36 Hours in Greenville - Plan a Long Weekend near Moosehead Lake
Region: The Maine Highlands
Greenville is known for its proximity to Moosehead Lake (Maine’s largest lake at 40-miles long and 20-miles wide!), but there are plenty of additional natural wonders, activities, restaurants and lodging options, making it a great place for a getaway.
Outdoor recreation is plentiful, starting with the azure blue waters of Moosehead, aptly named for its moose head shape and an excellent spot to fish for landlocked salmon, brook trout and togue. When the lake freezes in the winter, ice fishing is all the rage—give it a try with the expertise of a Registered Maine Guide. Explore the beauty of the lake on the last remaining steamboat in Maine, The Katahdin (circa 1914) and learn about the lake’s fascinating history at the Moosehead Marine Museum.
At the center of the lake is Mount Kineo, about 20 miles west of Greenville. Summitting can be achieved by either an easy or moderate hike, with two trail options: the longer, gradual Bridle Trail and steeper, cliff-side Indian Head Trail. Whichever way you get up, you’ll be wowed by the 360-degree views, made possible by an old fire tower converted into a viewing platform. Please note that a visit to Mount Kineo requires some planning. Unless you have a boat, it is accessible only by water shuttle from Rockwood. The shuttle is run by Mount Kineo Golf Course.
Lily Bay State Park on Moosehead also offers great recreation opportunities, from hiking and canoeing to fishing and wildlife-watching. With 90 campsites, a sandy swimming beach, playground, shoreline walking trail and more, it offers the secluded adventure you seek.
After a day on the lake or hiking, Greenville can offer you hearty, home-style meals and lodging to warm and re-energize you. Unwind at The Stress Free Moose with live music, pub fare and a relaxed atmosphere. Kelly's Landing, overlooking the shimmering lake, offers an array of surf and turf, pastas and more. Retire from the world in a luxurious inn, like The Lodge at Moosehead Lake, one of Maine’s longest AAA 4-Diamond accommodations, or the Blair Hill Inn, a North Woods oasis with 5-course dinners. For trailside or more casual locations, try Moose Creek RV Resort for camping, the Kineo View Motor Lodge or the Moose Mountain Inn, steps away from trails that are great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing come winter.
Fancy taking something home to remember your trip? Northern Maine Minerals offers a piece of history in the form of rocks, gems or fossils to take home, Indian Hill Trading Post and Northwoods Outfitters can supply just about anything you need for your outdoor adventure.
Mileage:
From Ellsworth: 106 miles
From Bangor: 69.5 miles
From Lewiston/Auburn: 132 miles
From Portland: 153 miles
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