24 Epic Day Hikes in the Moosehead Lake Region — Your Ultimate Maine Hiking Guide
- Gerry Caron
- Oct 14
- 6 min read
🥾 Your Ultimate Maine Hiking Guide to Moosehead Lake — Top 24 Day-Pack Trails
Tucked in the rugged wilds of central Maine, the Moosehead Lake Region is a hiker’s dream — where deep forests, shimmering waters, mountain ridges, and hidden waterfalls converge into a paradise of natural escape. Whether you’re chasing summit views, quiet ponds, or dramatic gorges, this “Top 24 Day Pack Hiking List” offers routes for every level — from easy strolls to strenuous summits. Let your Ultimate Maine Hiking Guide help you plan your next outdoor adventure in Moosehead’s pristine landscape.
🌲 Featured Trails & Highlights
Below is a curated selection of some of the most spectacular day hikes in the region. (Note: Moosehead has many more trails — check local maps, the Destination Moosehead Lake site, or AllTrails / Maine Trail Finder for full listings.)
Trail | Approx. Round-Trip | Difficulty | Elevation Gain | Trailhead / Access | Highlights |
Mount Kineo | ~3.4 mi | Moderate | ~800 ft | Rockwood (access by boat) | Fire tower views, rhyolite cliffs, 360° panoramas over Moosehead Lake |
Little Moose Mountain | ~9 mi | Moderate to Difficult | ~2,500 ft | Little Moose Public Reserved Land | Remote ponds, sweeping ridge vistas, deep forest solitude |
Gulf Hagas (Rim Trail / Gorge Loop) | ~8.2 mi | Moderate | ~500 ft | Katahdin Iron Works Road | Waterfalls, deep gorge, “Grand Canyon of the East” scenery |
Big Moose Mountain | ~4.2 mi | Advanced / Moderate | — | Little Moose / Moosehead Junction | Old fire tower route, views over lake and woods |
Number Four Mountain | ~3.8 mi | Moderate | ~1,200 ft | Kokadjo | Quiet forest trail, views toward Baker and Lily Bay ranges |
Squaw Mountain (aka Big Squaw / Big Moose region) | ~4.5 mi | Moderate–Difficult | ~1,700 ft | Moose Mountain Road, Greenville | Ridge climbs, dramatic vistas |
Little Spencer Mountain | ~2.8 mi | Difficult | ~1,800 ft | Spencer Bay Road, Kokadjo | Scramble sections, remote terrain, summit panoramas |
Moxie Falls | ~2 mi | Easy to Moderate | Minimal | Moxie Gore | One of Maine’s tallest waterfalls (~90 ft), forested path, great for photography |
Borestone Mountain | ~3.5 mi | Moderate | ~1,600 ft | Elliotsville Plantation / regional access | Sweeping summit views, wildlife, peaceful trails |
Big Spencer Mountain | ~5.6 mi | Moderate to Difficult | ~2,290 ft | Spencer Bay Road | Expansive views, rugged terrain |
B-52 Memorial Site | ~1 mi | Easy | Minimal | Elephant Mountain Road, Greenville | Historical crash site, interpretive signs, short walk |
Indian Mountain | ~4.6 mi | Moderate | ~1,400 ft | Katahdin Iron Works Road | Scenic forest trail, ridge views, lower traffic route |
Crows Nest Trail | ~5 mi | Moderate | ~1,500 ft | Moosehead Junction Trails | Overlooks of Moosehead Lake, forest climbs |
Greenville Steam Road | ~6 mi | Moderate | ~1,200 ft | Greenville area | Gentle forest roads, historic logging route |
Free Time Trail | ~4 mi | Easy to Moderate | ~800 ft | Moosehead Junction Trails | Flowing paths, scenic lake views, wildlife spotting |
Crosstie Trail | ~3 mi | Moderate | ~900 ft | Moosehead Junction Trails | Peaceful forest hike, connecting routes |
Blue Ridge Trail | ~6.5 mi | Moderate to Difficult | ~2,100 ft | Blue Ridge / Rum Pond area | Ridge vistas, varied terrain |
Chairback Mountain | ~7 mi | Moderate to Difficult | ~2,100 ft | Katahdin Iron Works Rd | Part of AT, ridgewalks, summit views |
Lily Bay State Park Trails | Up to ~5 mi | Easy to Moderate | Varies | Lily Bay Road, Beaver Cove | Lakeside forest walks, kid-friendly options |
