| Maine's Western Mountains
are home to high peaks, cascading rivers, clear lakes, and deep forests.
They are home to some of the best hiking, canoeing, downhill-skiing, and
white-water rafting in America. They are home to moose, bear, and eastern
coyote. They are home to Spruce Grouse, Boreal Chickadee,
Gray Jay, Black-backed Woodpecker, Bicknell's Thrush,
Cape May Warbler, Philadelphia Vireo, and many other other
species of avian life. The alternation of peaks and troughs channels
tourism into separate valleys, each valley with its own distinctiveness.
Through it all, the Appalachian Trail
seeks the peaks from the White Mountains in the west to Mount
Katahdin
in the east.
The Western Mountains have significant culture and
history. Route 201 is the historic route to Quebec. Rivers provided
a major transportation route, first for Indians, later for colonists.
During the American Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold led American troops
up the Kennebec in boats (called bateaux) for an ill-fated assault on
Quebec City. A scenic byway has been established along Route 201 called
the "Kennebec Chaudiere." Rest stops and way stations have been
embellished with informational kiosks. So prevalent is the pursuit of
outdoor adventure in Western Maine that every town in the area has the
ability to outfit sporting enthusiasts. An entire community of white-water
rafting companies sprang up in the 1970s at The Forks where the
Kennebec and Dead Rivers collide.
Route 27 runs northwest through the
Carrabassett Valley. Its biggest claim to fame is Sugarloaf USA,
a world-class ski mountain. American Olympians train on its slopes. Though
winter is the bustling season, mountain hiking in the area is
extraordinary. The Appalachian Trail winds over the Bigelow Range.
The communities of Kingfield, Stratton, and Eustis
are geared toward active people. Thus, the area retains an impressive
sense of vitality even though summer is the uncrowded off-season. For
birders, thats the best of both worlds.
Route 4 follows the Sandy River
more gently northwest to the Rangeley Lakes area. Many regions of
Maine strive to be four-season tourist centers. Rangeley succeeds. There are
plentiful lakes and ponds: each clear, cool, and serene. Saddleback
is one of Maines top ski mountains (and summer home to a concentration of
Bicknells Thrush.) Boreal Chickadees and Gray Jays are commonplace. Spruce
Grouse are widespread but more hidden, especially around summits.
Route 2 meanders westward toward the Western Lakes area of Maine
and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It passes another pocket of peaks
encompassed by Mount Blue State Park near
Farmington. It is Maines second-largest state park, offering mountain
climbing, hiking, boating, swimming, and camping. The park is in the transition
zone between the hardwood forests of central Maine and the boreal forest of
northern Maine, so the species of both may be found at the proper elevations. |
     |
