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Writer's pictureGerry Caron

Discover the Best Family-Friendly Adventures and Guided Tours in Carrabassett Valley Maine


view for miles and miles of water throughout a mountain range

Discover the Best Family-Friendly Adventures and Guided Tours in Carrabassett Valley Maine

Nestled in the heart of the Maine High Peaks region, Carrabassett Valley is renowned for being a premier outdoor recreation destination, attracting visitors throughout all four seasons. Whether you're exploring its rich history, stunning landscapes, or diverse recreational activities, there's no shortage of adventure for the entire family. Beyond skiing at the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, Carrabassett Valley is home to family-friendly activities and guided tours, making it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. From scenic hikes and waterfalls to thrilling zipline tours and canoeing along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, this region offers endless possibilities for fun and exploration.


Top Family-Friendly Activities in Carrabassett Valley:


  1. Explore the Narrow Gauge Pathway

    • Why It’s Great for Families: This well-maintained multi-use trail is perfect for families looking to bike, hike, or enjoy a relaxing stroll with kids. It offers a gentle grade along the scenic Carrabassett River, with various picnic spots ideal for a break along the way.

    • Location: Accessible from trailheads at Stratton Brook, Campbell Field, and the Carrabassett Valley Airport.

    • Tip: Don’t forget to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the scenic stops by the river!


  2. Visit Poplar Stream Falls

    • Why It’s Great for Families: The hike to Poplar Stream Falls is family-friendly, with moderate terrain leading to two breathtaking waterfalls. It's perfect for cooling off on a warm summer day.

    • Location: Start at the Airport Trailhead and explore the Maine Huts & Trails system, including Warren’s and Larry’s Trail.

    • Fun Fact: This trail is ideal for families looking for a moderate hike with opportunities to swim in crystal-clear mountain pools.


  3. Zipline at Sugarloaf Mountain

    • Why It’s Great for Families: If your family craves excitement, Sugarloaf’s zipline adventure will not disappoint. The set of six ziplines reaches speeds of up to 25 mph and is suitable for children and adults alike.

    • Location: Outpost Adventure Center, Sugarloaf Mountain.

    • Age Requirement: Riders must be at least 3 feet tall and weigh between 40 and 250 lbs, making this a great activity for kids and adults alike.


  4. Paddle the Northern Forest Canoe Trail

    • Why It’s Great for Families: For families who love water sports, paddling on Flagstaff Lake or the North Branch of the Dead River offers the chance to experience the pristine beauty of Maine’s wilderness while learning about its rich history.

    • Guided Tour Option: Four Peaks Guide Service offers guided canoe trips, perfect for beginners or those looking to explore with an experienced guide.

    • Location: Flagstaff Lake or the North Branch of the Dead River, starting in Kingfield, Maine


  5. Take a Scenic Boat Tour on Flagstaff Lake

    • Why It’s Great for Families: This relaxing pontoon boat tour is ideal for families with young children or those looking for a slower-paced adventure. Master Maine Guide Jeff Hinman leads a scenic tour of the lake, sharing stories of the region's history and pointing out local wildlife.

    • Location: Departing from Stratton, Maine.

    • Cost: $40 per person.


  6. Mountain Biking at the Carrabassett Valley Trails

    • Why It's Great for Families: Carrabassett Valley offers an extensive network of beginner-friendly mountain biking trails. The easy-to-moderate difficulty levels make it ideal for families, and kids can safely explore the scenic routes. There are rental shops nearby if you don't have your own gear.

    • Activity Type: Mountain Biking

    • Location: Carrabassett Valley

    • Contact: Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Center, +1 (207) 237-5566


  7. Sugarloaf Outpost Adventure Center

    • Why It's Great for Families: In addition to ziplining, the Outpost offers a variety of activities perfect for kids and parents alike, including kayaking, disc golf, and rock climbing. There’s something for everyone, and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon as a family.