Little Wilson Falls | ~3.4 mi | Moderate | ~600 ft | Katahdin Iron Works Road | Waterfall hike, scenic forest setting |
Eagle Rock | ~4.2 mi | Moderate | ~1,200 ft | Eagle Rock Road, Big Moose Twp | Ridge overlooks, panoramic views |
Little Kineo Mountain | ~3.2 mi | Moderate | ~1,000 ft | Kineo Peninsula | Secluded summit, forested views |
Barren Mountain | ~8.6 mi | Moderate to Difficult | ~2,800 ft | AT / Monson access | AT link, broad summit perspectives |
Whitecap Mountain | ~5.8 mi | Moderate to Difficult | ~2,200 ft | East Branch Road, Big Moose Twp | Wild ridge lines, remote hiking experience |
Note: Some trails overlap or connect to broader networks or the 100-Mile Wilderness / Appalachian Trail sections that pass through Moosehead.
🌟 New & Noteworthy Trail Updates
Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit (MPP): A local summit challenge covering six key peaks — Mount Kineo, Eagle Rock, Number Four, Big Moose, White Cap, and Borestone. Hikers earn prestige and “badge status” for completing all six.
Lily Bay Shoreline Trails: In Lily Bay State Park, there’s a ~2 mi lakeside trail that’s ideal for easy walks, photography, and family outings.
AMC Backcountry Trails (Little Lyford & above): The Little Lyford Lodge system connects with trails in the Moosehead / 100-Mile Wilderness corridor, offering overnight and through-hike options.
🧭 Why Hike Moosehead Lake Trails?
Diverse landscapes — glaciers carved lakes, cliffs, ridgelines, shaded forests, and remote ponds all in a compact region
Accessibility + solitude — trails range from family friendly to wilderness challenge
Wildlife encounters — moose, loons, eagles, deer are common
Historic elements — fire towers, old ranger cabins, interpretive sites (e.g. B-52 Memorial)
Scenic links & continuity — connection to Appalachian Trail, 100-Mile Wilderness, the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit
🛠️ Planning Tips & Trail Safety
Always check trail conditions and seasonal access. Some roads or bridges may seasonally close.
Bring maps / GPS (Maine Trail Finder, AllTrails) and be ready for rougher terrain.
Practice Leave No Trace — pack out what you bring in, stay on marked trails, respect wildlife.
Carry water, snacks, layering layers — weather in ridgelines can change rapidly.
Let someone know your route & expected return time.
🌐 Local Resources & Contact
Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce
📍 480 Moosehead Lake Rd, PO Box 581, Greenville, ME 04441
📞 (207) 695-2702
Destination Moosehead Lake Online guide for hiking, trail details, lodging, and trip planning
🏁 Closing Thoughts
If you only visit one hiking region in Maine, make it Moosehead Lake. With its dazzling mix of lakes, ridges, waterfalls, and intimate forest trails, the Moosehead area invites you to wander, explore, and discover your personal slice of wilderness.
What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions
Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.
Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:
🛶 Boating & paddling routes
🎣 Fishing hotspots
🏕️ Wilderness camping sites
🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks
🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure
Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:
Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports
Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
Whether you crave a sunrise summit or a quiet pondside walk, this Top 24 Day Pack Hiking List is your ticket to the layered beauty of the Pine Tree State. Lace up, step out, and let Moosehead show you Maine at its wildest.
