Town of Jackman, Maine

In the northwest foothills and mountains of Maine, close to the Canadian border, nestled along the shores of a pond, in a valley is where you’ll find the town of Jackman. The timbered territory around Jackman is simply awe-inspiring. While most of the land is privately owned, the area is a “working forest” with free public access to rugged mountains, crystal clear streams and lakes, and expansive wilderness areas.

Jackman got its start in 1819 when Sam Holden and his family, looking for new opportunities, embarked on an arduous journey along the Kennebec River from the southern part of the territory up north. When the Holden’s reached The Forks, they continued their journey by snowshoe into the Moose River Valley and staked a claim on Wood Pond.

The pond was on an established trail through the valley, and cattle drives (from Boston to Quebec) traversed through the territory. The Holden family opened an inn in 1820 as a waypoint for weary wranglers and drovers, and the valley flourished. In the 1830s, Captain James Jackman was hired to extend an established wagon passage called “Old Canada Trail” from the Forks to the Canadian Border, and the town was named after the industrious Captain Jackman.

The tradition of hospitality continues today as Jackman welcomes anglers, hunters, hikers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, photographers, kayakers, and campers to the area all year round—and serves as an entry point and basecamp (of sorts) for the ultimate Maine outdoor experience. Tourism and border traffic to and from the Canadian border fuel the local economy, Lumbering, of course, remains a critical financial part of the landscape.

Jackman, and Wood Pond, serve as the focal point for Moose River Valley and the territory. Whether you live here or are considering a visit or thinking about relocation, there’s so much to explore in the valley and the region—here’s the lowdown.

Exploring Jackman Maine

Jackman is a place where you can enjoy activities with your family no matter what the season—spring, summer, winter, and fall all offer something special for the entire family; and there are opportunities abound for unique activities such as moose watching and white water rafting.

Old Canada Highway

One of the best ways to get an overview of Jackman and Moose Valley is to take a drive on US Route 201 or Old Canada Road and take in the panoramic view at Attean Overlook of the valley, Attean Lake, and Sally Mountain—on a clear day you can see all the way to Canada and the views are breathtaking.

Remember to bring your binoculars, and if you are viewing the spectacular scene in the snowy months, though be prepared for rough winter conditions as the road may not be plowed. Attean Lake, located in the valley, is a pristine and tranquil (and prime) spot for anglers wanting to fish wild populations of brook trout and inland salmon. It’s humbling to think that Old Canada Highway used to be a wagon trail and a well-traveled route hundreds of years ago.

Moose on the Loose

If your goal is to see a moose, you couldn’t be in a better location. Old Canada Road (Rt.201) winds through Moose Valley is called Maine’s “Moose Alley” for a good reason. If you aren’t having any luck sighting one of these majestic (hoofed) mammals, a drive along Route 201 might just be the ticket. Here are a few tips that may make your excursion fruitful.

One important detail: moose are most active during the twilight hours (dawn and dusk). Another, ask locals for where the best spots are to get a good gander and pay attention when driving, especially after the sun sets; hitting a moose is no small affair and can be deadly—and not just for the moose.

Maple Syrup Mania

Picking up some locally-harvested Maine maple syrup for your flapjack breakfast at camp or to take home as gifts or souvenirs is very doable at one of several maple syrup farms. Jackman Maple, Sawyers Maple Farm, or Arnold Farm Sugarhouse all offer organically-certified maple syrup and maple products—let’s just say that in this “neck of the woods,” maple syrup production is serious business.

White Water Rafting

About 30 minutes south of Jackman on Route 201 is The Forks, named after the junction of two excellent whitewater rafting rivers, the Kennebec and the Dead River, both of which offer the best white water rafting experiences in the Northeast. If you enjoy challenging padding and rafting, tear yourself away from Jackman and make plans to spend an exciting day here with one of the many rafting outfitters.

Other Resources for Activities

Then there are all the opportunities for hunting, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, and that’s just for starters. There’s also ATVing, skiing (cross-country and downhill), snowshoeing, and snowmobiling; the Jackman Chamber of Commerce provides more details on what to do depending on the time of year.

Hunkering Down, Hot Meals and Provisions

Where to eat and hang like a local?—Tapps Bar and Grill on Main Street is the spot, with great food, drink, and camaraderie—you’ll be part of the Jackman scene in no time. If you need provisioning for your outing, Mountain Country Market has sundries, spirits, homemade pizza, and baked goods.

Bishop’s, serving the valley (and beyond) since 1950, offers a little bit of everything depending on the season; outdoor clothing, gas, groceries, gifts, and souvenirs—your one-stop shopping spot for everything on your list; it’s also an Agency Liquor Store. Bishop’s also has quite the line-up of high-quality rugged and tough outdoor gear— footwear and outerwear—they recommend just popping in and checking out their ever-changing inventory of items. Oh, and you can also grab your hunting and fishing licenses here.

There are plenty of options for lodging from Mom and Pop cabins along the small lakes and ponds, bed and breakfasts, lodges, and hotels. If you are looking for a truly unique lodging experience—get away from it all at Attean Lake Lodge, located on a remote island in Attean Lake. This all-inclusive (seasonal) island retreat offers just the spot to unplug, unwind and relax.

Another—Unity College Sky Lodge is a historic lodge property home to the “largest log lodge east of the Mississippi.” This small community of cabins and homes covers an expansive 150-acre plot: the lodge is understated, comfortable, and is an authentic Maine lodge experience for the entire family.

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