    • Activity Type: Rock Climbing, Disc Golf, Kayaking

    • Location: Sugarloaf Base Village

    • Contact: Sugarloaf Outpost Adventure Center, +1 (207) 237-6875


  8. Swimming at Riverside Park

    • Why It's Great for Families: Located on the Carrabassett River, this park has a family-friendly swimming area perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Kids can splash around while parents enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. The river also has shallow spots ideal for younger children.

    • Activity Type: Swimming, Relaxing

    • Location: Carrabassett Valley, near Narrow Gauge Pathway

    • Contact: Carrabassett Valley Town Office, +1 (207) 235-2645


  9.  Visit Orange Cat Cafe

    • Why It's Great for Families: For a more laid-back family outing, visit Orange Cat Café in Kingfield. With kid-friendly meals and vegetarian options, it's a great stop for breakfast or lunch before heading out on your next adventure.

    • Activity Type: Dining

    • Location: 329 Main St, Kingfield, ME 04947

    • Contact: +1 (207) 265-2860


    These activities offer a combination of adventure, relaxation, and family-friendly fun, ensuring that everyone in the group has a memorable experience in the Carrabassett Valley. From scenic hikes and thrilling ziplining to educational boat tours, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.


Guided Tours for Families:


  1. Four Peaks Guide Service

    • What They Offer: Specializes in canoeing, fly-fishing, and whitetail deer hunting tours. Their family-friendly canoe trips along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail are a great way to introduce your children to paddling while learning about Maine’s native flora and fauna.

    • Contact: +1 (207) 265-5060, Four Peaks Guide Service

    • Location: Kingfield, Maine.


  2. Flagstaff Lake Scenic Boat Tours

    • What They Offer: Join a guided tour on Maine’s fourth-largest lake with stunning views of the Bigelow Mountain Range. Learn about the history of Flagstaff Lake and the villages submerged beneath its waters.

    • Contact: +1 (207) 246-2323, Flagstaff Lake Scenic Tours

    • Location: Stratton, Maine.


  3. Maine Huts & Trails

    • What They Offer: Families can enjoy guided hikes along the trail network, with opportunities to explore the wilderness surrounding Carrabassett Valley. While the huts are temporarily closed, families can still benefit from guided trips through the extensive trail system.

    • Contact: +1 (207) 265-2400, Maine Huts & Trails

    • Location: Carrabassett Valley, Maine.


  4. Sugarloaf Mountain Outpost Adventure Center

    • What They Offer: Guided zipline tours, kayaking, and disc golf are all available for families looking for a day of outdoor fun. Experienced guides ensure the safety and enjoyment of all ages during these adventures.

    • Contact: +1 (207) 237-6875, Sugarloaf Outpost Adventure Center

    • Location: Sugarloaf Base Village.


Conclusion:

Carrabassett Valley and the surrounding region are perfect for family adventures, whether you're into hiking, paddling, or soaring through the trees on a zipline. Guided tours offer a deeper connection to the area's natural beauty and history while ensuring that every family member can experience the great outdoors safely.


What to Do in Moosehead Lake

Want more information? Check out our Moosehead News for the latest updates on seasonal events, local news, and detailed guides to make the most of your visit to the Moosehead Lake region.

  • Boating: Explore the lake's serene waters.

  • Hiking: Explore the wilderness.

  • Fishing: Discover prime fishing spots.

  • Camping: Find the best campsites for a wilderness retreat.

  • Local Attractions: Learn about must-see sights in the region.


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


Perfect Accommodation for Your Visit

Look no further for the perfect accommodation during your visit to the Monson, Shirley, Greenville, Rockwood, and Jackman areas of Maine. Moose River Lookout offers an idyllic retreat nestled along the serene Moose River at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in Rockwood.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout our Rockwood Moose River cabin!



Whether you're here for the stunning waterfalls, scenic pathways, or thrilling zipline rides, Carrabassett Valley is your gateway to unforgettable family memories.

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