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Scenic Sojourn

Get back to nature at Moosehead Lake

By Erin Gifford

their panoramic 360-degree vistas. full minute.) Registered Maine guides “Everyone should get a chance to lead trips of all kinds, including by N THE IDYLLIC MAINE High- see the area, to hike trails on sur- canoe, float plane, van or SUV.

Ilands , Moosehead Lake, located rounding mountains for stunning lake If you prefer a self-guided moose 153-miles north of Portland, views,” says Steve Lyons, director safari, go early in the morning or at draws in nature-seekers eager of the Maine Office of Tourism. He dusk. Moose can be found in marshy for calming escapes, whether suggests trying at least one of the areas and bogs, like Lazy Tom Bog, a from the hustle and bustle of city life Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit chal- hot spot for moose sightings thanks or the stress of the pandemic. It’s lenge hikes, which lead to dramatic to the abundance of soft marsh where to go to get away from it all, peaks. grasses they like to munch on. even if your plan is to see and do it all. You’ll also want to add Gulf Hagas Tamara Gruber, a travel blog-

The largest lake in Maine, covering to your must-do list, notes Lyons. ger from Providence, R.I., who 120 square miles, Moosehead boasts Known as the “Grand Canyon of writes about midlife getaways at more than 80 undeveloped islands Maine,” a network of hiking trails YourTimetoFly.com, is a big fan that paddlers will find ripe for along a deep river gorge features of the unspoiled byways found at exploration. Some, like Sugar Island striking rim views, spectacular Moosehead. “When I visited with my and Farm Island, even have primitive overlooks and tumbling waterfalls. best friend, we had so many laughs paddle-in campsites with picnic No visit to Moosehead Lake is com- as we navigated the backroads. We tables and fire rings so your outing plete without a moose safari to catch challenged ourselves to hiking and doesn’t have to wrap up at sunset. a glimpse of this large and gentle canoeing, then shared in the sweet

Once you’ve explored the lake, animal in the wild. (Fun fact: Moose, feeling of success,” says Gruber. “The get a bird’s-eye view from the top of Maine’s official animal, are expert best part of the day at Moosehead nearby Big Moose Mountain, Number swimmers and can dive up to 20 feet, Lake is unwinding with friends in a

Four Mountain or Mount Kineo with holding their breath underwater for a cabin on the water.”

Mount Kineo and Moosehead Lake

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.

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