At first, you may think this region is merely sitting in between the drama of Katahdin and the allure of the ocean.

But the Kennebec region, defined by the Kennebec and Moose River valleys, is one of Maine’s most picturesque, with mirror-flat lakes, swaths of woodlands and tumultuous rivers. Visitors come for foliage, lakeside vacations, whitewater rafting and snowmobiling.

Upper Kennebec

Most visitors to this region aim for the lakes: the Belgrade Lakes, China Lakes, and Winthrop Lakes. This is summer as you remember it: unpacking your bags in a cottage with that slightly stale smell, swimming out to the float, rowing around in circles. For people who want more action, the Kennebec and the Dead Rivers provide some of the best whitewater rafting in New England, and The Forks are the most popular jumping off point.

Augusta is the state’s capital and though, with a population of just over 18,000, it’s not a teeming metropolis, it has some fine attractions in the Maine State Museum, the State House and the governor’s mansion, the Blaine House. Look to sister city Hallowell for antique stores, bookshops, cafes and diners.

Waterville, almost as large as Augusta, is a mix of a classic central Maine mill town and a northern college town, with students piling out of Colby College buildings. The college’s Georgian buildings are worth a look, as are the Art Museum and Arboreteum.

Upward and onwards, you’ll reach Skowhegan, Norridgewock and Madison. The farther inland you go, the more scenic. Fall is a good time to visit as the foliage is usually dramatic in this area. Waterfall spotters will be spoiled for choice.

In the Upper Kennebec Valley area, recreation is the focus, with outfitters offering rafting, kayaking and caneoing tours. In winter, snowmobilers congregate in Jackman, packing this tiny town to the brim. It’s on the Interconnecting Trail System, at a major crossing, and is the gateway to Canada.