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🥾 Explore 22 Best Day Hikes in Maine’s Moosehead Lake Region: Your Ultimate Trail Guide

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • Apr 13
  • 6 min read

Updated: Apr 14


An aerial view of Mt Kineo State Park

Explore 22 Best Day Hikes in Maine’s Moosehead Lake Region: Your Ultimate Trail Guide

Nestled in the heart of Maine, the Moosehead Lake Region is a hiker's paradise, offering a diverse range of trails that cater to all skill levels. From serene lakeside walks to challenging mountain ascents, this region is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of Maine. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best day hikes in Maine’s Moosehead Lake Region, including detailed trail information, highlights, and essential contact details to help you plan your adventure.


🥾 Top 22 Day Hikes in the Moosehead Lake Region

Each trail listed below includes essential stats, highlights, and direct links for planning your trip.


1. Mount Kineo

  • Distance: 3.4 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Elevation Gain: 800 feet

  • Trailhead: Rockwood (access via boat)

  • Highlights: Panoramic views, historic fire tower, rhyolite cliffs, abundant wildlife

  • More Info: Mount Kineo – Maine Trail Finder


2. Little Moose Mountain

  • Distance: 9 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet

  • Trailhead: Greenville (Little Moose Public Reserved Land)

  • Highlights: Scenic vistas, remote ponds, wildlife

  • More Info: Little Moose Mountain – AllTrails


3. Gulf Hagas

  • Distance: 8.2 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Elevation Gain: 500 feet

  • Trailhead: Katahdin Iron Works Road, Brownville

  • Highlights: Waterfalls, gorges, rugged terrain

  • More Info: Gulf Hagas – Maine Trail Finder


4. Big Moose Mountain

  • Distance: 5.3 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Elevation Gain: 1,900 feet

  • Trailhead: Big Moose Mountain Trailhead, Greenville

  • Highlights: Fire tower, Moosehead views, history

  • More Info: Big Moose Mountain – AllTrails


5. Number Four Mountain

  • Distance: 3.8 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

  • Trailhead: Kokadjo

  • Highlights: Views, quiet forest trails, birdwatching

  • More Info: Number Four Mountain – AllTrails


6. Little Spencer Mountain


7. Moxie Falls

  • Distance: 2 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

  • Elevation Gain: Minimal

  • Trailhead: Moxie Gore

  • Highlights: One of Maine's tallest waterfalls

  • More Info: Moxie Falls – Maine Trail Finder


8. Borestone Mountain

  • Distance: 3.5 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet

  • Trailhead: Elliotsville Plantation

  • Highlights: Summit views, moose, eagles

  • More Info: Borestone Mountain – Maine Audubon


9. Big Spencer Mountain

  • Distance: 5.6 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Elevation Gain: 2,290 feet

  • Trailhead: Spencer Bay Road

  • Highlights: Wilderness views, biodiversity, logging history

  • More Info: Big Spencer Mountain – AllTrails


10. B-52 Memorial Site

  • Distance: 1 mile round trip

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Elevation Gain: Minimal

  • Trailhead: Elephant Mountain Road, Greenville

  • Highlights: 1963 B-52 crash site, interpretive signs

  • More Info: B-52 Memorial Site – AllTrails


11. Indian Mountain

  • Distance: 4.6 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet

  • Trailhead: Katahdin Iron Works Road

  • Highlights: Forest trails, summit views, moose sightings

  • More Info: Indian Mountain – AllTrails


12. Crows Nest Trail

  • Distance: 5 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet

  • Trailhead: Moosehead Junction Trails

  • Highlights: Moosehead Lake views, birdwatching

  • More Info: Crows Nest Trail – AllTrails


13. Free Time Trail

  • Distance: 4 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

  • Elevation Gain: 800 feet

  • Trailhead: Moosehead Junction Trails

  • Highlights: Wildlife, lake views

  • More Info: Free Time Trail – AllTrails


14. Crosstie Trail

  • Distance: 3 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Elevation Gain: 900 feet

  • Trailhead: Moosehead Junction Trails

  • Highlights: Forest paths, peaceful scenery

  • More Info: Crosstie Trail – AllTrails


15. Blue Ridge Trail

  • Distance: 6.5 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet

  • Trailhead: Blue Ridge-Rum Pond

  • Highlights: Challenging terrain, stunning ridge views

  • More Info: Blue Ridge Trail – AllTrails


16. Chairback Mountain

  • Distance: 7 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet

  • Trailhead: Katahdin Iron Works Road

  • Highlights: Appalachian Trail, summit vistas

  • More Info: Chairback Mountain – AllTrails


17. Lily Bay State Park


18. Little Wilson Falls


19. Eagle Rock

  • Distance: 4.2 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

  • Trailhead: Eagle Rock Road, Big Moose Township

  • Highlights: Panoramic views, birdwatching

  • More Info: Eagle Rock – AllTrails


20. Little Kineo Mountain

  • Distance: 3.2 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

  • Trailhead: Kineo Peninsula

  • Highlights: Secluded trail, rare flora

  • More Info: Little Kineo Mountain – AllTrails


21. Barren Mountain

  • Distance: 8.6 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet

  • Trailhead: Appalachian Trail, Monson

  • Highlights: Summit views, biodiversity

  • More Info: Barren Mountain – AllTrails


22. Whitecap Mountain

  • Distance: 5.8 miles round trip

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet

  • Trailhead: East Branch Road, Big Moose Township

  • Highlights: Panoramic summit, wildlife

  • More Info: Whitecap Mountain – AllTrails


🗺️ Tips for Hiking in the Moosehead Lake Region

  • Plan Ahead: Check weather and trail conditions. Some trails require permits.

  • Stay Safe: Carry a map, water, and let someone know your plans.

  • Leave No Trace: Respect nature and wildlife.

  • Dress for Success: Wear sturdy boots and bring layers.


📍 Contact & Planning Resources

Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce

📍 480 Moosehead Lake Road, Greenville, ME 04441

📞 (207) 695-2702


Explore all 22 trails and experience why the Moosehead Lake Region is one of Maine’s top outdoor destinations. Whether you're chasing waterfalls or bagging summits, these day hikes will leave you inspired by the untamed wilderness of Maine.


What to Do in Moosehead Lake

Want more information? Check out our Moosehead News for the latest updates on seasonal events, local news, and detailed guides to make the most of your visit to the Moosehead Lake region.

  • ATV/Snowmobile:: Explore thousands of miles of pristine wilderness.

  • Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking: Explore the lake's serene waters.

  • Camping/Swimming: Find the best campsites for a wilderness retreat.

  • Fishing/Hunting: Discover prime fishing spots.

  • Hiking/Biking: Explore the wilderness.

  • Skiing/Sledding/Snowboarding/Snowshoeing: Miles of cross-country ski trails for those seeking a quieter adventure. Ski and snowboard rentals, plus lessons for beginners.

  • Local Attractions/Sightseeing: Learn about must-see sights in the region.


  • 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.


Perfect Accommodation for Your Visit

Look no further for the perfect accommodation during your visit to the Monson, Shirley, Greenville, Rockwood, and Jackman areas of Maine. Moose River Lookout offers an idyllic retreat nestled along the serene Moose River at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in Rockwood.


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 our Rockwood Moose River cabin!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River










From serene lakeside walks to challenging mountain ascents, this region is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of Maine.

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