🌲 Mount Kineo State Park: A Timeless Gem on Moosehead Lake
- Gerry Caron
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
🏞️ Mount Kineo State Park: A Timeless Gem on Moosehead Lake
Towering 1,789 feet above Moosehead Lake, Mount Kineo is one of Maine’s most iconic natural landmarks. Its sheer 700-foot cliff face is not just visually stunning—it also provides rare nesting habitat for peregrine falcons and supports unique alpine flora. The mountain, a peninsula jutting into Maine’s largest lake, is only accessible by boat or ferry, adding to its adventurous allure.
Whether you’re coming for the hiking trails, rich history, panoramic views, or peaceful nature retreat—Mount Kineo State Park offers a remarkable outdoor experience for all.
Location:
Moosehead Lake Road, Greenville, ME 04441
Region:
The Maine Highlands – Bangor, Katahdin & Moosehead Lake
Website:
Contact:
Bureau of Parks and Lands – (207) 287-3821
Ferry Access:
Public boat launch in Rockwood with seasonal shuttle service
⛴️ Getting There is Half the Adventure
To reach Mount Kineo, visitors must board a seasonal shuttle or private boat from Rockwood Public Access. The crossing can be thrilling, especially on choppy days—Moosehead Lake spans 118 square miles, creating open waters often marked by whitecaps and winds.
🪨 A Glimpse into the Past: The Grand Mount Kineo Hotel
Mount Kineo’s history is as captivating as its terrain. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the base of the mountain was home to the elegant Mount Kineo Hotel, which could host up to 1,000 guests. Catering to “rusticators” from New York and Boston, it was a luxury escape for city dwellers arriving by train.
The hotel remained a symbol of New England’s grand resort era until it closed in the 1970s and was eventually torn down. Today, its legacy lives on through local stories, historical markers, and the region’s commitment to preserving its significance.
🛡️ Preserving a Landmark for Generations
In 1990, the Land for Maine’s Future Program purchased a significant portion of Mount Kineo. The Bureau of Parks and Lands now manages it as part of the Moosehead Lake Reserve, ensuring the park remains protected and accessible for public use and enjoyment.
Things to Do at Mount Kineo State Park
Mount Kineo offers a rich variety of activities for all types of adventurers:
Hiking Trails – Choose from four well-maintained trails including the Bridle Trail and Indian Head Trail, offering everything from a gentle incline to more challenging terrain, with panoramic views at the summit.
Viewing Tower – Climb the fire tower at the top of Mount Kineo for breathtaking 360-degree views of Moosehead Lake and the North Woods.
Boating Access – Reach the park by boat from Rockwood, where a seasonal Kineo Shuttle offers easy access. Paddle or motor in — the journey across Moosehead Lake is half the adventure.
Pebble Beach – Relax at this scenic and serene shoreline located at the base of Mount Kineo. It’s a favorite for sunbathing, skipping stones, or cooling off after a hike. The smooth, rounded pebbles and peaceful setting make it ideal for families and photographers alike.
Primitive Camping – For a back-to-nature experience, pitch a tent at one of the park’s remote sites. Wake up to loons calling across the lake and views of the rising sun against the cliffs.
Fishing & Birdwatching – Cast a line in Maine’s largest lake or scan the skies for peregrine falcons that nest along the cliffs.
Mt. Kineo Golf Course – One of the oldest in New England, this historic 9-hole course is nestled at the foot of the mountain.
🛶 Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring
Lily Bay State Park (10 miles north of Greenville):Offers lakeside campsites, a quiet beach, and a scenic 1-mile trail.
Greenville, ME – The southern gateway to Moosehead Lake:Enjoy local dining, shopping, and Katahdin Cruises, which pass directly under Mount Kineo’s towering cliffs.
📍 Plan Your Visit
Access Point:
Rockwood Public Boat Launch
Shuttle:
Operates seasonally (June–Oct)
Activities:
Hiking, swimming, birdwatching, primitive camping, golf, and history exploration
For Trail Maps & Regulations:
✨ Why You Should Go
Mount Kineo isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience steeped in Maine’s outdoor culture. Hike the cliffs once scouted by Thoreau, cruise the same waters once used by rusticators, and explore a landscape that seamlessly blends history, geology, and adventure. Whether you’re there for a day hike or a weekend escape, Mount Kineo State Park delivers some of Maine’s most memorable moments.
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?
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’re coming for the hiking trails, rich history, panoramic views, or peaceful nature retreat—Mount Kineo State Park offers a remarkable outdoor experience for all.
