Trip Itinerary

Please plan your arrival in Jackman, Maine for approximately 1:30 PM for a 2:00 PM pickup at Attean lake Lodge public dock for transport over to Birch Island. Very specific travel directions will be provided. After settling into our cottages, we will have an organizational meeting on the porch of the main lodge followed by a “shake-down” run in our motorboats.

Today we will traverse Sally Mountain (2,221’). Several really neat facets to this hike: First, we access the trailhead via our individual motorboats. Second, we get to look down directly onto Birch Island as we climb. And third, while we are climbing, the island-keeper comes and moves our boats to the cove where we finish our traverse. This is a strenuous hike, involving some open ledges.

Tuesday brings my favorite day, an all day 14-mile raft trip on the spirited Kennebec River. I am sure that you will enjoy this run, shooting big water like “big-momma” rapid. We will take our motorboats to the public dock for van transport to the Kennebec. The outfitter stops midway and provides us a great lunch. We will also get to swim and use inflatable kayaks.

Today we will again take our motorboats to the far end of Attean Lake to visit several attractive ponds. We will visit Railroad, Lost, Clearwater, and Holeb ponds. This is a fairly easy 4-5 mile circle.

Thursday is another off-island activity. After taking our motorboats to the public dock, we are transported by van to the Appalachian Trail near Moxie Pond for a 7 mile traverse over Pleasant Mountain (2,477’) to Pleasant Pond where our van driver will be waiting. We should have an opportunity to see several “AT” thru-hikers. This is a strenuous hike over some very steep trail.

Today we get to climb Attean Mountain (2,453’). Again, we access the trailhead via our motorboats. Although “treed” at the top, Attean Mountain makes for a great circle hike. This climb would also be rated strenuous. Approximately a 6-mile hike. 

After a typically wonderful Attean breakfast will begin to pack up for our return to civilization. Usually, the island-keeper takes us all back to our cars together on a platoon launch. Plan on getting back to your car around 10:00 AM.