Moosehead Lake is in a region referred to as The Maine Highlands. It’s located in the heart of Maine about 1.5 hours from Bangor and just under 3 from Maine’s Bar Harbor. Because of its location it’s not convenient to combine with popular Maine places along the coast, but this gives Moosehead visitors the advantage of what feels like a private one-of-a-kind Maine experience.
Moosehead Lake’s sheer size makes it impossible to experience all of it in 1 day. There are 100+ trails, 26+ waterfalls, and 2 state parks to pick from (Lily Bay and Mount Kineo) – not to mention the lake itself is the largest east of the Mississippi contained in 1 state.
But with only 24 hours to find out what I’ve been missing my whole Maine life, here’s how I ended up having the most perfect day.
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Table of Contents
Moosehead Lake Things To Do
In order of arrival to departure, here’s how to spend 24 hours in Moosehead Lake Maine.
1 – Look for a moose at the DOT in Shirley along Rt 6
Moose outnumber residents 3:1 in Moosehead! We missed a moose sighting at this DOT pullout by only a couple of minutes. The moose sightings are so popular here that they made an area along the left side of the road as you approach Greenville for travelers to be able to safely stop and watch. There is room for a couple of cars at a time. Best time of day for a moose sighting is early morning and dusk.
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2 – Visit the Moosehead Welcome Center
I rarely stop at welcome centers (unless to use the loo) but do NOT skip this one. The employees are seriously the nicest people you will ever meet. Not only will they entertain you with their thick accents (if you can’t wait to hear a Maine one) but they will give you all the information you need to maximize your visit, including the location of current moose sightings.
The Moosehead Welcome Center also hosts the first mountain fire tower in the nation.
Definitely stop at the Welcome Center before arriving in Greenville
3 – Shop at Indian Hill Trading Post
Stock up on essentials you need for your visit and find the perfect Moosehead Lake souvenir. Indian Hill Trading Post is a massive general store combined with a supermarket. It’s the only big supply store in Moosehead so make sure to plan accordingly.
4 – Explore the B52 Memorial Crash Site
Walk through the 1963 B52 Memorial Crash Site where 3 out of 9 crew members survived despite spending the night in -29 degree temperature. Parts of the bomber aircraft can be seen along the trail and in the trees.
The trail itself is an easy .5 mile walk, but the road getting to the memorial trail entrance is quite rugged. Be sure you have high clearance before attempting Prong Pond Road.
IMPORTANT: Prong Pond Road is a logging road and may only be open to visit after 4pm. Check with the Moosehead Welcome Center for hours.
Tip: We stopped at the B52 site on the evening of our arrival to Moosehead so that we wouldn’t have to backtrack from Rockwood the next day (1 hour drive one-way). If you plan to visit Lily Bay State Park, the Prong Pond Road is along the way.
The B52 Memorial Crash Site – you need a vehicle with high clearance to get here
5 – Take The Ferry To Mount Kineo
The ferry to Mount Kineo is dog-friendly and $15 per person round trip (they take credit cards). This is a small ferry which serves as a quick 10 minute shuttle service to Mount Kineo. Even if you have no intention of hiking Mount Kineo, the ferry ride is a great inexpensive way to see Moosehead from the water.
The shuttle to Mount Kineo departs on the hour in the summer but can be inconsistent. Be sure to ask for the current times at the Welcome Center. Parking is free.
Rockwood to Mount Kineo shuttle is $15 pp & takes only 10 minutes
6 – Hike Mount Kineo
Mount Kineo has an elevation of 1,789 feet with cliff faces up to 700’ above the lake. It’s located right in the middle! Hiking Mount Kineo is the most epic thing to do in Moosehead Lake Maine.
There are 4 dog-friendly trails to choose from ranging in distance and complexity:
- Carriage Trail – 2.2 miles from the dock to Hardscrabble Point along the west shore. This is an easy trail.
- North Trail – 1.9 miles from Hardscrabble Point along the northeast to the summit. With the exception of the the climb to the summit, this trail is easy to moderate. Limited Moosehead Lake views.
- Indian Trail – Accessed from Carriage Trail, Indian Trail is a steep .9 miles to the summit. Breathtaking cliffside views of Moosehead Lake.
- Bridal Trail – Accessed from Carriage Trail, Bridal Trail is 1.1 miles to the summit. Bridal Trail is a less steep alternative to Indian Trail. No Moosehead Lake views.
About Indian Trail
We took Indian Trail to the fire observation tower (summit) and Bridal Trail down. Indian Trail was a very strenuous hike in July. It had rained the previous day so the rocks were incredibly slippery. Compared to Ooh Aah Point at the Grand Canyon, Indian Trail was more difficult.
You’re climbing steep rocks in different sections of Indian Trail so sturdy shoes are absolutely required. We stopped regularly at different view points to catch our breath, look back at the steepness and progress of our climb, and take in the glorious views only offered by this trail.
Although Indian Trail is only 1.1 miles up, it took us almost 1 hour to arrive at the fire observation tower. For context, we’re a sporty family of 4!
