After a long tedious decision, we decided to go to
Moosehead Lake in Maine. It’s about 2 to 2.5 hours northwest of Bangor,
Maine and a relatively easy trip. As you top the last hill (Indian
Hill) before Greenville, Maine you have a panoramic view of Moosehead
Lake. A typical response is “Wow”. Envision wooded hills with a large
lake nestled in between them, spotted with small islands. It is a
largely unspoiled area with vast green expanses and phenomenal natural
beauty. This is probably why it’s said that Moose outnumber people 3 to
1.
Our original thought was to make Moosehead Lake our
“base camp” for our ultimate goal of hiking Mount Katahdin. In case you
are thinking the same thing…don’t. What looks like short trip from
Moosehead to Baxter State Park (and Katahdin) is actually a 2 plus hour
trip. The problem isn’t apparent at first, but as you head Northeast
past Lily Bay State Park something happens. The 2 lane paved road
disappears in favor of a gravel logging road at Kokadjo, Maine.
You
might think, a logging road isn’t that bad. Well, ponder this my little
adventurous buddy, while I was there a logging truck (semi) was pulled
to the side of the road. Why? Because one of his axles was laying
about 100 yards behind the truck! You can make the trip but it’s
certainly not a highway.
In my early morning drive from our cabin on Moosehead to Kokadjo, I saw
3 moose, a wild turkey, chipmunks, and a variety of birds.
So if
wildlife is your primary reason, you will see plenty around Moosehead
Lake. Be aware that the Moose come out of the woods in early June,
driven out by black flies and mosquitoes. The black flies and
mosquitoes don’t know the difference between a moose and you so be
prepared if you journey there in early June.
There are a few good hikes in the area such as the
one up Mount Kineo. It’s only about 2.2 miles up to the top of the
summit and you can enjoy a great view of Moosehead Lake. Mount Kineo
has a sheer face that plunges around 800 feet to the lake. The best way
to get there is to take the shuttle from Rockwood. Moxie Falls is
another hike that is fairly easy and what a view. It’s well worth the 1
mile trip to the falls.
There are all types of inns, hotels, cabins and bed & breakfast places
around Moosehead Lake. I had a terrible experience with an old cabin in
the area so go prepared. My advice is to find a newer cabin or rental
not something old and broken down.
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