Moosehead Lake In Maine
Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in Maine, is the perfect destination for those who love the outdoors. Just three hours north of Portland, you’ll find thousands of acres of stunning natural beauty, between the forests, lakes, and mountains. The area is also home to a vast array of rare wildlife, including moose, bears, eagles, and ospreys. Though few outside of Maine have heard of the Moosehead region, when you come up north, you won’t want to miss this natural treasure.
Photo by Dave Kleinschmidt
The two main towns surrounding Moosehead Lake are Greenville and Rockwood; most of the area’s campgrounds and lodgings are located there. At Moosehead Family Campground, a mile from the lake, bring an RV or tent and settle down for a few blissful days in the Maine wilderness, where you’re bound to see deer and moose grazing on the grass. For a little more lakeside luxury, spend a night or two at the Greenville Inn, a beautiful Victorian house built in 1895, with a gourmet restaurant serving delectable offerings like lobster bisque and rack of Maine venison.
What to do
No matter what time of year you visit, the lakes, mountains, and woods offer a spectacular array of activities to enjoy. Each summer, swimmers, fishers, boaters, and water skiers can take advantage of the clear blue water in Maine’s largest lake. The Moosehead region’s many trails offer great opportunities for hiking and biking. During the colder months, the lake freezes over and the ground is covered with snow — the perfect opportunity for snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and even dogsledding.
Even if you’d rather take it easy, there’s plenty to do up here. The Moosehead region is filled with wildlife of all kinds, including moose, otters, coyotes, bears, and many types of birds. While you’re here, you’re bound to see some unique animals — if you’re quick enough, you may even get a photo to take home.
The region reaches the height of its beauty in September and October, when all the leaves are gold and crimson. It’s the best time of year to try one of Moosehead’s scenic driving loops — visit this site for six breathtaking trips.
Where to eat
For a gourmet dining experience, don’t miss the Greenville Inn’s restaurant, hailed by Washington Post as “the real thing.” Other spots not to miss include Pittston Farm, which features a nightly all-you-can-eat dinner buffet spread with a variety of delicious roast meats, mashed potatoes and other sides, giant cookies, and whoopie pies, and Di’s Kitchen & Beyond, with regular theme dinners that feature tropical, French, or Mediterranean cuisine.
If you’re looking for the real Maine, this is where you’ll find it. Bring your camera and your walking shoes — Moosehead Lake is waiting for you.
Written by Kathy Hawkins on April 18, 2007
Filed Under Maine, Lakes, Campgrounds, Hiking, Wildlife
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