Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway: A Journey Through Maine’s Pristine Wilderness
Region: Kennebec and Moose River Valley, The Maine Highlands
Length: 59 miles
Travel Time: 1.5 - 2 hours (without stops)
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway, a 59-mile route that takes you through some of Maine’s most picturesque landscapes. From the small town of Greenville to the wilderness community of Jackman, this drive showcases the beauty and serenity of the Maine Highlands, offering travelers endless opportunities to explore the outdoors, connect with nature, and take in the breathtaking views of Moosehead Lake.
Whether you're an adventure seeker or just looking for a peaceful retreat, the Moosehead Lake Scenic Route has something for everyone—from stunning vistas and outdoor activities to cozy inns and local dining experiences. Here’s everything you need to know about this hidden gem in Maine’s wilderness.
Highlights Along the Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway
The largest mountain lake in the eastern United States, Moosehead Lake is the crown jewel of this scenic drive. Along the route, you’ll have numerous opportunities to stop and enjoy the lake’s beauty. Whether you’re interested in boating, kayaking, or simply taking in the stunning water views, Moosehead Lake won’t disappoint. For the best views, make a stop at Lily Bay State Park, where you can picnic, hike, and enjoy the serenity of this vast body of water.
Activities: Boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking
Notable Spots: Lily Bay State Park, Beaver Cove
Located in Greenville at the beginning of the byway, Katahdin Cruises offers a unique way to experience the lake. Step aboard the historic steamship Katahdin for a scenic cruise and learn about the history of Moosehead Lake at the Moosehead Marine Museum.
Activities: Scenic boat tours, museum tours
Address: 12 Lily Bay Rd, Greenville, ME 04441
Visible from many points along the byway, Big Moose Mountain is a popular destination for both hiking and skiing. In the warmer months, hikers can tackle the trails to reach the summit for panoramic views of Moosehead Lake. In the winter, the mountain transforms into a skiing haven, attracting locals and visitors alike to its well-groomed slopes.
Activities: Hiking, skiing, snowshoeing
Notable Spots: Big Squaw Mountain Resort, Ski Area
As you head toward Jackman, you’ll pass through the Moose River Valley, where the road hugs the river and offers frequent pull-offs for photo opportunities. This region is home to abundant wildlife, including moose, so keep your eyes peeled! The valley is a great place for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife watching.
Activities: Canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing
Notable Spots: Rockwood, Brassua Lake, Moose River
5. Moxie Falls
Located just off Route 201, which connects to the byway near The Forks, Moxie Falls is one of Maine’s tallest waterfalls, plunging over 90 feet into a gorge below. A short and easy hike leads to the falls, making it an excellent side trip for families or those looking for a brief escape into nature.
Activities: Hiking, waterfall viewing
Trail Length: 0.6 miles one-way
Notable Spots: Moxie Falls Scenic Area
Outdoor Adventures Along the Byway
Hiking and Trail Exploration
The Moosehead Lake region is a hiker's paradise, offering trails for all skill levels. In addition to Big Moose Mountain, you can explore trails in Little Moose Public Reserve Land, and Number 4 Mountain. Each offers a mix of easy to challenging hikes, with rewarding views of Moosehead Lake, forests, and the surrounding mountains.
Trails: Little Moose Mountain Trail, Number 4 Mountain Trail, Indian Mountain Trail
Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, photography
Snowmobiling
In the winter months, the byway transforms into a haven for snowmobiling. With direct access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS), snowmobile enthusiasts can experience the thrill of riding through the snow-covered wilderness. Popular snowmobiling routes in the area include ITS 88 and ITS 89, both offering connections to hundreds of miles of trails throughout the state.
Popular Trails: ITS 88, ITS 89
Notable Spots: Rockwood, Jackman, Greenville
Wildlife Watching
This route is known for its abundant wildlife, especially moose. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to spot these majestic creatures along the road or near wetlands. Other wildlife you might encounter include bald eagles, deer, and beavers.
Scenic Stops and Picnic Areas
Just off the byway near The Forks, the Robbins Hill Scenic Overlook offers one of the best panoramic views in the region. It’s an ideal place to stop for a picnic or a photo opportunity, with sweeping views of the Kennebec Valley and the distant peaks of the Appalachian Mountains.
Activities: Scenic viewing, picnicking, photography
2. Rockwood
A small village near Moosehead Lake, Rockwood is a great place to stop for gas, a meal, or some local shopping. From Rockwood, you can also take a ferry to Mount Kineo, where more hiking trails and spectacular views of the lake await.
Activities: Ferry rides, shopping, hiking
Notable Spots: Mount Kineo State Park, Rockwood Ferry
Side Trips Off the Scenic Byway
At the end of your scenic drive, you’ll arrive in Jackman, a small town known for its outdoor recreational activities. In addition to being a gateway for snowmobilers and hunters, Jackman is home to Attean Lake, where visitors can enjoy boating and fishing, or take a break at one of the local eateries for a well-deserved meal.
Activities: Boating, fishing, snowmobiling, dining
Notable Spots: Attean Lake, Boundary Mountains
Starting your journey in Greenville, you’ll be welcomed by the Moosehead Lake region’s largest town. Greenville serves as the base for exploring the lake, with its cozy inns, restaurants, and various outfitters offering gear rentals for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Activities: Dining, shopping, outdoor recreation
Notable Spots: Moosehead Marine Museum, Downtown Greenville
Final Thoughts
The Moosehead Lake Scenic Route is a quintessential Maine experience that promises unforgettable sights and adventures. Whether you’re hiking through dense forests, spotting wildlife by the lake, or simply enjoying a peaceful drive through the wilderness, this route has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover the magic of Maine’s Moosehead Lake region!
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.
Boating: Explore the lake's serene waters.
Hiking: Explore the the wilderness.
Fishing: Discover prime fishing spots.
Camping: Find the best campsites for a wilderness retreat.
Local Attractions: 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!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
For more information on this scenic route, foliage reports, and local events, visit VisitMaine.com.