Moosehead Region

Outdoor Adventures

  • BDN photo by Aislinn Sarnacki. Moosehead Lake and Mount Kineo Golf Course is seen from about halfway up the Indian Trail, which leads to the summit of Mount Kineo, on July 11, 2012.

    BDN photo by Aislinn Sarnacki. Moosehead Lake and Mount Kineo Golf Course is seen from about halfway up the Indian Trail, which leads to the summit of Mount Kineo, on July 11, 2012.

    Mount Kineo is probably the most famous mountain in the Moosehead region, and for good reason. It’s got a fascinating history and offers amazing views of Moosehead Lake from an observation tower at its summit. Just remember, it’s only accessible by boat. It’s also an ambitious snowshoe, and you might catch ice climbers there in the winter. For information and a video of the hike, click here.

  • Big Moose Mountain (formerly and to make locals still known as Big Squaw Mountain) is one of the region’s tallest mountains at 3,196 feet in elevation. It’s part of the Little Moose Unit Bureau of Parks and Lands, which also includes Little Moose Mountain. Both mountains have trails leading to their summits, and there are also trails leading to pristine ponds nearby. For a video and trail summary of Big Moose Mountain, click here; or Little Moose Mountain, click here.
  • In 1963, a B-52 crashed into Elephant Mountain, which rises 2,636 feet above sea level in the Moosehead region. Seven men aboard the plane died. Today, a short, easy trail leads to the historic site, where pieces of the plane are scattered throughout the forest and a memorial stone stands in honor of those who died. For a video and description of the site, click here.
  • Number Four Mountain near Kokadjo is a more remote hike with less traffic, and what’s more, it still has an old fire tower on its summit. This is a short but strenuous hike, and in the winter, mileage is added onto the hike because a logging road leading to the trailhead isn’t plowed. Stop off at the store in the tiny town of Kokadjo along the way to chat with the locals and buy some snacks. For a video and information about the trail, click here.

Eat & Drink

  • SONY DSCThe nicest place in Greenville to eat has to be the Blair Hill Inn — a beautiful
    setting with a stunning view. There’s a five-course menu priced at $60 that’s a little slice of old-fashioned culinary elegance. Reservations recommended. There’s also a B&B on site.
  • Flatlanders, also in Greenville, is highly recommended for its broasted chicken, and for a basic but hearty and well-made breakfast, Auntie M’s is a local favorite. The Hard Drive Cafe at Northwoods Outfitters has very good coffee and espresso, and a nice selection of pastries, too.
  • Want a post-hike or paddle drink? Try the Stress Free Moose or the Black Frog, both in Greenville. Laid back vibes, sports on the TV, friendly locals, live music some weekends, and pub grub, too.

Shop & See

  • Indian-Hill-Employees-Color2Indian Hill Trading Post is legendary — all the outdoors gear, supplies, groceries, fishing licenses, clothes, shoes, stories and friends you could ever need. Like a truly backwoods L.L. Bean, except quirkier. A can’t miss.
  • Gallery on the Lake in Greenville is packed with locally made art and crafts, perfect for snagging that nice art print or sculpture to show off in your home.
  • Finally, no trip to Moosehead is complete without Katahdin Cruise — a beautiful old pleasure boat, that takes you around the lake for a water’s eye view of the spectacular natural beauty of Moosehead. A three hour tour (a three hour tour) takes off from downtown Greenville at 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and on most Wednesdays in July, August and September, there’s a 4.5 hour tour that takes you up to Mt. Kineo. There are special dining and fireworks cruises, too. Visit their website for more information.

Places to stay

  • BDN photo by Gabor Degre. Gerald Saucier (left) of Fort Fairfield sets up the tent with Gary Best (right), interpretive specialist with the Bureau of Parks and Land, at Lily Bay State Park on the shore of Moosehead Lake in July 2009.

    BDN photo by Gabor Degre. Gerald Saucier (left) of Fort Fairfield sets up the tent with Gary Best (right), interpretive specialist with the Bureau of Parks and Land, at Lily Bay State Park on the shore of Moosehead Lake in July 2009.

    Moose Mountain Inn is a small, locally-owned inn located by Moosehead Lake that helps visitors find recreational opportunities in the region. While the inn is close to downtown Greenville, it’s surrounded by more than 15,000 acres of protected Maine Public Lands; in fact, Little Moose Mountain Trail starts right at the inn’s parking lot. Several packages are available, including a “Moose Safari and Lodging” package that is $84.99.

  • The Greenville Inn, recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, was featured as one of the “Top 10 US travel destinations for 2013” by LonelyPlanet.com. The inn traces its history back to 1890, when a wealthy lumber baron began building the main residence. Late June to mid-October, enjoy fine dining at the inn’s restaurant.
  • Feel like roughing it and saving some cash? There are several places to camp around Moosehead Lake, and some sites more secluded than others. For example, Lily Bay State Park, located about 9 miles north of Greenville on the eastern shore of Moosehead Lake, has 90 campsites, 38 of which are waterfront sites.

Special times to visit

  • seaplane910.jpgOne of the biggest events of the year in the Moosehead region is the International Seaplane Fly-In, which in 2014 is set for Sept. 4-7. Land and float plane pilots from all over the country and the world fly to the waters of Moosehead Lake to enjoy this yearly tradition, which you can enjoy from a number of vantage points from around the lake. There’s also lobster cookouts, craft fairs and other entertainment  For more information call 695-2928.