Family-Friendly Hiking in Moosehead Lake, Maine | Top Trails for All Ages
- Gerry Caron
- Oct 15
- 5 min read
🌲 Family-Friendly Hiking for All Ages — Moosehead Lake, Maine
Discover Easy, Scenic, and Kid-Friendly Hikes in Maine’s Majestic Highlands
If you’re searching for the perfect outdoor family adventure in Maine, look no further than Moosehead Lake — the state’s largest lake and a true hiker’s paradise. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and sparkling waterways, the Moosehead Lake Region offers a variety of family-friendly hiking trails that invite visitors of all ages to connect with nature.
From short scenic strolls to rewarding mountain climbs, these trails showcase the natural beauty of Maine’s North Woods — without requiring expert-level hiking experience. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, you’ll find the perfect trail to fit your family’s pace and sense of adventure.
🌳 Easy and Flat Trails (Perfect for Families with Young Children)
Lily Bay State Park Trails – Beaver Cove, ME
Distance: Up to 5 miles (various short loops)
Difficulty: Easy
Located just north of Greenville, Lily Bay State Park offers scenic, well-marked trails ideal for young explorers. Enjoy peaceful lakeside strolls, abundant wildlife viewing, and picnic spots with views of Moosehead Lake. Keep your eyes peeled for loons, ducks, and the occasional moose!
📍 Address: 425 Lily Bay Road, Beaver Cove, ME
🌐 Website: www.maine.gov/lilybay
B-52 Memorial Trail – Elephant Mountain Road, Greenville
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy
A short, meaningful hike that combines history and nature, this trail leads to the 1963 B-52 crash site on Elephant Mountain. The forested path is gentle and accessible, with interpretive signs that share the story of the crash and rescue efforts — a great educational experience for kids.
Big Moose Pond Trail – Greenville, ME
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
This peaceful trail meanders through the woods to Big Moose Pond, offering serene views and plenty of opportunities for birdwatching or a family picnic. It’s an excellent spot for an afternoon outing and nature photography.
Moxie Falls Trail – Moxie Gore, ME
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
A must-see for any family visiting Maine! Moxie Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in New England, and the short hike to reach it is perfect for all ages. The well-maintained path leads to dramatic viewpoints overlooking the 90-foot waterfall — a guaranteed kid-pleaser.
🌐 Website: www.maine.gov/moxiefalls
Little Wilson Falls Trail (First Portion) – Katahdin Iron Works Road
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip (to lower falls)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
For families wanting a taste of Maine’s wilderness, the first segment of the Little Wilson Falls Trail is ideal. It’s an easy trek to the lower falls, with stunning forest views and safe areas for kids to explore.
🏞️ Moderate Trails for Older Kids
Little Kineo Mountain Trail – Kineo Peninsula, Rockwood
Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
If your family enjoys a light challenge, Little Kineo Mountain offers a short yet rewarding climb. The summit provides sweeping views of Moosehead Lake and the surrounding wilderness — a perfect introduction to Maine’s mountain hiking scene.
Burnt Jacket Mountain Trail – Greenville, ME
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
This local favorite provides a gentle ascent with beautiful lake and forest views from the top. The Burnt Jacket Mountain Trail is perfect for families seeking a shorter adventure that still offers a sense of accomplishment.
⛰️ For Experienced Families
Mount Kineo Trail – Rockwood, ME
Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to ChallengingAccessible by ferry from Rockwood, Mount Kineo is one of Maine’s most iconic family hikes. The summit fire tower offers 360° panoramic views of Moosehead Lake and beyond. It’s a bit more challenging than other family trails, but the payoff is unbeatable.
🛥️ Mount Kineo Shuttle: Operates seasonally from Rockwood Town Landing
🌐 Schedule: www.mooseheadlake.org/kineo-shuttle
Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary – Elliotsville Plantation
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
A beloved hike for families with older kids, Borestone Mountain features well-maintained trails and interpretive signs that make it both educational and fun. The twin summits offer breathtaking views of the 100-Mile Wilderness, Moosehead Lake, and distant peaks.
🌿 Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Rum Pond & Blue Ridge Trails – Katahdin Iron Works Road
Perfect for families seeking solitude, these less-traveled trails lead through lush forest to scenic viewpoints overlooking Rum Pond and Blue Ridge. These trails are ideal for families with adventurous teens who enjoy exploring Maine’s wild side.
Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Family Trails – Katahdin Iron Works Region
The AMC Maine Woods Initiative maintains several accessible and family-oriented hiking routes, including Indian Mountain and Shaw Mountain. These trails blend adventure with environmental education, ideal for curious young hikers.
🌐 Website: www.outdoors.org/destinations/maine
🧭 Hiking Tips for Families Visiting Moosehead Lake
Start Early: Morning hikes offer cooler temps and a better chance of spotting wildlife.
Pack Smart: Bring snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, and extra layers — Maine’s weather can change quickly.
Teach “Leave No Trace”: Help kids learn to protect the outdoors by carrying out everything they bring in.
Stay Safe: Keep a trail map, plenty of water, and let someone know your hiking plan.
📞 Contact Information
Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce
📍 480 Moosehead Lake Road, Greenville, ME 04441
📞 (207) 695-2702
🌅 Experience Maine’s Great Outdoors — Together
From gentle lakeside strolls to exciting summit climbs, the Moosehead Lake Region offers unforgettable hiking adventures for families of all ages. Explore Maine’s wild beauty, breathe in the mountain air, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
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
Discover Easy, Scenic, and Kid-Friendly Hikes in Maine’s Majestic Highlands!!
