Top Ten Hiking Trails of the Moosehead Region of Maine
10. B-52 Memorial Site on Elephant Mountain: This �½ mile roundtrip trail will bring you to a somber memorial to the crash of a B-52 bomber doing training maneuvers in January of 1963. Only two crew members survived, and they spent a cold night in a blizzard on this remote mountain before being discovered. Each year in January, a group of snowmobiles ride to this site and a memorial service takes place. From Lily Bay Road, turn right onto Prong Pond Road and follow signs for B-52.
9. Little Wilson Falls: Three miles roundtrip with an easy level of difficulty, this trail brings you along part of the Appalachian Trail, up Wilson Stream to the falls. Off Route 15, turn onto Elliotsville Road and turn left before the bridge. Park at the second campsite on the right. Cross Wilson Stream and look thru the woods for an old road. Turn left (uphill) on the road and walk about a mile until you see the Appalachian Trail on your left.
8. Moxie Falls: This is an easy one mile walk to one of Maine’s highest waterfalls. Off Route 15, turn onto Shirley Road and follow this until Moxie Lake is on your left. Turn onto the first road on your left and turn right into the well marked parking area.
7. Chairback Mountain: This moderately difficult trail is steep at first, but levels out towards the summit where you will enjoy spectacular views of the White Cap Range, Baker Mountain, Elephant Mountain and part of Big Spencer Mountain. At the summit there is also a blue blazed side trail to East Chairback Pond, well worth the visit. From Route 15, turn right on Pleasant Street. At 15.7 miles, the trailhead will be on your right.
6. Mount Kineo: There are three separate trails that can be used to reach the summit but the Indian Trail offers spectacular views. It is the shortest trail, but slightly challenging. Some parts of the trail are near the cliff, and this trail is not recommended for those with a fear of heights. At the summit you can climb a fire tower where you will have a 360 degree view of the surrounding area. Mount Kineo can only be reached via a ferry that departs from Rockwood or via Spencer Bay Road off of Lily Bay Road, past Kokadjo.
5. Barren Mountain: This trail brings you along a remote and strenuous part of the Appalachian Trail. At the beginning of the trail you may need to cross the Pleasant River, which may be waist deep. At the summit there is a fire tower and Cloud Pond is a remote mountain pond about 1 �¼ miles further that is well worth visiting. Off Route 15, turn right onto Pleasant Street. At 7.3 miles turn right and at 7.5 miles turn left. Take a right at 11.3 miles. At 13 miles is the brown sign marking the Appalachian Trail, which will bring you to the sound of Long Pond Stream.
4. Gulf Hagas: Known as the Grand Canyon of Maine, this spectacular gorge is almost four miles long with vertical slate walls 300 to 400 feet deep. The west Branch of the Pleasant River drops creating several waterfalls, streams and pools ideal for fly fishing. The Rim Trail is difficult but offers the most magnificent views along the gorge. Off Lily Bay Road in Greenville turn right on Pleasant Street. At 9.6 miles stay to the right and at 11.5, turn right. The parking area is at 15.9 miles.
3. Big Moose Mountain (aka Big Squaw Mountain): This trail offers magnificent views of the Moosehead Region. At the summit you will find remnants of the first fire tower built in the U.S. At the summit there is also another trail that leads to the top of the Squaw Mountain Ski Area. Off Route 15, turn left on the dirt road just past the Moose/Squaw Brook Campground. The trailhead is on your right.
2. Little Spencer Mountain: This trail offers a more challenging hike than Big Spencer Mountain. The trail becomes very steep and narrow, near the cliff edge. After passing some blueberry bushes there are no more difficult areas. Follow Lily Bay Road past Kokadjo. Shortly after the pavement ends, turn left onto Spencer Bay Road. After 7.2 miles, turn right at the sign for Spencer Bay Camps. The trailhead is on your right.
1. Whitecap Mountain: This trail includes a remote section of the Appalachian Trail. Halfway up is a lean-to and at the summit you will find magnificent views of Mount Katahdin. Off Lily Bay Road, turn right onto Frenchtown Road. At 9.3 miles turn left and at 10.8 turn right, passing near Second West Branch Pond. At 11.4 miles turn left (turn straight ahead), and at 12.4 turn right. The Appalachian Trail crosses the road after a snowmobile bridge. Begin the trail by turning right, or uphill.
