Guide to the Moosehead Lake Region 2023

The Katahdin carries passengers across Moosehead Lake during one of its daily cruises. It is the only steamboat that remains from a time when steamboats were a major mode of transportation on the lake.

Moosehead LAKE REGION

BDN FILE PHOTO / AISLINN SARNACKI

Guide to the Region

SO MUCH TO EXPLORE AROUND MAINE’S LARGEST LAKE

BY JOSH DEAKIN

AS MAINE’S LARGEST LAKE and the second-largest in New England, Moosehead Lake is a popular year round destination for hikers, fishermen, hunters, boaters, families, and those just looking to spend some time in the great outdoors. Covering nearly 75,000 acres, many towns border its shores, including Greenville, Rockwood, Lily Bay, Kokadjo, and Beaver Cove. Each town brings its own unique flavor to the region, which is part of what makes this area so special.

GREENVILLE

Greenville, the largest town in the region, is located on the southern end of Moosehead Lake. The town is full of restaurants and inns to keep visitors happily accommodated during their stay. On your way into town, be sure to check out the legendary Indian Hill Trading Post. The long-running store opened in 1978, growing over the years to 35,000 square feet with everything you need for a fun visit and thensome. While in Greenville, hop on the Steamboat Katahdin, which offers daily cruises from late June through mid-October around the lake and to destinations like Sugar Island, Moose Island, and Mt. Kineo. Downtown you’ll also find the Moosehead Marine Museum, featuring many treasures with unique stories that have played a role in Moosehead Lake’s history.

ROCKWOOD

Rockwood is located on the western side of Moosehead Lake near Mount Kineo. With 800-foot cliffs and hiking trails offering stunning views of the lake, Mount Kineo is the main attraction of Mount Kineo State Park. Nearby, you’ll also find Mt. Kineo Golf Course, a course that’s been around since 1893. Rockwood is officially an unincorporated community so accommodations are not as plentiful as Greenville, but the area makes up for this in the outstanding views. Rockwood also features a wide array of snowmobile and ATV trails groomed yearlong for locals and tourists alike. These trails stretch into Canada through Jackman for a one-of-a-kind experience.

LILY BAY

This region is home to Lily Bay State Park, located on the eastern side of Moosehead Lake. The park provides beautiful views and onsite camping in the warmer months at Dunn Point Campground and Rowell Cove Campground, with a combined total of 90 campsites. A nearby beach offers swimming for the family and an adjacent boat launch is available for use. There’s also a two-mile walking trail along the beach with easy terrain and incredible views of the lake.

KOKADJO

Kokadjo is a more remote area near Moosehead Lake on a smaller body of water called First Roach Pond. The town sign even bears the words “Not Many” under population. The area is great for exploring wildlife and enjoying outdoor activities. While moose, deer, bear, and grouse keep hunters busy during the season, bird watchers can also find some unique winged creatures in the area including alpine, arboreal, and wetland birds. Kokadjo is home to Kokadjo Camps and Trading Post, as well as Northern Pine Lodge and Campground. Both offer various guided fishing and hunting trips that attract guests from all over the nation.

BEAVER COVE

Beaver Cove, located on the east side of Moosehead Lake, is one of Maine’s smallest towns with a year-round population of 95. As their town website boasts, the wildlife outnumbers the residents greatly. While the town was founded in 1975, some camps that reside along its shore have been in existence since the 1920s. The area is rich in outdoor sportsmen history. The area features many rentals available for tourists. The 1,680-foot Burnt Jacket Mountain lumbers nearby for the hiking enthusiast. There are three different hiking trails to explore that lead to the summit. If you’re planning on staying the night in the area, check out the Blair Hill Inn located just south of Beaver Cove that can accommodate you with a spectacular view.

Mount Kineo in the snow.

AISLINN SARNACKI BDN FILE PHOTO

Fly-fishing on the East Outlet of the Kennebec River.

LINDA COAN O’KRESIK BDN FILE PHOTO

The view across Moosehead Lake.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

Kayakers on Moosehead Lake.

