Mattawamkeag River
80.73 km | 50.16 mi
Length can differ from official measure!
Kategorie 2
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The Mattawamkeag River is a river in the state of Maine, USA, and the largest eastern tributary of the Penobscot River. It is approximately 81.4 km (50.6 mi) long and has a drainage basin of approximately 3,900 km². The river is known for its natural beauty, challenging rapids, and ecologically sound watercourses.
The Mattawamkeag River is formed by the confluence of its two headwater branches, the East Branch Mattawamkeag River and the West Branch Mattawamkeag River.
From Haynesville, the river flows south and then west through Aroostook and Penobscot Counties. It traverses sparsely populated, predominantly wilderness landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and former agricultural lands. Its tributaries include Mattagodus Stream.
The river flows into the Penobscot River in the town of Mattawamkeag, Penobscot County. The mouth is marked by a gravel bar, and the name "Mattawamkeag" is often translated as "a river with many rocks at its mouth."
The river flows through the Mattawamkeag River Wildlife Management Area, a protected area of over 11,000 hectares that includes wetlands, marshes, and rare ecosystems.
The region is a hotspot for wildlife such as elk, deer, bears, eagles, ospreys, waterfowl, and bobcats.
The section of the river between the Kingman-Mattawamkeag border and its mouth is classified as a Class AA River, the highest water quality rating in Maine, highlighting its low anthropogenic influence.
Rapids and Recreation: The lower section of the river (below Kingman) is known for rapids up to Class IV, particularly Gordon Falls (Upper and Lower Gordon Falls), which are a popular destination for experienced canoeists and kayakers. The river also offers shallow sections through maple swamps, ideal for leisurely paddling.
The river is a prime fishing destination, with populations of smallmouth bass, brook trout, rainbow trout, and land-based Atlantic salmon. The section from Haynesville to Wytopitlock, in particular, offers excellent fishing.
In addition to canoeing and kayaking, the region offers activities such as birdwatching, hiking, hunting, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and camping. The Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park (approximately 1,000 hectares) is located near the mouth and offers campsites, hiking trails, and opportunities for swimming and fishing.
The Mattawamkeag River is formed by the confluence of its two headwater branches, the East Branch Mattawamkeag River and the West Branch Mattawamkeag River.
From Haynesville, the river flows south and then west through Aroostook and Penobscot Counties. It traverses sparsely populated, predominantly wilderness landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and former agricultural lands. Its tributaries include Mattagodus Stream.
The river flows into the Penobscot River in the town of Mattawamkeag, Penobscot County. The mouth is marked by a gravel bar, and the name "Mattawamkeag" is often translated as "a river with many rocks at its mouth."
The river flows through the Mattawamkeag River Wildlife Management Area, a protected area of over 11,000 hectares that includes wetlands, marshes, and rare ecosystems.
The region is a hotspot for wildlife such as elk, deer, bears, eagles, ospreys, waterfowl, and bobcats.
The section of the river between the Kingman-Mattawamkeag border and its mouth is classified as a Class AA River, the highest water quality rating in Maine, highlighting its low anthropogenic influence.
Rapids and Recreation: The lower section of the river (below Kingman) is known for rapids up to Class IV, particularly Gordon Falls (Upper and Lower Gordon Falls), which are a popular destination for experienced canoeists and kayakers. The river also offers shallow sections through maple swamps, ideal for leisurely paddling.
The river is a prime fishing destination, with populations of smallmouth bass, brook trout, rainbow trout, and land-based Atlantic salmon. The section from Haynesville to Wytopitlock, in particular, offers excellent fishing.
In addition to canoeing and kayaking, the region offers activities such as birdwatching, hiking, hunting, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and camping. The Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park (approximately 1,000 hectares) is located near the mouth and offers campsites, hiking trails, and opportunities for swimming and fishing.
