Moose Point State Park
Moose Point State Park is a 146-acre spot located on a point of land overlooking Penobscot Bay. It’s right off Route 1, often called the Acadia Highway, as this former Carver family farm being about an hour from the national park. Moose Point is 2 miles from the center of Searsport with its deep water harbor. Bangor is ¾-hour north and Camden is only ½-hour south.
This Maine state park is a peaceful setting for a picnic or hike along the shoreline with its tidal pools and distant views. This is a good spot to visit any time of year. It offers general accessibility, meeting most ADA standards. Assistance is needed to access the group picnic shelter.
Nearby Parks
Activities at Moose Point State Park
This setting is just right if you love a rocky shoreline made for exploring. Added to that, there are hiking trails and a picnic area with a playground, grills, and plenty of lawn for lounging or tossing a frisbee. There’s a group picnic shelter for weddings and other gatherings.
It’s a spot for watching birds and maybe some wildlife, either in the woods or offshore. Some of that can be found in tidal pools. There are two sets of stairs for accessing the shore, plus a gazebo for viewing the bay while undercover. This is one of the state parks where you’re welcome to hunt except between June 1 and Labor Day, and as long as you’re following Maine rules.
Boating at Moose Point State Park
The nearest boating options are in Searsport and Belfast.
- The Searsport Harbor boat launch is a 110-foot all-tide ramp located two miles away at the public pier at 45 Steamboat Ave.; coordinates 44.45255 -68.92513
- Belfast Bay’s boat landing is only 10 minutes away. There’s a 130-foot all-tide ramp at 3 Main St.; coordinates 44.42866 -69.00380
- Of course, you might just be in the mood for sailing. The Schooner Charm offers morning, afternoon, and sunset cruises on Penobscot Bay, sailing out of Belfast’s boat landing area.
Swimming at Moose Point State Park
The park does not have safe access for swimming, although there are beaches not too far away.
- The beach in Lincolnville is sandy and handy to eateries and shops. Head south on Route 1 for about 17 miles.
- Going north on Route 1 for about 9 miles, you’ll find sandy point beach in Stockton Springs.
Hiking at Moose Point State Park
The trail system here is made up of three easy trails that loop along the shore, then through fields and woods. Altogether they’re just over a mile. If you’re looking for a bit longer hike, there are other options not far from here.
- Passagassawakeag Rail Trail is less than 10 minutes from the park in nearby Belfast. It’s an easy 2.2-mile one-way trail. The old railroad bed is surfaced with crushed stone so it’s accessible for people using wheelchairs and strollers. You can hike and cycle, as well as snowshoe and cross-country ski in winters with enough snow. Your pet can keep you company as long as they’re leashed.
- The Hills to Sea Trail is just over 5 miles away, offering you 47 miles of trails for hiking and snowshoeing. This is another spot for birding and keeping an eye out for wildlife.
Biking at Moose Point State Park
The park does not have a biking option, though there are some nearby.
- Passagassawakeag Rail Trail, described above, is one.
- About ½-hour away in Lincolnville you’ll find the Tanglewood Trails with easy to moderate trails open to biking plus other activities. This is quite a network that weaves its way through 950 acres of forest and along the Ducktrap River.
Fishing at Moose Point State Park
The park’s shoreline isn’t suitable for surfcasting. Not far from the park you’ll find spots for inland and shore fishing. Be sure to follow Maine regulations and tips for a successful outing.
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Searsport has a couple of good spots for shore and causeway saltwater recreational fishing.
There’s also a boat launch at the town landing if you want to get out on the water.
- Upper Mason Pond is about five miles away in Belfast. It’s reported to be a good freshwater spot for catching bass.
Birding at Moose Point State Park
There’s plenty of bird-watching available between the park and Belfast Harbor.
You’ll see red-breasted mergansers, buffleheads, and scoters that winter in the area. The park’s cove areas, as well as the nearby harbor, offer protection for common loons and Barrow’s goldeneyes during cold, stormy months.
Eagles are in the area year round whereas osprey are summer dwellers. In the summer, you may catch sight of a great heron in any salt marsh spots.
The park’s fields and wooded areas are home to juncos, nuthatches, and barred owls throughout the year. During warmer months you may catch sight of warblers, dark-eyed juncos, golden-crowned kinglets, and seasonal owls.
Nature & Wildlife at Moose Point State Park
Since hunting is allowed here, you know that means that the park attracts wildlife. Deer are plentiful in Maine, so there is a chance of spotting some. Some of the less frequently seen wildlife is right there at the water’s edge. Take your time as you may see ocean-dwelling wildlife, especially porpoise and seals.
The park’s tidal pools can be rich with sea life such as crabs, barnacles, blue mussels, sea stars, and sea urchins. Please leave them where they are, taking their photo home as a memory. Or perhaps you’ll make a sketch of their likeness.
Pets at Moose Point State Park
Your leashed pet is welcome at the park. Please be sure to clean up as needed and attend to your buddy at all times.
Camping at Moose Point State Park
Although the park does not accommodate any camping there are spots right nearby that have plenty to offer your stay on the Maine coast.
- Searsport Shores is a campground less than a mile from the park. It’s a wooded spot with Penobscot Bay beachfront and boat rentals. You’ll find both RV and tent sites, as well as trailer and cabin rentals. There are a lot of activities for your entire family and your pet is welcome, though not in the rental units.
- Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort looks out on Belfast Bay. It’s only a short drive from the park. You’ll find a launch for your kayak, free WiFi, and hookup and dump station services. Your leashed pet is welcome here too.
Park Location
Moose Point State Park 310 West Main Street Searsport, ME 04974 Phone: 207.548.2882
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Moose Point State Park:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Maine state parks?
Maine state parks charge day-use fees of $4-$8 per adult for residents and $6-$8 for non-residents. Children under 5 are free. No annual pass covers all parks, but some parks offer multi-visit passes.
What are the best state parks in Maine?
Top parks include Baxter (Mount Katahdin, northern AT terminus), Camden Hills (ocean views), Reid (peninsula beach), Popham Beach (sandy shore), and Grafton Notch (mountain gorge and waterfalls).
Can I climb Mount Katahdin at Baxter State Park?
Yes, Baxter State Park is the home of Mount Katahdin (5,267 feet), the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Climbing requires advance parking reservations and appropriate preparation for challenging alpine conditions.
Are there ticks at Maine state parks?
Yes, deer ticks carrying Lyme disease are a serious concern throughout Maine, especially from spring through fall. Use DEET-based repellent, wear long pants tucked into socks, and perform thorough tick checks after hiking.
Explore More Maine State Parks
Moose Point State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Maine. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Maine guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