AISLINN SARNACKI BDN FILE PHOTO

More to Explore in Monson

FROM AWARD-WINNING DINING TO A BURGEONING ARTS SCENE BY EMILY BAER

AS YOU WIND YOUR WAY NORTH towards Greenville, you’ll pass through the town of Monson about 16 miles out. Sitting on the quiet shores of Lake Hebron, this historic community is abuzz with energy. Despite its being nestled deep in the woods of Maine, Monson has become known for its eclectic art scene, hospitality towards thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail, and burgeoning food scene.

Henry David Thoreau references passing through the area in his book “The Maine Woods,” but modern travelers might want to make Monson more of a destination, and less of a drive through, on their way to Moosehead Lake.

A COLD DRINK

Shift into vacation mode with a stop at Turning Page Farm Brewery for a cold drink and snack. This is the perfect introduction to Monson’s way of life: intentional, surprising, and delicious. If you’re lucky, you’ll land on a night when Madcap Mushroom has teamed up with the brewery for the grilled sandwich of your dreams.

INSPIRING CREATIVITY

If you just want to stretch your legs after the long drive, a quick spin through the many galleries in town might be just what you need. From ceramics to furniture, oil paintings and bespoke wooden bowls, there’s something for everyone here. Try Monson Pottery, Roberta W. Jarvis, Hebron Gallery, With the Grain, or J. Wentworth Furniture. Monson Arts, a workshop and residency program, also hosts community events and exhibitions throughout the year and often draws in artists and writers from around the world. As always, be sure to check hours and availability online as they may vary gallery-to-gallery by season.

A LITTLE HISTORY

For the historically minded, Monson Historical Society’s curated collection paints a picture of the town’s past through artifacts and memorabilia. Nearby, the Monson Train Depot stands as a quiet monument to the area’s industrial legacy and the role narrow gauge railways once played in supporting the local economy.

AWARD-WINNING DINING

If you have time to soak in what makes this place so special, snag a seat at The Quarry. Chef Marilou ‘Lulu’ Ranta has been growing a loyal following for years by creating thoughtful dishes and an extraordinary dining experience. Just this June, Chef Lulu and her restaurant were recognized at the highest level: as winners of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality.

GRAB A CUP FOR THE ROAD

Once it’s time to get back on the road, fill up your mugs with fresh coffee from Monson General Store and grab a snack from the gourmet deli and bakery bar. If you have time to enjoy the lakeside tranquility, there is a patio outside, but there are plenty of to-go options if you’re anxious to hit the road.

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PHOTOS: (Left to right) Young goats at at Turning Page Farm in Monson. AISLINN SARNACKI | BDN FILE PHOTO Chef Marilou “Lulu” Ranta, left, and Victoria Scuderi, a culinary arts student, at The Quarry. Ranta recently won a James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality.

banner for the Monson’s bicentennial hangs on the Monson General Store in this file photo from April 2022 LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN FILE PHOTOS

Downtown Monson. The Quarry, at left, recently won a prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality.

LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN FILE PHOTO

Visit Lily Bay State Park

A FAMILY-FRIENDLY STATE PARK FOR YEAR-ROUND FUN BY KATIE BINGHAM-SMITH

ON THE EAST SHORE of stunning Moosehead Lake, lies a little Maine treasure. Located about 9 miles outside of Greenville, you’ll find Lily Bay State Park. In 1961, the land was donated to the state by Scott Paper Company. This 925-acre park has many amenities to enjoy all year round.

During the warm weather months, you can bring your boat, or enjoy a family picnic along the shore where there are lots of grills and picnic tables. Pebble Beach is a great swimming area, offering beautiful views. The beach entrance is wheelchair accessible, and opens at 9 a.m.

Fishing for salmon and trout is excellent in mid to early May, as well as September when things cool down a bit. Take advantage of the park’s two trailerable boat ramps, located at Dunn Point and Rowell Cove. Canoeing along the waters and enjoying the wildlife is another favorite visitor activity.

