Fall Adventures in Maine | Jackman-Moose River & Rockwood: Foliage, ATV Trails, Moosehead Lake & Outdoor Fun

Gerry Caron
Oct 2
5 min read

Updated: Oct 13

Fall Adventures in Maine | Jackman-Moose River & Rockwood: Foliage, ATV Trails, Moosehead Lake & Outdoor Fun

Fall Adventures in Maine: Foliage, ATV Trails, Moosehead Lake & Outdoor Fun

If you’re searching for the ultimate fall adventure in Maine, look no further than the Jackman-Moose River Region. Tucked into the state’s northern wilderness, this four-season playground transforms each autumn into a kaleidoscope of color, crisp mountain air, and endless outdoor experiences. Whether you’re drawn by leaf-peeping, ATV riding, hunting, fishing, or snowmobiling, this region is one of Maine’s best-kept fall destinations.

With easy access to the Maine Interconnected Trail System (ITS), including the famous ITS 66, visitors can enjoy some of the most thrilling and scenic outdoor recreation in New England.

Spectacular Fall Foliage

From late September through early October, the forests of Jackman and Moose River burst into vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. Thanks to its northern location, peak foliage arrives earlier than in southern Maine—making it a top destination for fall foliage road trips and photography.

✨ Best ways to see the colors:

Hiking Trails – Trek Big Moose Mountain or Blue Ridge Mountain for sweeping summit views of the glowing forest canopy.
Scenic Drives – Cruise the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway (Route 201), one of the most beautiful drives in Maine.
Logging Roads – Explore the remote backcountry on historic logging roads for quiet, off-the-beaten-path views.

📸 Insider tip: Pack your camera—the reflection of the foliage in Moose River or Attean Lake is unforgettable.

ATV Riding on ITS 66 & Beyond

For ATV riders, fall is prime riding season in Jackman. Crisp air, fewer bugs, and a backdrop of fiery foliage make every turn on the trail an adventure.

ITS 66 – A rider favorite, winding past Blue Ridge Mountain and connecting to Moose River Lookout Lodge for lodging and trail access.
ITS 86 & ITS 89 – Expand your ride through rugged wilderness, mountain terrain, and scenic overlooks that make this region a bucket-list destination for ATV enthusiasts.

📍 Trail Access & Maps – Get the latest trail maps and local riding info from the Jackman Moose River Region Chamber of Commerce → jackmanmaine.org

Hunting Season

Fall in Jackman-Moose River isn’t just about scenery—it’s prime hunting season. Hunters from across New England travel here for trophy whitetail bucks, bull moose, black bears, and upland game birds.

Many lodges and outfitters cater specifically to hunters, providing guided trips, backcountry access, and hearty meals after a day in the field.

👉 Planning Tip: Secure permits early and check Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife for regulations → mefishwildlife.com

Snowmobiling: Winter’s Next Adventure

When the leaves fall and snow blankets the forest, the trails transform into one of Maine’s premier snowmobiling hubs.

ITS 66 – A snowy highway through the region.
ITS 86 & 89 – Connect riders to rugged, scenic routes across northern Maine.

❄️ With heavy snowfall and excellent grooming, Jackman & Rockwood connection has earned its reputation as a snowmobile capital of Maine.

Other Outdoor Adventures

This four-season region offers so much more than trails:

Fishing – Cast for salmon and trout in Moose River or nearby lakes.
Canoeing & Kayaking – Paddle Moose River for serene reflections of fall foliage.
Wildlife Watching – Moose, deer, loons, and bald eagles are frequent sightings.

Rockwood, Maine: A Nearby Gateway to Adventure

Located just 30 miles southeast of Jackman, Rockwood, Maine is a gateway to Moosehead Lake and a perfect companion stop to your Jackman-Moose River adventures.

Moosehead Lake Access – Rockwood is the launching point for trips to Mount Kineo State Park, home to spectacular hiking trails and the famous Kineo cliffs.
Dining & Lodging – Stop by the Rockwood Bar & Grill for hearty meals or stay at lakeside lodges that give you direct access to Moosehead’s waters.
Fishing & Boating – Rockwood offers some of the best salmon and trout fishing on Moosehead Lake, as well as boat rentals and guided tours.
Scenic Connection – Combining Rockwood’s lakefront serenity with Jackman’s rugged trails makes for a true North Maine Woods adventure.

📍 Plan your Rockwood visit: mooseheadlake.org

Where to Stay, Eat & Refuel in Jackman & Rockwood

Jackman-Moose River offers a warm welcome for every adventurer:

🏠 Lodging:

Moose River Lookout – Cozy lodging right on ITS 66. (Rockwood)
Jackman Hotel – A historic stay with easy access to town and trails.
Sky Lodge – A family-friendly lodge with cabins and stunning fall views.

🍴 Dining Jackman:

Four Seasons Restaurant – Classic Maine comfort food.
Schmooses Pub & Grill – A local favorite for hearty meals after a long ride.
Northland Hotel & Tavern – Rustic atmosphere with cold drinks and local eat

🍴Dining Rockwood:
Rockwood Bar & Grill – A favorite among locals and visitors, this spot offers burgers, sandwiches, and hearty dinners in a laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to swap trail stories and grab a drink.
The Birches Resort Restaurant – Overlooking Moosehead Lake, this lodge restaurant features Maine-inspired dishes, including fresh trout, hearty breakfasts, and homestyle dinners, all with unbeatable lake views.
Maynard’s in Maine – Known for both lodging and dining, Maynard’s offers classic Maine comfort food, from home-cooked breakfasts to fresh local seafood dinners, in a welcoming rustic lodge setting.

Experience the Magic of Fall in Jackman & Rockwood

From fiery fall foliage and adrenaline-pumping ATV rides to world-class hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling, the Jackman-Moose River Region delivers the rugged North Woods adventure you crave. Pair it with a stop in Rockwood on Moosehead Lake for lakefront views, legendary hikes, and small-town charm.

Together, these two destinations showcase the very best of fall adventures in Maine’s Highlands—a bucket-list trip for every outdoor enthusiast.

📍 Plan Your Visit:

Jackman Moose River Region Chamber of Commerce
Website: jackmanmaine.org
Phone: (207) 668-4171
Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce (Rockwood & Moosehead Lake info)
Website: mooseheadlake.org
Phone: (207) 695-2702

What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.

Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:

🛶 Boating & paddling routes
🎣 Fishing hotspots
🏕️ Wilderness camping sites
🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks
🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations

👉 Stay Connected with Moosehead News & More!

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.

🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports

Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.

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, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!