Our dog did great but he did have to jump a few steep rocks to ascend in certain areas. For small dogs with short legs this hike would be very difficult.
Indian Trail is steep but has the BEST views of Moosehead Lake
About Bridle Trail
Compared to Indian Trail, Bridle is a lot easier. After a steep climb up, an easier path down was appreciated. There isn’t much to see beyond nature on the Bridle Trail but definitely consider this route instead of Indian for the return – particularly after wet weather. Although Bridle Trail is .2 miles longer than Indian, we reached the bottom in 40 minutes.
Bridle Trail has a section with beams to walk along – slippery when wet!
At The Summit
There is a 64’ Fire Observation Tower once you summit Mount Kineo. It offers the best 360 degree views of Moosehead Lake, but will you dare make the climb?
I almost didn’t.
My knees were shaking the entire walk up but I did it!!
The tower steps are metal grates so it’s frightening yet exhilarating when you ascend and descend. It feels like so little separates and supports you from being so high above the tree tops and the ground below. If you’re afraid of heights this isn’t for you. Otherwise, this is the peak of your Mount Kineo hike!
View from the bottom and those metal grates – you have to climb 64′
7 – Have Lunch at Mount Kineo Golf Course
Mount Kineo Golf Course is the second oldest golf course in New England. It sits on private land but the golf course is open to the public. There is a quaint little pro shop and cafe that serves sandwiches, snacks, whoopie pies, and even beer and wine. You can enjoy the A/C inside after your hike or sit outside on the patio to watch golfers tee-off. The patio is dog-friendly.
8 – Swim at Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is a 20 minute walk from Mount Kineo Golf Course. After a strenuous hike the idea of another 40 minute round trip walk might deter you, but this beach is incredible. Crystal clear, all pebbles and downright refreshing.
Pontoon boats pull right up onto the beach and if you’re fortunate enough to go for a boat ride, you can get so close to Mount Kineo’s cliff face that you can touch it.
Access is along the private main road on the east side of the peninsula. Pebble Beach is dog-friendly.
Our crystal clear reward after a hot & humid July hike on Mount Kineo
9 – Wander Greenville’s Quaint Downtown
Take a stroll along the waterfront, see the 1914 built Katahdin steamboat, find an antique to take home in The Shaw Block building, and eat at Dockside Tavern or Stress Free Moose Pub (both have dog-friendly patios).
Visit the Shaw Block Building for antiques in Greenville
Stay In Rockwood The Night Before
My schedule only allowed for 1 overnight and 1 day to explore Moosehead Lake for the first time. My family and I departed the Augusta area around noon and took a longer route to Moosehead Lake to stop at Abbot Village Bakery. If you have the time, highly recommend!
Stop at Abbot Village for pies, whoopie pies, sandwiches & their signature donut!
There are a couple areas to consider as basecamp for your Moosehead stay, most notably Greenville. Greenville is at the base of Moosehead Lake as you arrive from Rt 6 where various restaurants, shops and Indian Hill Trading is located.
Because we arrived at Moosehead in the late afternoon, we chose Rockwood as where to stay which is 25 minutes northwest of Greenville.
If Mount Kineo is on your Moosehead Lake bucket list, highly recommend staying at The Rockwood Cottages. In addition to the majestic view of the lake and Mount Kineo, the ferry to Mount Kineo is only a couple of minutes away.
So peaceful – to fish, to kayak, to just sit & enjoy the view ❤️
The Rockwood Cottages are equipped with kitchens, recently remodeled, some units are dog-friendly, and all the amenities are free for making the most of your time on the lake.
Tip: Hotel reservations at Moosehead Lake in the summer require a minimum 2-night stay. If your travel date is flexible find a gap in the bookings where only a 1-night stay is possible. This is how I was able to book The Rockwood Cottages in July for only 1 night.
Chillin in Cottage #5 – perfect for a family of 4 + 1 dog
If You Have More Than 1 Day
Aside from the plethora of hiking trails to conquer, add these to your Moosehead Lake list:
- Lily Bay State Park – 2 miles of easy trails, sandy public beach, picnic tables and 2 camping sites. Use this free Lily Bay State Park guide.
- Katahdin Steamboat Cruise – 2, 3, 5 & 8 hour cruise options
- ATV Moose Tour – let a Maine wildlife expert help you find one!
Final Thoughts On Moosehead Lake Maine
Road trip trivia on the way to Moosehead:
- Question: What do you call more than 1 moose? Moose, mooses, or meese?
- Answer: Moose
Not pictured but definitely present everywhere in Moosehead are the horse and deer flies! They are massive and they hurt when bitten. Highly recommend a deep woods bug spray and reapply as often as you can withstand it. This is the only downfall experienced during our trip.
While we were fortunate enough not to get one on us, don’t forget about the ticks! Use this to protect you while hiking in the Maine woods. And check yourself often.
If you’re considering a combination trip, fly into Bangor, visit Moosehead and then go to Bar Harbor. The two destinations combined are the best of the best Maine has to offer.
Questions about Moosehead Lake Maine? Let me know in the comments.