SET UP CAMP

If you are considering the Moosehead area for your next camping adventure, Lily Bay State Park has it all. With two campgrounds, the park offers 90 well-spaced campsites, many of which are along the shore. If you have a large party, they can accommodate big groups as well.

Note that camping is only allowed at established sites, which can be reserved ahead of time on the Camp with Maine website. Pets are allowed, but must be kept on leases as all times and quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Winter camping is also an option, but you are asked to contact the park staff before your stay at (207) 695-2700. There is a glorious two-mile walking trail along the beach and Rowell Cove that’s fit for the entire family.

When fall and winter roll in, there are still many things to enjoy. Ice-fishing and hunting are some favorite pastimes. There are groomed trails for cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobiles overlooking Moosehead Lake, as well as a plowed parking area when the snow falls.

The cross-country ski loop trail is a five-mile, moderate loop with side trails, totaling about seven miles. There are a few sharp turns and inclines, and the trail starts at the end of the park entrance booth.

If you don’t have a Maine State Park Pass, day fees to get into the park are $4 for an adult Maine resident, $6 for an adult non-maine resident, and $2 for a non-resident senior. Children ages 5-11 are $1 a day, and kids under 5 are admitted for free. Be prepared to pay with cash.

Lily Bay State Park will give you a taste of Maine wildlife, the fresh outdoors, stunning scenery, as well as a wonderful place to unplug with the entire family.

Beachgoers enjoy a warm day at the Lily Bay State Park beach.

LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN FILE PHOTO

Enjoying the beach at Lily Bay State Park. LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN FILE PHOTO

The area is abundant in wildlife. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

AT HOME IN MOOSEHEAD

COURTESY OF REALTY OF MAINE

MOOSEHEAD LAKE has been a famous sport-fishing destination for more than a century and a half. A deep, coldwater lake makes it the ideal habitat for salmon, togue, and brook trout. With its robust big game hunting grounds, endless recreational activities including ATV, snowmobiling, boating, hiking, swimming, camping, moose watching, skiing, golfing, board the vintage steamship The Katahdin affectionately known to the locals as “Kate,” take a seaplane tour, browse the charming shops, or simply relax, it is no wonder Moosehead Lake has become such a desirable destination all four seasons.

Sally Harvey of the Maine Outdoor Properties Team of Realty of Maine lives in Greenville. “Good or bad, the secret is out. Our region is a hot real estate market now thanks to the pandemic. When restrictions were lifted and folks could travel again, like most of Maine, the Moosehead Lake region was a place for solitude to escape the city. The region became a very desirable real estate market for the second home buyer. Anything on the water was scooped right up with multiple offers and

most selling for over asking price.”

Harvey, along with her husband and team member Darryl, could relate all too well. They sold their home in southern Maine and decided to make Greenville their permanent home six years ago.

“There is a lot about Greater Portland area that we miss, especially the variety of dining options, but when we are driving around Greenville and other areas of Moosehead, we are reminded of why we chose to move here. It truly is God’s Country,” Harvey said. “While the inventory in the area is no longer what it used to be, it is improving and the demand for the area isn’t going away any time soon.”

Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine and the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States. Aside from the abundance of recreation at your feet, hiking is one of the most popular activities in this region and where the idea of the “Pinnacle Pursuit” was born. The challenge is to

summit the area’s six peaks, Mount Kineo, Number Four, White Cap, Eagle Rock, Big Moose, and Borestone, within a week. It’s one of the many reasons why the Moosehead Lake region is a premier destination.

Come visit the Moosehead Lake region, discover all its charms, and let us help you find your dream home. Visit www.maineoutdoorpropertiesteam.com.

