The Moosehead Lake region is an outdoor lover’s paradise, filled with scenic hiking trails, glossy waterways, scenic roadways, and plenty of delicious local dining. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure, the Maine Highlands has something for everyone. With a variety of accommodations, activities, and natural beauty—Moosehead Lake is the perfect Maine vacation destination.

In this blog post, I share everything you need to know about vacationing in the Moosehead Lake region—travel tips, what to pack, where to stay, must-do activities, where to eat and drink, insider tips, and more!

History of Moosehead Lake

Moosehead Lake— the largest lake in Maine— plays an important part in the state of Maine’s history. Mount Kineo, a tall cliff located in the center of the lake, was once used by Indigenous peoples for making tools and trading and later became a popular spot for tourists in the 1800s. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Moosehead Lake Region was a center for logging, with huge amounts of spruce and pine sent down the river for shipbuilding and paper mills. As logging declined, the focus shifted to recreation, and the lake became well-known for fishing, boating, canoeing, camping, and spotting wildlife.

Travel tips for visiting Moosehead Lake

Best time to visit

During the Summer months (June-September) so you can swim, boat, hike, and fish. September to avoid crowds. Peak foliage happens in late September/early October.

Getting around

There is no public transport to, from, or in Greenville—so vacationers will need a car to get around.

What to pack

All the essentials for the beach, golfing, boating, hiking, etc. If you do forget something, you can swing by Indian Hill Trading Post.

Getting to Moosehead Lake

From I-95

Take Exit 157 (Newport/Greenville). Head west on Route 7 toward Dexter. Continue following Route 7 through Dexter and Dover-Foxcroft. In Dover-Foxcroft, turn left onto Route 15 North, following signs toward Greenville. Stay on Route 15 as it winds through Monson and continues north. Follow Route 15 all the way into Greenville, where it becomes Pritham Avenue. Continue straight and you’ll arrive in downtown Greenville, near the southern tip of Moosehead Lake.

Where to stay near Moosehead Lake

Inns + B&Bs

Moose Mountain Inn

The Moose Mountain Inn is a small, locally owned Inn near Moosehead Lake that offers rustic private rooms with swimming pool access and close proximity to ATV trails, hiking trails, and several stay and play vacation packages.

Blair Hill Inn

Originally built in 1891, this ten-room luxury inn overlooks Moosehead Lake and provides guests with amazing views, a farm-to-table restaurant, a spa, and private hiking trails.

The Lodge at Moosehead Lake

Built in 1917, this nine-room lodge offers rooms and suites with stunning views of Moosehead Lake. Amenities include breakfast, an on-site restaurant, a lounge with a bar, outdoor fire pits, and more.

Resorts

The Birches Resort

Originally a hunting and fishing lodge, the Birches Resort offers year-round cabins and lodge rooms that overlook Moosehead Lake. Resort amenities include a fitness center, on-site restaurant, and boat rentals.

Campgrounds

Lily Bay State Park

Located on the eastern shore of Moosehead Lake, Lily Bay State Park offers a quiet setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Campers can enjoy hiking, fishing, paddling, and boating—making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation.

Short Term Rentals

Moosehead Hills Cabins

Rustic cabin rentals surrounded by 50 acres of wildlife.

North Woods Maine Cabins

Vacation home rentals located on or near Moosehead Lake.

Things to do near Moosehead Lake

The mountains and waterways surrounding Moosehead Lake create the perfect environment for outdoor recreation and wildlife sighting.

Moosehead Lake Boat Cruises

Learn all about the history of the Moosehead Lake region on a historic “Katahdin” steamboat cruise that conveniently departs right from downtown Greenville.

Moose Cruise

The Birches Resort offers Moose Cruises on Moosehead Lake that provides cruisers with a unique perspective of the lake and opportunities to spot Moose.

Swimming

Visitors can swim at the day use area in Lily Bay State Park, the pebble beach on the backside of Mount Kineo, Red Cross Beach in downtown Greenville, and the Greenville Junction Wharf.

Hiking

Mount Kineo (moderate, various trail options)

A moderate, rocky hike that provides stunning 360-degree views of Moosehead Lake from a fire tower.

Big Spencer Mountain (challenging, 4 miles)

A challenging hike that provides amazing views of the Maine highlands.

Big Moose Mountain (moderate, 4.2 miles)

A moderate hike that features an abandoned fire warden cabin, a long stretch of stone stairs, and fantastic views of the Moosehead Lake region.

Number 4 Mountain (challenging, 3.4 miles)

A densely forested hike with fire tower views of Moosehead Lake and surrounding mountains.

B-52 Memorial Site on Elephant Mountain (easy, 1 mile)

A short trek brings hikers to the site where a B-52 bomber crashed during training in 1963.

Mount Kineo Golf Course

Take your own boat or the shuttle to New England’s second oldest golf course—a unique, nine-hole par 36 golf course with a clubhouse, golf cart rentals, club rentals, and plenty of scenic views.

Fishing

Moosehead Lake is a premier year-round fishing destination. The lake is well-known for its brook trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon populations. The surrounding mountains provide a peaceful backdrop for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing on the water.

Paddling and Boating

The deep blue waters of Moosehead Lake are perfect for boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Explore the numerous coves, look for wildlife, or just relax and read a book while taking in the views.

For boat rentals, check out Boom Chain Boat Rentals or Captain Roger’s Pontoon Boat Rentals.

Where to eat and drink near Moosehead Lake

Breakfast

Auntie M’s: known for their fast service and good prices.
Kelly’s Landing: breakfast classics with a waterfront view!

Lunch

Jamieson’s Pizza: a takeout spot with great pizza and amazing sandwiches.
Stress Free Moose Pub & Cafe: pub food and outdoor seating in downtown Greenville.
Breton’s: a gas station with delicious pizza, sandwiches, and fried food.

Dinner

Kelly’s Landing: a waterfront restaurant that offers a full bar and dining room with lake views

Rockwood Bar and Grill: a local eatery with good food and a nice size patio

Dessert

Dairy Bar: serves delicious Maine-made Gifford’s ice cream
Cafe Crepe: a food truck serving yummy crepes and drinks

Insider tips for visiting Moosehead Lake

The best time to visit: June through August, when the weather is perfect for hiking and swimming
Want a quieter visit? Plan a trip to Greenville in early June, late August, or anytime in September.
There is unreliable cell phone service in Greenville, so be prepared to go without, invest in a portable power station, or bring a satellite communication device with you
First time camping? Click here to access a free tent camping packing list

Leave no trace

When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. Think of it like being a good guest—keep things clean, respect the wildlife, take only memories and leave behind only footprints. 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 Maine we love.

Interested in more Maine itineraries and travel recommendations? You can find them all here.

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With love,

My Maine

A Vacation Guide to Exploring Historic Moosehead Lake in Greenville Maine