The Katahdin Region nestle in the middle of Maine will always be near and dear to my heart as it is where I grew up and learned how to love the great outdoors. When I was not exploring the woods around the Allagash Wilderness Waterway I was exploring the woods around the Katahdin Region with my parents or friends. I was fortunate that many friends were willing to explore with me. When people think of this area they usually think of Mt. Katahdin. I am going to share my favorite places to visit that are not hiking the mountain. While the mountain is beautiful I hike, I have some other favorites in the area. Below are my top five.
Katahdin Air Service- If you want a birds eye view of the Katahdin Region make sure you take a scenic plane ride with Katahdin Air Service. They do a variety of scenic flights around the area as well as do drops offs for the Appalachian Trail, camping and remote sporting camps. This is where I spent my summers working as a teenager and it was one of the best jobs I ever had. The flying service is located about 10 miles north of Millinocket on Ambajajus Lake.
View from the docks at Katahdin Air.
Katahdin Stream Falls- If you love waterfalls, like I do, you have to check out Katahdin Stream Falls in Baxter State Park. The trailhead is located at Katahdin Stream Campground. The trail is the easy side of moderate hike, my daughter did it when she was 5. It is a little over one mile to the falls. There is nothing better than sticking your head under this icy cold waterfall.
Katahdin Stream Falls in all its beauty.
Gauntlet Falls- Located in the Jo-Mary Region southwest of Millinocket is one of my all time favorite places to swim. You need to enter through the Jo-Mary Gate off the Brownville Road/Route 11 and get directions from the gate keeper. There is a fee to go through the gate. I frequented this swimming hole a lot in my teen years. I have since taken my family back and it is still a favorite. The water can be swift here depending on the water levels. At times you can swim up under the falls and others the current is too strong. There are various heights of rocks to jump off. I have never been able to figure out exactly how deep it is. The water is usually chilly. There is also a campsite located here if you want to spend the night.
Jumping in to the cold water
Ledge Falls-This is another favorite swimming spot. Located in the North End of Baxter State Park about 15 miles on the Park Tote Road from the Gate House of Baxter is this amazing natural waterslide. I visited several times as a child and have taken my family back since. We all love sliding down the natural waterslides. The rocks can be slippery so use caution. This area provides a whole afternoon of fun. There could be a fee to enter the park.
Sliding down the natural waterslides
Passamagamet Lake- This location is a little more challenging to get to, but worth it if you are adventurous. As this is where one of my favorite beaches is. If you have a motor boat you can put in at Ambajajus Lake and head towards the Boom House and up the Penobscot River. Right before Passamagamet Falls you bear left onto the lake and a beautiful long beach. This is a great place to spend the afternoon swimming and enjoying the beach. You can also wade out several feet before it gets deep. If you do not have a motor boat you can drive past Ambajajus Lake on the Golden Road to the Grant Brook Road where you can put in a canoe or kayak and paddle up river to the lake. The paddle from here is about 45 minutes. There is a trail to hike into, but I am not familiar with the trail.
Not the best photo of the beach, but me in college with my parents puppy, Misty on Passamagamet Beach with Mt. Katahdin in the background.
I hope you enjoy and are able to check out some of my favorite places in my hometown.
