Autumn's Splendor

Fall is a time for wildlife to scurry in preparation for winter and vacationers to pack up and head home from camp . . . or is it? Rockwood is bustling with activity in the Autumn months when other areas are starting to button up for the coming winter. Hunting season peaks, fishing is productive, and the foliage is absolutely stunning during the latter part of the year.

Located in the heart of the wildlife region, Rockwood boasts some of the best hunting grounds in the Northeast. The vast, uninhabited woods are home to prized game while the overlay of back country roads provides accessibility. Besides world trophy class whitetail deer, hunters can also enjoy the thrill of pursuing black bear, partridge, and moose. Black bear season kicks off the Fall in September and lasts through November, followed by deer archery, partridge, and moose seasons in October, and deer firearms season in November. www.maine.gove/ifw/hunting_trapping/hunting/index.htm

Fall fishing is a favorite among fishermen looking to catch the last of the year’s open water fish. The Kennebec and Moose Rivers turn out bountiful fly fishing catches, while the lakes offer a placid refuge for the fresh water angler.

Striking out on a meandering country road with a camera in hand is the perfect way to spend a fall day in the mountains of Maine. Photograph the images of bold, vibrant autumn leaves set against the blue hue of the northern sky that you’ll want to remember for a lifetime. If photography is your passion, make sure to check out Gallery on the Lake.

Local photographers work is on display and for sale, in case you’d rather buy those captured natural images. 207-280-0330 www.facebook.com/.../Greenville-ME/GALLERY-ON-THE-LAKE/ 262976231001

Autumn is, perhaps, the most enjoyable season to hike our region’s plethora of sky reaching mountains. The weather is cool, the air is crisp. Wildlife is teeming, yet, the bugs have gone. The elaborately painted landscapes seen from the tops of mountains, such as Little Spencer, Big Moose, Moxie, and White Cap are unsurpassed.

Fall is the most spectacular time of year to take a sea plane ride above the lakes. Soar over this marvelous mountainous watershed, get a bird’s eye view of the most remote wild lands New England boasts, and see wildlife roaming amongst its natural setting. www.curriersflyingservice.com , Folsom’s Air Service, Jack’s Air Service

Geocaching has become increasingly popular in New England, and Rockwood is no exception. Discover your own nature based GPS treasure hunt. Visit www.geocaching.com and search by zip code 04478 for local caches.

The Moosehead Lake region consists of thousands and thousands of acres of paper company woodlands. For a ten dollar permit, you can get a truck load of fire wood. Or find that perfect Christmas Tree! Contact the regional Plum Creek office for permits and information. (207)-695-2241