Hiking Big Moose Mountain in Moosehead Lake Region: What to Pack, Trail Descriptions, and Best Nearby Eats
Name: Big Moose Mountain (previously Squaw Mountain)
Location: Little Moose Public Reserved Lands
Distance: 4.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,150ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets: Allowed
Big Moose Mountain is a rugged hike that provides rewarding views of the scenic Moosehead Lake region. Historically referred to as Squaw Mountain, this mountain was home to one of the nation’s first fire towers and two fire warden cabins—one of which is still (kind of) standing today.
In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know before hiking Big Moose Mountain—including how to access the trailhead, parking information, trail descriptions, the best time to visit, as well as several insider tips and the best nearby eats.
Preparing to Hike Big Moose Mountain
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe conditions
Research trail information and conditions
Pack all the hiking essentials, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear season-appropriate footwear and clothing
Click here to learn more about what to pack for a Maine hike
Directions and Parking Information for Big Moose Mountain
Directions from downtown Greenville
Take Route 15 into downtown Greenville. Continue on Route 15 by turning left onto Pritham Avenue. Follow Route 15 North for 4.9 miles, then turn left onto North Road. Follow North Road (a dirt road) for 1.4 miles and the Big Moose Mountain trailhead and parking lot will be on your right.
Parking Information
There is a large dirt parking lot located next to the trailhead—so parking shouldn’t be a problem. There is also an outhouse at the South end of the parking lot that was surprisingly clean and well stocked.
History of Squaw Mountain Fire Tower + Big Moose Mountain
Squaw Mountain Fire Tower was the first lookout in Maine and one of the oldest lookout sites in the United States. The original tower was built in 1905 by the M.G. Shaw Lumber Co. and began operation in June of 1905. The first watchman was William Hilton from Greenville, Maine.
In 1963, the Squaw Mountain Ski Area opened, and a few years later, the fire tower was replaced with aircraft patrols. The State of Maine changed the mountain’s name from Squaw Mountain to Big Moose Mountain in 2000. In October of 2012, the tower was relocated to the Natural Resource Education Center in Greenville.
(information source: http://nhlr.org/lookouts/us/me/squaw-mountain-lookout/)
Big Moose Mountain Fire Warden Cabin
In between shifts, the watchmen would cook, sleep, and rest in a cabin located 0.8 miles from the summit. In the 1950s, the trail between the road and cabin was widened to allow for watchmen to access the cabin via jeep. Prior to this, the watchmen would carry their supplies up the mountain on foot. In 1959, a fire tower watchman named John Hutchinson died while driving a jeep down the trail—which ultimately led to less frequent use of Jeep’s to transport supplies. Once the fire tower stopped being actively used, the fire warden cabin was too.
Today, the cabin is close to falling in on itself, but visitors can still safely walk around the perimeter and get a sense of what life was like for the watchmen. Just be sure to watch out for broken glass and other debris.
Big Moose Mountain Trail
Big Moose Mountain Trail (4.2 miles, moderate)
Click here to view the trail map for Big Moose Mountain. The first 1.3 miles of trail is forested and provides an increasingly gradual climb, followed by 0.8 miles of steep, rocky trail, including several sets of man-made rock stairs.
The Summit of Big Moose Mountain
The summit of Big Moose Mountain is on a ridge that overlooks the Moosehead Lake Region—including the Bigelow Mountain Range, Big and Little Spencer, and various smaller mountains and valleys. The concrete footers for the fire tower are still present on the mountain and if you continue hiking a little further, you will come across a helipad that provides more amazing views.
Insider Tips for Hiking Big Moose Mountain
Best nearby eats: Jamieson’s Pizza (known for their dagwoods) and Kelly’s Landing (best waterfront dining).
Due to the difficult terrain, I would not recommend this hike to families with small children or adults with balance issues.
The best time to hike: June through August for warm temperatures and late September to October for peak foliage.
There is no cell phone service while hiking Big Moose Mountain, therefore it is recommended that you bring some kind of satellite communication device, in case of an emergency. I personally love my mini Garmin InReach.
Leave no Trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more Maine hiking information and tips? You can find them all here.
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With love,
My Maine
