Guys Trip Katahdin Maine: 5 Reasons to go up North!
It’s time for a guys trip in the Katahdin Region. A mancation. Or at least it should be. You could go anywhere, but for today’s post, we’re going to talk about the places that were manly enough for the likes of Roosevelt and Thoreau.
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I’m referring of course to Maine. Specifically the Katahdin region of Maine.
So why there? Well, here are a few reasons, though there are, of course, many more. Maybe those will be fodder for a future post…but I digress.
So here you go, the Top Five Reasons to Man Up to Katahdin.
Fishing Katahdin
Let’s face it, fishing is the quintessential guy’s trip. Just the guys hanging out, relaxing, giving each other hell on who’s fish is bigger, and lamenting the one that got away over beers at night. Those are the weekends we live for. The ones we never forget.
In Maine, you can choose from over 6,000 lakes and ponds, not to mention the endless miles of rivers and streams. Surrounded by wilderness and shadowed by mountains, the fish don’t even really need to bite. It’s a getaway, in the purest sense.
If you choose Camp Katahdin as your mancation headquarters, there are literally thousands of acres of great fishing lakes just a short drive away. Some local favorites include:
- Pleasant Lake – 1,832 acres
- Mattawamkeag Lake – 3,330 acres
- Lower Shin Pond – 560 acres
- Upper Shin Pond – 600 acres
- Matagamon Lake – 4,165 acres
On top of that, there are several smaller fishing spots (5-15 acres) literally within minutes of Camp Katahdin’s Denney lodge. Some are even accessible by ATV.
A Camp Katahdin group about to head out to local trails.
ATVing Maine
Mainers take their riding seriously. So much so that they’ve created an extensive Maine ATV trail system throughout the state. And by extensive, I’m talking THOUSANDS of miles. You can literally spend all weekend ATV riding in Maine alone and practically never see the same trail twice. Heck, you can even ride into town for supplies or dinner at the local pub.
Bring your own ride or not. Rentals and guide services are abundant.
Whitewater Rafting in Northern Maine
You: “We’re headed to Maine to ride the Exterminator Rapids.”
Your buddies: “I’m in. When are we leaving?”
Trip. Planned. Man-style!
Maine offers three rivers great for whitewater rafting: The Penobscot, The Kennebec, and the Dead River. From Camp Katahdin, the Penobscot is closest.
The Penobscot River runs right through the wilderness of Baxter State Park in the shadow of Mt. Katahdin. It offers a full 14 miles of whitewater rafting through segments such as Exterminator Rapids and many others.
Whitewater guides are plentiful but be sure to call well in advance. True to Maine’s dedication to its natural resources, only so many rafters are allowed on the rivers each day.
Canoeing and Kayaking Maine
Maine is, for sure, a paddler’s paradise. With countless miles of rivers and lakes of all sizes throughout the state, you’re sure to find a destination worthy of a second trip.
Flatwater paddlers can choose from over 2,500 lakes and ponds strewn throughout Maine’s forests and mountains.
But if your getaway calls for a multi-day paddle down pristine waters through away-from-it-all wilderness, head for the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. The first river in the US to be permanently protected, the Allagash is a 70-mile chain of lakes, ponds, and rivers running through the heart of the North Woods. Here you can spend an entire weekend as free as the ospreys you’ll likely see soaring above.
Canoeing, Thoreau-style.
Bring your own craft or rent one, paddle solo or use a guide. It’s nice to have options.
Hiking Katahdin Maine
Though 6,000 miles of ATV trails will get you to a lot of places in Maine, they won’t get you everywhere. Neither will the roads.
And that, my friend, is a wonderful thing.
Some parts of the state are just so remote, so wild, so inaccessible, there remain places where you really can get away from it all. No traffic. No lights. No people noise. Just quiet wilderness.
It’s out there. Waiting. If you’re willing to hike in far enough to experience it.
Find your trail using the Maine Trail Finder website. But fair warning, the choices are a bit overwhelming. If Camp Katahdin (pictured below) will be your trip headquarters, there are a number of trails in the Mt. Katahdin and Baxter State Park area. Incidentally, this area is also the northern terminus of the renowned Appalachian Trail.
Guys Trip Katahdin Maine
Denney Lodge (pictured) at Camp Katahdin is our new luxury log cabin that sleeps 15.
Complete with a chef’s kitchen, comfortable leather sofas, a boardroom, and every amenity you can think of, it’s a nice way to get together with friends and family for a little trail riding.
Ask us about: Our private shooting range, private shooting instruction from Navy Seals, year round pheasant hunting – no license needed, ATVing, snowmobiling, hiking, biking, mountaineering, catered events with tents, bonfires, private chef services, and more.
View pics, rates, reviews, and available dates here:
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