Jackman Maine Vacation Guide
View of Attean Lake from Route 201, south of Jackman, Maine.
Attractions | Events | Recreation | Lodging | Dining | Directory | Map
Jackman, located in the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys region of Maine, is world-renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities and is sometimes called “The Switzerland of Maine”. In 1819, Samuel Holden brought his family to this remote part of Maine. Finding beautiful mountains, clear lakes and ponds, and rushing streams, he settled in the Moose River Valley. More people settled in the valley during the early 1800s, and the small town was named after Captain James Jackman, who completed a road from The Forks to Canada. Today, Jackman is a small town of approximately 700 people, although the area swells with visitors throughout the year. Its numerous recreational opportunities, including canoeing, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing make Jackman a popular tourist destination for lovers of the outdoors.
Attractions and Places of Interest
The Old Canada Road Scenic Byway passes through Jackson on its way north to the Canadian border. The byway, on Route 201, begins just north of Lakewood before travelling through Solon, Bingham, Caratunk, The Forks, and Jackman before terminating at the Quebec border. The route is also known as “Arnold’s Trail,” as it is the path that Benedict Arnold took when leading colonial forces to capture Quebec during the American Revolution. The northern section of the byway features pristine Maine forests, charming small villages, and tumbling rivers frequented by whitewater enthusiasts. Look for swelling mountains, craggy ridges, and moose or deer as you pass through the Jackman area.
Major Events
Each year, Jackman celebrates Memorial Day with an annual Horseshoe Tourney. The tournament draws young and old participants, with proceeds often going toward a charitable cause. A Memorial Day parade and live music accompany this event.
Outdoor Recreation
Jackman draws hundreds of anglers in search of a trophy fish. Rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, pickerel, and other fish species are found in lakes and ponds throughout the Jackman area. Fishing enthusiasts visit Little Big Wood Pond, Attean Lake, Crocker Pond, Holeb Pond, Long Pond, Parlin Pond, Horseshoe Pond, Benjamin Pond, and Loon Pond to reel in trophy fish. Brassua Lake and Little Brassua Lake, also popular with anglers, are located just 25 miles east of Jackman. Most ponds and lakes are frozen from late December through March, but conditions may vary. Talk to a local outfitter or Registered Maine Guide before ice fishing.
Hunters visit Jackman in search of deer, moose, black bears, grouse, ducks, geese, and other wild game. Several local outfitters offer guided hunting trips and gear rentals for visitors.
Water-related activities are popular in the Jackman area, which has a wealth of ponds, lakes, and rivers. Canoe and kayak rentals are available from local outfitters. Several local companies also offer guided whitewater rafting trips on the nearby Kennebec and Moose Rivers.
Jackman is considered one of the finest snowmobiling areas in New England. Because Jackman is relatively far north, it almost always has fine snowfall throughout the winter season. The snow is typically good from mid-December through March or April. The Border Riders Sportsman’s Club maintains dozens of miles of trails in the Jackman area. Local trails also connect to hundreds of miles of Maine’s Interconnected Trail System, which extends to the Canadian border. In warmer months, snowmobile trails are used by ATV riders and mountain bikers.
Many visitors to Jackman look forward to the opportunity to go moose watching. The area is considered one of the best places in the lower 48 states to see a moose. Whitetail deer, fox, snowshoe hares, and dozens of species of birds are also found in the beautiful Maine forest. Hiking is a great way to explore the dozens of miles of trails in the greater Jackman area. Hikers with keen eyes also spot fossils, such as the ancient shellfish called brachiopods that are prevalent in the region. In the winter, cross-country skiers and snowshoers may use the hiking trails.
Lodging
Jackman offers a range of accommodations at a variety of price points. Several lodges operate in the area, with basic hotel rooms, larger suites, and independent cabins. Renting a cabin is a good choice if you are visiting Jackman with a large group. Staying at a lodge is an excellent way to arrange snowmobile tours, fishing trips, hunting excursions, guided hikes, and other outings. The Jackman area also has multiple bed-and-breakfasts and inns. For a unique lodging experience, consider staying at the nearby Historic Pittston Farm. This farm was built at the turn of the 20th century and features several historic buildings. The owners can arrange outdoor recreational excursions for guests.
Dining
Jackman’s dining scene matches its reputation as a sportsman’s paradise — there are numerous pubs, grills, and casual eateries with few fancy dining opportunities. Several lodges have attached restaurants serving high-quality food. Be aware that some local restaurants close during the late spring, the low season in Jackman.
Jackman-Moose River Area Directories
Visit the following directories to find lodging, dining, attractions, shops, services and recreational activities in the Jackman, Maine area.