wasn't what I needed. It gave me good directions to the correct trail head I wanted. I scooted up the road that soon turned to dirt and after passing the sign and turn for Center Hill went .7 miles before seeing the sign for Mt. Blue. This bumpy dirt road went on for 2.5 miles before getting to the parking lot. My hike was all uphill. No switch backs, no meandering easy trails, just all up. Straight up rocks, boulders, and roots. Luckily at .5 there was trail off to the left with a small waterfall and then a bit further up there was a very old and falling apart cabin with more views of the mountain stream behind it. The rest of the hike was as I said before was all straight up. I had brought a jacket in case the overcast day got chilly but definitely didn't need it. I was sweaty and breathing heavy. Along the way I passed all ages of people so while this may be tough it's not impossible for any age. At the top I was delighted by the sight of the observation tower. How many mountains had I done where at the top I wanted to see more! I huffed it up the few flights of steps and took in a breathtaking 360 view! So worth the sweat, achey muscles, and exhaustion I felt. My trip up was 1:40 and trip down was 1:10. I'm in moderate shape and recovering from a leg injury so take that timing as you wish.

I was here for a family gathering to celebrate my sister's 50 th birthday. Our group stayed at a…read morecouple of cabins which were very nice and convenient. We went two days in a row. The first day was the full river trip and the second day was the ultimate on the Kennebec River. Both days were excellent!! It was my and my 16 year old year's first time white water rafting. We absolutely loved it!! We had a big group, 15 people the first day, 19 the second with a large range of ages 6-65 years and mixed of experienced and non experienced. We had the same guides both days-Jackie and Steve. Not only were they great guides but they are beautiful people! Everyone in our group had a wonderful time and we spent all night reminiscing.

What an amazing trip and terrific guide (Jackie)!!!! Rapids at the start and a beautiful relaxing…read morecruise at the end. Hot lunch once we all returned from the river with good food 10 out of 10, we would/will go for an other ride next time we are up in Maine.

Old fashioned camping exists! This is a perfect family campground-- kids can ride their bikes,…read morefolks can stroll through the campground or adjacent trails, and meeting and chatting with other campers and rangers is a joy. The beach has the best view of any in the world. Area hiking trails are challenging and breathtakingly beautiful. Coos Canyon is nearby and a super fun day trip. There are flush toilets and showers and a brand new playground. This is a jewel.

Summer review! Get…read morethat Maine State Park Pass out and head to Mt Blue State Park Campground (even if it's just for a day outing)! It's like a smaller, more intimate, more highly concentrated version of everything you love about Sebago and Rangeley. Clear, clean, cold water to swim in; surrounding mountains (like Mt Blue) that ring Webb Lake making it picturesque in every way. There's also some low stakes hiking, including a 1-mile loop (apparently called Hopping Frog Nature Trail) near the Nature Center. The Nature Center is also very cool, offering hands-on exhibits, interpretive programs, and displays about the local flora and fauna. I learned how big my wingspan is and played a round of outdoor checkers. I was extremely delighted by this spot and can't wait to explore it again in the future!

This place is for anyone who loves the outdoors! White Water Rafting, Hiking, Tubing down the…read moreriver, and more. What really stood out was the outstanding woodwork in the restaurant & bar. We rented the King Pine log cabin for a birthday party. It sleeps 14+! I do have pictures that I will share but the beds aren't made because we were leaving & housekeeping does all of that. We all went to breakfast at their restaurant. Delicious & huge portions. Reasonably priced as well. There's a large hot tub, game room, swimming pool & pool table. Nice cozy couches in this area as well. The staff were some of the nicest people I have ever met. This is an all season place. It is definitely worth the trip!

Great tour guides and very fun time!! brought a large group and we all had fun with very good food…read morehalf way through.

Outdoor enthusiasts- this is your happy place!! I've never seen so many lakes, streams, and remote…read morehiking trails all in one place!! Absolute heaven!! The Rangeley Lakes region is massive and holds six large lakes, as well as hundreds of smaller lakes, ponds, and streams. I started my adventure driving in on the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway which takes you way up on some ridges with vast sweeping views of the valley that holds gigantic Mooselookmeguntic Lake!! You'll have the opportunity to pull off for photos at Height of Land waypoint and I highly recommend the stop - a great way to start your trip! I based myself out of Rangeley and stayed at the quaint Rangeley Inn & Tavern and it was so perfect! Rangeley is right in the heart of the region and sits between lovely Haley Pond (full of Loons!!) and magnificent Rangeley Lake which has spectacular sunsets and seaplane excursions. Apparently modern day fly fishing was born in this region which doesn't surprise me. This is a sportsman's paradise to be sure! Fishing, hunting, ATVing - all very popular here. As well as hiking and tons of birding! In winter it's all about skiing and snowmobiling. I came to this region in search of moose and explored as much as I could - all the way up to the giant Chain of Ponds pushing up to the Canadian border. And while I didn't find any moose, I still had an amazing adventure and will definitely be back!!

We have been rafting with US rafting Maine for 3 years now. we have never had a bad trip!…read moreGreat guides, reasonable lodging. No reason to go anywhere else. We usually go for "big release" dates & have enjoyed the extra thrill. Pig roasts are FABULOUS when available. Nice to have food back at base when done & ready to hit the road. Michelle is fabulous when booking your reservations & most helpful.

Had an amazing time. The rapids were great, the scenery was beautiful and our rafting guide Emily…read morewas great and knowledgeable. If you're in the area please stop by.

Aelin made our trip unforgettable! Even with the freezing rain, we had an amazing time. For two of…read moreus, it was our very first experience, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide. We're already looking forward to coming back and booking with Three Rivers again. We did the Kennebac River upper and lower trip.

Had the best time ever. This place is amazing. 10/10 kim was our guide she is the best. Cabins were…read moreclean. Food was great. Camping site was even better.

Very last minute adventure to try WW Rafting for the first time…read more I arrived right before our bus was to be leaving...got lost along the way. The staff was kind and patient even though I'm sure it was annoying to have us show up in the midst of the safety lecture! Our guide Eric, came with a total of 32 years experience, such a positive and easy going attitude, and an aura of joy! Having never been rafting before I was quite nervous, but after just a few minutes getting with Eric, and observing him in the boat, I knew I was in the best hands possible. What I feel is important to know is that, the people you choose to spend the day rafting with-in your boat-should be people you feel comfortable with. There was a single man that joined our group, and because of his very potent body odor, inability to allow the guide to speak at times, and his obtrusive wooden oar, my experience felt slighted at times. This man meant no harm and is just going about his life, I just wish I could have slapped some deodorant on him Anywho-Eric did a fantastic job doing what he does so well...GUIDING...he read his group, got to know our strengths, and then allowed us to have a very memorable and cherished experience!! I would have to say that the lunch served at camp, after the trip, was less than desirable. Whether you decide to take a day trip or stay overnight, I highly recommend Moxie!

Agree with all the other yelpers. Moxie's Outdoor Adventures…read moreis aptly named. It is well worth the drive, the rafting is amazing. Cliff and his guides & staff are top notch. Our group had a blast & I would go back solo, it was that much fun! Even the young children in our group got to go via the special raft Cliff guided for them. They loved it. The Forks area is beautiful. We hiked & biked as well. As an FYI cell reception is spotty in the area