Moosehead Lake
🌤 Weather at Moosehead Lake by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12–63 °F | 48–76 °F | 24–68 °F | 2–29 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Moosehead, 6 mi away, elevation 1,037 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Maine’s LARGEST Lake — 117 square miles, 40 miles long — the largest mountain lake in the eastern US
Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake — 117 square miles of pristine water stretching 40 miles through the heart of the North Woods. It’s the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States. The lake is famous for the density of its moose population, spectacular sunsets over Mount Kineo (a 700-foot flint cliff rising from the water), and the historic steamboat era when paddlewheel boats carried tourists and loggers. Mount Kineo’s distinctive rhyolite was used for tools by Native peoples across eastern North America for 10,000+ years.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Greenville/Rockwood, Piscataquis, ME |
| Size | 117 sq mi — MAINE’S LARGEST! |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Kineo | 700-ft flint cliff — 10,000+ years of toolmaking! |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mount Kineo?
Mount Kineo is a 700-foot cliff of rhyolite (volcanic glass) rising from Moosehead Lake. Native peoples traveled hundreds of miles to quarry this stone for tools and weapons — making it one of the most important geological sites in eastern North America.
What is Mount Kineo?
Mount Kineo is a dramatic cliff rising 700 feet directly from Moosehead Lake — composed of rhyolite, a volcanic glass-like rock that fractures into sharp edges perfect for stone tools. Native peoples traveled hundreds of miles to obtain Kineo flint — artifacts made from this stone have been found across New England and into Canada. The mountain is accessible by boat and has hiking trails with spectacular lake views.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Mount Kineo State Park (a short drive away) and Little Moose (a short drive away).
🏔️ Visit Moosehead Lake
117 sq mi — largest mountain lake in the east, 10,000-year flint cliff!
About Moosehead Lake Public Lands
Moosehead Lake public reserved lands encompass several parcels around Maine’s largest lake — 117 square miles of wilderness water surrounded by the vast North Woods. The lake was a center of Maine’s legendary logging industry, and steamboats once transported tourists to remote camps. Today it remains one of the wildest large lakes in the eastern United States.
Things to Do
Fishing for landlocked salmon and brook trout, moose safaris (commercial tours achieve near-100% sighting rates), canoeing, hiking, camping, and visiting the Moosehead Marine Museum in Greenville for SS Katahdin steamboat cruises on the lake.
Insider Tips
Maine’s largest: Moosehead Lake (117 square miles) is the largest lake entirely within one state in the eastern US. Pro tip: Mount Kineo rises 700 feet directly from the lake — its flint-like rhyolite was prized by Native peoples for 10,000+ years for toolmaking. SS Katahdin: The 1914 steamboat Katahdin (“Kate”) still cruises Moosehead — one of the oldest operating steamboats in America.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Boat cruises, fishing, swimming. Fall: Lakeside foliage. Winter: Ice fishing for togue (lake trout). Spring: Ice-out — dramatic breakup.
Wildlife & Nature
Moosehead Lake — 74,890 acres (117 sq mi) — the largest lake in Maine and the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States. The lake’s boreal forest, islands, and cold waters support moose (which regularly swim between islands), loons, bald eagles, and landlocked salmon. Mount Kineo rises 800 feet directly from the lake — a dramatic flint cliff sacred to Native Americans.
Nearby Attractions
Greenville — at the southern end — seaplane capital of New England. Mount Kineo — accessible by boat. Lily Bay SP — 8 miles north.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Moosehead Lake
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at most Maine state parks year-round, including trails, but must be leashed, under the handler's physical control and never left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 4 feet, under the physical control of the handler
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed on state park beaches April 1 through September 30; leashed pets are welcome on beaches October 1 through March 31
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- No pets allowed at Sebago Lake State Park campground; park staff may assign pet owners to less congested camping areas
- Dogs & wildlife
- Leash your dog here — the official guide calls moose and bear abundant in this region.
Are dogs allowed at Moosehead Lake?
Pets are allowed at most Maine state parks year-round, including trails, but must be leashed, under the handler's physical control and never left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via maine.gov. More: Maine state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Moosehead Lake: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: The Moosehead region is famous for moose, and the official public-lands guide notes visitors come for black ducks, wood ducks, partridge, white-tailed deer, bear and moose. Birdwatchers can hear or see up to 20 warbler species plus less-common boreal birds along the Maine Birding Trail, and peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs, laying eggs in March or April. Big Moose Mountain and Mount Kineo give wide views over the lake and forests.
Watch out for: The official guide states that moose, bear and other large animals are abundant here — observe from a safe distance, don't flush wildlife, and drive slowly on area roads, particularly in low light when moose collisions are a real risk. For bears, Maine IFW recommends securing food, garbage and other attractants and never feeding them. Deer ticks are widespread in Maine, so use repellent and check for ticks after outdoor activity.
Are there bears at Moosehead Lake?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via maine.gov.
Park Location
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