PHOTO: NORTH WOODS AERIAL

Stroll Through LOCAL HISTORY

VISIT THE SMALL BUT MIGHTY MOOSEHEAD MARITIME MUSEUM BY EMILY BAER

IN 1901, composer Fred H. Clifford penned “A Kineo Love Song.” In it, Clifford waxes poetic about his sweetheart’s beauty, a mirror of the beautiful Maine landscape that is the backdrop for their relationship — the moonlight on the lake, the beautiful summer days, the changing weather, and, of course, the mountain that overlooks it all. Today, an original copy of the sheet music and lyrics lives in the Moosehead Maritime Museum. The museum itself is a sort of love song, celebrating the dynamic history of the lake and its shoreside inhabitants.

Sitting lakeside just off Greenville’s main drag, the museum is a small but mighty collection of the area’s past. While

the town has long been considered a resort destination for outdoor enthusiasts, it was once the center of Mooshead’s industrial activity. Hunters, trappers, and loggers made their way to this lakeside village to take advantage of nearby resources.

In the mid-1800s, steamboats transformed life in this rural part of the state. They were used to transport livestock, equipment, supplies, and mail to residents who made their lives along the lake. They also brought visitors to and from the resorts that dotted Moosehead’s pristine shores. At one time, dozens of boats a day could be seen transiting people and goods between camps and retreats.

This rich tradition continued for almost 100 years, until cars began to encircle the

The Moosehead Marine Museum displays artifacts and information about the many steamboats that transported people and goods on Moosehead Lake in the 1800s and early 1900s.

AISLINN SARNACKI | BDN FILE PHOTO

lake. As more and more roads were put in, fewer and fewer steamboats were needed. By 1930, the steamboat Katahdin remained. For the next 40 years, The Kate, as she’s known, crisscrossed the lake, providing essential services in a variety of capacities. In 1975, she participated in the nation’s last log drive.

Much of this history is chronicled in the museum's archives. Founded in 1977, Moosehead Marine Museum was designed to act as a safeguard against what otherwise was sure to have been Kate’s fate: plans to scuttle her were already afoot. The community effort to save the boat worked, and in 1979 she was added to the register of historic places. Initially, they envisioned the vessel as the home of the museum — a floating tribute. However, the museum’s founders soon learned that she could be made seaworthy again. With repairs and reimaginings, she did just that.

These days, the Katahdin sits tight against the shore alongside the museum. She watches the comings and goings like a wise old friend and sails throughout the summer season. Katahdin Cruises, the museum’s sister company, offers a variety of options for those interested in exploring Moosehead Lake’s 120 square miles under her power. Offerings include summertime favorites like the Sugar Island Cruise, the Moose Island Cruise, and the Mount Kineo

Cruise. Sugar Island, the most popular cruise, is a threehour exploration that includes a historical narration highlighting key landmarks and events.

For a full day, the Head of the Lake cruise travels from one end of the lake to the other. You’ll enjoy an expansive view of Moosehead’s most renowned vistas: Beaver Cove, Sugar Island, Mt. Kineo, and Rockwood. The tour also includes a historical narration and a comprehensive look at lakeside communities past and present.

Additional options include a Fourth of July Fireworks cruise, a fly-in cruise, and an evening of R&B entertainment. In late June, Kate hosts the Bike and Boat cruise to benefit Greenville’s Northern Light CA Dean Hospital. In September, cruisers aboard the Brews & Blues Cruise will enjoy beverages provided by Geaghan’s Brewing Co. and boogie the night away to the tunes of Papa Tim & The Desperate Man’s Blues Explosion.

Food and drink are available on each cruise and it is strongly encouraged that you make reservations beforehand. When you arrive to claim your tickets, be sure to wander through the museum. Between the maritime paraphernalia, photographs from Greenville’s past, and collection of steamboat relics, you’ll find more than enough to make you want to write a love song to Mt. Kineo as well.

The Moosehead II and the Twilight II (all part of the fleet of the Coburn Steamboat Company) tied up at West Cove on Moosehead Lake circa 1895.

COURTESY MOOSEHEAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Katahdin is the sole survivor of a fleet of steamships that plied Moosehead Lake 100 years ago.

BDN FILE PHOTO