The Scenic Beautiful Places of Maine: Ultimate Guide to the Moosehead Lake Region
- Gerry Caron
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
The Scenic Beautiful Places of Maine
Your Ultimate Guide to the Moosehead Lake Region
When visiting Moosehead Lake—one of the most scenic and beautiful places in Maine—you’ll discover much more than the lake itself. Surrounding towns and communities each offer their own charm, outdoor adventures, and cultural gems. From Jackman’s wild backcountry to Monson’s artistic flair, this region is packed with opportunities to hike, paddle, ride, fish, and explore.
This ultimate guide will help you experience the best towns around Moosehead Lake and plan an unforgettable Maine adventure. and visit the scenic beautiful places of Maine.
🌲 Why Discover These Areas Beyond Moosehead Lake?
The Moosehead Lake Region is Maine’s crown jewel for wilderness, wildlife, and year-round recreation. But step beyond Greenville and the lake’s shoreline, and you’ll find unique towns with their own must-visit experiences:
Jackman – the wilderness gateway
Rockwood – home to Mount Kineo
Monson – an arts and Appalachian Trail hub
Kokadjo – moose country & fishing paradise
Shirley – peaceful outdoor retreat
🦌 Jackman, Maine – The Gateway to Wilderness
Nestled near the Canadian border, Jackman is the ultimate place to unplug and reconnect with nature. Known for its abundant wildlife and pristine landscapes, this town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Top Things to Do in Jackman:
Pristine Wilderness Escapes – Camp, hike, and breathe in the untouched beauty of Maine’s north woods.
Wildlife Watching – Spot moose, deer, loons, and eagles in their natural habitat.
Hiking Trails – Trek the Attean View Trail for panoramic vistas, or stroll the peaceful Big Wood Pond Trail.
ATV Adventures – Ride the Bald Mountain ATV Trail or the Boundary Bald Mountain Loop for rugged fun and sweeping views.
Canoeing & Kayaking – Paddle the scenic Moose River Bow Trip, a famous loop route for paddlers.
Fishing & Boating – Cast a line for trout or salmon in Big Wood Lake and Long Pond.
👉 Plan your trip: Visit Jackman, Maine
🏔 Rockwood, Maine – Home of Mount Kineo
Located on the western shore of Moosehead Lake, Rockwood is best known for the legendary Mount Kineo, a dramatic cliff-faced mountain rising 800 feet above the water.
Why Visit Rockwood:
Mount Kineo State Park – Hike the Indian Trail or Bridle Trail for jaw-dropping views of Moosehead Lake.
Water Adventures – Swim, boat, or fish in the pristine waters surrounding Kineo.
Snowmobiling Paradise – With direct access to the ITS 66 Trail System, Rockwood is a hub for winter riders.
ATV Trails – Explore scenic backcountry routes connecting to the wider Moosehead trail network.
Whitewater Rafting – Day trips on the Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers are just a short drive away.
👉 Stay nearby at Moose River Lookout – cozy lakeside lodging with direct access to trails.
🎨 Monson, Maine – Art, History & Appalachian Trail Magic
A short drive south of Moosehead, Monson is a cultural hub with deep roots in art, history, and hiking. The town is the last stop for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers before they tackle the 100-Mile Wilderness.
Things to Explore in Monson:
Arts & Culture – Visit local galleries and the Monson Arts Residency, which draws creators from around the world.
Historic Charm – Explore the town’s old slate quarries and historic sites.
Hiking Trails – Don’t miss Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary for sweeping views and wildlife-rich trails.
ATV Trails – Ride the Monson–Sebec Connector Trail for scenic views and diverse terrain.
Canoeing & Kayaking – Paddle Lake Hebron or the Piscataquis River for a peaceful experience.
👉 Learn more: Discover Monson
🐟 Kokadjo, Maine – Where the Moose Outnumber the People
Just north of Greenville, Kokadjo is a tiny settlement famous for its sign: “Population: Not Many.” What Kokadjo lacks in population, it makes up for in wilderness.
Why Kokadjo is Special:
Moose Sightings – This is one of the best places in Maine to spot moose in the wild.
Fly Fishing Heaven – Cast your line in the Roach River, known for native brook trout and landlocked salmon.
Hiking – Challenge yourself on Little Moose Mountain Trail, or enjoy the gentler Roach River Trail.
ATV Adventures – Tackle the Kokadjo–B Pond Loop for rugged riding and scenic beauty.
Paddling – Canoe or kayak the Roach River and surrounding ponds for a quiet escape.
👉 Outfitters & supplies available at Kokadjo Trading Post
🌿 Shirley, Maine – Peace, Quiet & Outdoor Adventure
Just minutes from Greenville, Shirley offers tranquility with easy access to Moosehead’s best adventures.
Highlights of Shirley:
Hiking Trails – Stroll the Indian Pond Trail or Little Moose Pond Trail for peaceful walks.
ATV Routes – Ride the Shirley–Pleasant Pond Trail, offering scenic loops for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Canoeing & Kayaking – Paddle through Shirley Bog or quiet forest streams.
Relaxation – This is the perfect spot to unwind away from crowds while still close to the action.
👉 Visitor info: Visit Piscataquis County
🚤 Endless Outdoor Adventures Around Moosehead Lake
Beyond the towns, the Moosehead Lake Region is a playground for year-round adventure:
Hiking & Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit – Conquer multiple peaks with breathtaking views.
Ice Fishing – Drop a line for trophy-sized lake trout and salmon.
Snowmobiling – Explore hundreds of miles of trails, including direct ITS connections.
ATV Riding – Discover extensive networks from scenic to rugged.
Boating & Fishing – Cruise Moosehead’s vast waters or fish for smallmouth bass, salmon, and brook trout.
Whitewater Rafting – Thrilling trips on the Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers.
Biking – Forest roads and backcountry paths await riders.
Wildlife Watching – Spot moose, deer, loons, and bald eagles in the wild.
📌 Quick Contact & Links Directory
Make trip planning easier with these direct resources for each Moosehead Lake community:
Jackman, Maine
Jackman-Moose River Region Chamber of Commerce
📍 417 Main Street, Jackman, ME 04945
☎️ (207) 668-4171
Rockwood, Maine
Mount Kineo State Park & Ferry Service
📍 Rockwood Public Landing, Rockwood, ME 04478
☎️ (207) 695-2702 (Moosehead Marine Museum for ferry info)
Moose River Lookout Lodging
Monson, Maine
Monson Arts & Visitor Information
📍 8 Greenville Road, Monson, ME 04464
☎️ (207) 997-2070
Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary
📍 Elliotsville Rd, Monson, ME 04464
☎️ (207) 781-2330
Kokadjo, Maine
Kokadjo Trading Post (General store, fuel, outfitting)
📍 18 Kokadjo Road, Kokadjo, ME 04441
☎️ (207) 695-2258
🌐 facebook.com/kokadjotradingpost
Shirley, Maine
Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce (Covers Shirley & Moosehead region)
📍 1033 South Street, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
☎️ (207) 564-7533
Moosehead Lake Region (General Info)
Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce
📍 480 Pritham Ave, Greenville, ME 04441
☎️ (207) 695-2702
🛶 Plan Your Visit & Stay
Make Moose River Lookout your home base for exploring the Moosehead Lake Region. With cozy accommodations, lakeside views, and direct access to Maine’s ITS66 Trail System, it’s the perfect launchpad for year-round adventure.
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’re hiking, paddling, riding, or simply relaxing in Maine’s wild beauty, Moosehead Lake and its surrounding towns will leave you with memories for a lifetime.
