This River in Maine Has Been Named the Most Beautiful in the State

One of Maine's most iconic rivers is receiving some well-deserved national attention.

The folks over at the pop-culture website Cheapism decided to dive into the waters of America's rivers. The site put together a list of every state's most beautiful river.

This must have been a difficult subject to answer here in Maine, considering the state is loaded with gorgeous rivers. However, Cheapism did come up with one that stood out above the rest, and it was a worthy choice. Say hello to Maine's most beautiful river, the Penobscot.

Ranging from Eastern Maine to the northern and northwestern regions of the state, the Penobscot is one of the longest rivers in the Pine Tree State. The main stream clocks in at a respectable 109 miles, However, the Penobscot is nearly 280 miles when you factor in its immense West and East branches. While the Penobscot may be best known for traveling through Bangor and into the Penobscot Bay, the river's branches are known for seclusion and being part of the incredible Baxter State Park.

The Penobscot is a weekend warrior's dream. The river has wonderful and challenging sections of whitewater, incredible canoeing, and fishing. Of course, it's also known for its remarkable beauty, especially at the mouth of the Penobscot Bay, Baxter State Park, and Northwestern Maine.

Here is a little of why Cheapism selected the Penobscot as Maine's most beautiful river.

It's the largest river entirely in Maine, the second-largest river in New England, and home to the largest remaining Atlantic salmon run. The river traverses pristine forests, tumbling through rapids suitable for everyone from beginning paddlers to whitewater experts. Anglers can catch not just salmon, but wild brook trout, small-mouth bass, and striped bass.

Well, I think that sums it up quite nicely.

Congrats to the Penobscot on this wonderful honor, though I doubt its much of a surprise to many of you, especially those who have been fortunate enough to spend any time on this legendary body of water. It's the perfect encapsulation of how life should be.

Penobscot river by Kmusser/ CC BY-SA 2.5