Deep in Maine's 100-Mile
Wilderness, on the Appalachian Trail's longest section without easy resupply, there
is little evidence of civilization beyond a dusty network of nameless gravel woods
roads and the odd logging operation or two.
But tucked up on the beach at
the northern end of Nahmakanta Lake, surrounded by state and federal protected
lands, there is an oasis of convenience and comfort. Nahmakanta Lake Wilderness Camps have
been a mainstay to travelers in these parts for more than a century.
With few impurities and a
high dissolved oxygen content the waters of Nahmakanta Lake are prime for cold
water fish species such as trout and landlocked salmon. The name itself is
Abenaki and means "plenty of fish."
Nearly every major structure
at Nahmakanta Camps dates back to the late 1800s when the camps began catering
to sportsmen. All nine cabins, which can sleep from 2-8 people each, are
composed, at least in part, from sections of the original log sleeping
structures. Owners Angel and Don Hibbs have worked tirelessly over their nearly
three decades of stewardship at Nahmakanta and you won't find a better
maintained, or cleaner, sporting camp anywhere in Maine.
All cabins have been updated,
have screened-in porches, some have their own bathrooms, although you won't
find electricity in any of them. Gas lights, stoves and refrigerators get the
job done. All sinks have cool, clear spring water piped in.
There's a place to recharge
electrical devices, and limited access to wifi in the main lodge, which sports
the original dining room that features moose and deer mounts, old maps, and other
memorabilia.
For cabins that don't have
full bathrooms, the owners have constructed modern private toilet, sink and
shower facilities in a building just steps away. Each cabin gets its own
private suite. Compost toilets back in the cabins provide facilities for middle
of the night bathroom needs.
Even better than the welcoming
facilities themselves, is the unparalleled view. All cabins sit just up the
shore with an unobstructed ten-mile view straight down the lake. There is no
other sign of civilization to be seen.
To the west, Nesuntabunt
Mountain, where hikers on the Appalachian Trail get their last full view of
their destination, Katahdin to the north, looms straight out of the lake. Loons
sing with regularity, eagles and great blue herons fly about, and even the
occasional moose wanders past.
Guided moose safaris can also
be arranged.
Each cabin has a cozy
woodstove and well-stocked woodbox as well as a grill and a separate campfire
ring outside.
Canoes, kayaks (no charge) and
Lund aluminum fishing boats sit on the beaches out front at the ready. There's
a dock and swimming float as well. Fishing guide services are available.
Along with the camps, Angel
and Don have created a network of nature and hiking trails that connect
directly from the camps to the Appalachian Trail, and the trails in the
adjacent Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness. They have detailed maps of the area and
can advise on how best to visit the area's stunning waterfalls, remote Pollywog
Gorge, or where the best swimming spots are where the AT follows the rushing
waters of Rainbow Stream. The number of hiking, bird watching, canoeing,
kayaking, fishing and photography options is endless.
Families love visiting
Nahmakanta because of the spectacular natural setting and traditional
atmosphere. There's so much to do, including, if you so desire, doing nothing
at all.
Cabins can be rented on a
housekeeping basis or on the American Plan that includes meals in the rustic
lodge. A modified American plan is available which includes evening dinner while
you cooking breakfast or fix lunches on your own. When the dinner bell is rung
at 5:30 p.m. you can count on tasty, wholesome meals, fresh-baked goods, and
good fellowship in the main lodge. Accommodating any dietary requirement is
never a problem.
While the camps are not
accessible by road in winter, that doesn't mean their are empty. Don, a
champion dog sledder with CanAm victories under his belt, offers half, full and
two-day dog sled excursions out of their winter quarters in Millinocket
sometimes using the camps as an overnight destination.
When it comes time to
surround yourself with unbridled nature, and creature comforts, Nahmakanta is
the place to go.
No comments:
Post a Comment