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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION
MAINE | HIGHLANDS
Mount Kineo and Moosehead Lake
Scenic Sojourn Get back to nature at Moosehead Lake By Erin Gifford
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N THE IDYLLIC MAINE Highlands, Moosehead Lake, located 153-miles north of Portland, draws in nature-seekers eager for calming escapes, whether from the hustle and bustle of city life or the stress of the pandemic. It’s where to go to get away from it all, even if your plan is to see and do it all. The largest lake in Maine, covering 120 square miles, Moosehead boasts more than 80 undeveloped islands that paddlers will find ripe for exploration. Some, like Sugar Island and Farm Island, even have primitive paddle-in campsites with picnic tables and fire rings so your outing doesn’t have to wrap up at sunset. Once you’ve explored the lake, get a bird’s-eye view from the top of nearby Big Moose Mountain, Number Four Mountain or Mount Kineo with
their panoramic 360-degree vistas. “Everyone should get a chance to see the area, to hike trails on surrounding mountains for stunning lake views,” says Steve Lyons, director of the Maine Office of Tourism. He suggests trying at least one of the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit challenge hikes, which lead to dramatic peaks. You’ll also want to add Gulf Hagas to your must-do list, notes Lyons. Known as the “Grand Canyon of Maine,” a network of hiking trails along a deep river gorge features striking rim views, spectacular overlooks and tumbling waterfalls. No visit to Moosehead Lake is complete without a moose safari to catch a glimpse of this large and gentle animal in the wild. (Fun fact: Moose, Maine’s official animal, are expert swimmers and can dive up to 20 feet, holding their breath underwater for a
full minute.) Registered Maine guides lead trips of all kinds, including by canoe, float plane, van or SUV. If you prefer a self-guided moose safari, go early in the morning or at dusk. Moose can be found in marshy areas and bogs, like Lazy Tom Bog, a hot spot for moose sightings thanks to the abundance of soft marsh grasses they like to munch on. Tamara Gruber, a travel blogger from Providence, R.I., who writes about midlife getaways at YourTimetoFly.com, is a big fan of the unspoiled byways found at Moosehead. “When I visited with my best friend, we had so many laughs as we navigated the backroads. We challenged ourselves to hiking and canoeing, then shared in the sweet feeling of success,” says Gruber. “The best part of the day at Moosehead Lake is unwinding with friends in a cabin on the water.”
WHERE TO STAY A relaxing nature-filled getaway to Moosehead Lake begins in Greenville, the largest town and southernmost point in the region. Make this amenity-rich gateway your home base, or go east or west for cabins and cottages along the pristine lake’s shoreline.
The Birches Resort
For those who want to settle in at a well-appointed lodge or cozy cabin, The Birches Resort in Rockwood has cabins steps from the lake with wide-open water views. For a more luxe experience with fine food and views to boot, get tucked in at the Lodge at Moosehead Lake in Greenville. VISIT MAINE (2); GETTY IMAGES
