www.rockwoodonmoosehead.com

Spring Playground

Moosehead in the Spring is a lush green forested landscape teeming with awakening wildlife. The Moosehead Region, aptly named, is famous for its abundant moose population. Spring is the most opportune time to catch a glimpse of moose calves with their mothers munching on new growth along the side of any number of our back country roads or eating up the water grasses of shallow lake inlets, such as Socatean Bay. May and June are the most promising months to get an up close look at this intriguing animal. As well, bear cubs, deer fawns, loon hatchlings, and eaglets are all beginning to find their legs and wings and can often be seen just beginning to experience their environment. Whether you hire one of the area’s professional Maine guides or strike out on your own, you are certain to get a glimpse of the abundant, diverse wildlife Moosehead Lake is famous for.

Fabulous on Four Wheels
Perhaps four-wheeling is your desired mode of recreational transportation. Miles of ATV trails winding through the North Woods are waiting for you to explore. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and take in the panoramic trailside views just before you duck into the tree-lined paths. Splash through the biggest mud puddles, then dry out with a picnic lunch along the way. You may even have a companion moose watching you from the brush . . .

Finest Fishing
The biggest Maine lake naturally houses the biggest Maine fish! Spring fishing on Moosehead Lake can produce the catches legendary fishing stories originate from. Come throw in a line for salmon, brook trout, and lake trout. Spring fishing begins May 1st, so be sure to ask our merchants and professional Registered Maine fishing guides where those special fishing spots on the lake are!

Fly-Fishing
The best fly-fishing can be found on Rockwood’s Moose River and the nearby Kennebec River beginning in April. You’ll find plenty of pools, pocket waters, and rapids to dangle your fly over. Both rivers can be accessed by canoe, from the shore, or by wading. Our shops have you covered if you forget your Gray Ghost, Joe’s Smelt, or Supervisor flies.

Striking Mt. Kineo protrudes boldly up out of the crystal blue depths of the lake, the immaculate golf course greens are splayed out in front of you, and the quiet, calm whir of fishing reels echo off the placid waters.

Wonderful Waterfalls
Waterfalls are at their most impressive during the Spring run-off season. The Moosehead Lake region is home to some of the Northeast’s most stunning waterfalls. Gulf Hagas, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Maine, boasts Screw Auger Falls and Buttermilk Falls, and is a spectacular hike in the Spring. Take the short, moderate hike into Moxie Falls, and awe over the 30 yard drop’s frothing, falling waters. Or hike into the 60 foot vertical drop of Wilson Falls in The Hundred Mile Wilderness, part of the most remote section of the Appalachian Trail.

Fiddleheads and Wildflowers
Rockwood is a lush green and pastel landscape in mid to late Spring. The region is known for a particular fern called the fiddlehead. Picked just as they begin to curl up from the soil, this plant is a sought after delicacy, enjoyed steamed or canned, with butter or salt and vinegar. Ask any local for the best picking spots and come try them for yourself. A variety of wildflowers abound in the Moosehead Lake region. Lupines are an area treasure; fields of them flourish and are a sight to behold.

Summer is Spectacular in Rockwood

Summer is an inviting time to visit the Moosehead region, as guests are greeted with a plethora of activities. A trip to Mt. Kineo is a must. There, the hiker can catch his breath when he reaches the peak of the daunting mountain just to lose it again at the astounding panoramic views of the distant ranges. The pebble beach at the base offers a picture perfect setting for that picnic lunch, and the golfer can putt the afternoon away on the manicured course greens. A shuttle boat from Rockwood Village to Mt. Kineo runs hourly from Memorial Day thru Columbus Day.

Capture Nature
Moosehead Lake is on the migratory path of many species, so bird watching is phenomenal. Bald eagles, loons, hummers, osprey, and peregrine falcons, among others, can be found posing for the avid photographer or bird watcher. Professionally guided summertime cruises, available by boat, plane, and automobile, also offer brilliant photo opportunities, as well as the chance to get up close and personal with Mother Nature.

An Angler’s Oasis
Did we mention fishing? Troll with downriggers or lead core line in Moosehead for that trophy catch, or try your luck at any of our active surrounding streams for brook trout. Small mouth bass are plentiful at Indian Pond, and fly fishing is at its best in the Kennebec, Roach, and Moose Rivers. www.lawrencescabins.com , www.grayghostcamps.com, www.wilsonsonmooseheadlake.com

A Hiker’s Divine Destination
There are so many mountains in the Moosehead Lake region, it is difficult to highlight them all! Among the most popular hikes of the Rockwood area are Mount Kineo, Gulf Hagas, Big Moose Mountain, and Little Moose Mountain. Whether it is high panoramic peaks or remote wild waterways you long to see, the hiking opportunities of the Moosehead Lake region offer a wide array of difficulty and scenery. For those seeking a mountaineering challenge, Big and Little Spencer Mountains offer both difficulty and mind-blowing views. Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine, is located in Baxter State Park and has several trail options for every level of experience. White Cap, Number 4, and Chairback mountains are all moderately difficult hikes that boast amazing views. Because Moosehead is located near the Appalachian Trail, there are several extended overnight hiking trips to choose from. As well, there are several easy to moderate family day hikes, such as the natural bird sanctuary on Borestone Mountain and the B52 plane crash site on Elephant Mountain.

A Wild Water World
Rockwood is in the center of Maine’s expansive watershed. Moosehead Lake is the epicenter of an expansive and dramatic water region. The surrounding ponds, streams, and rivers provide the boater, canoeist, rafter, and kayaker with unlimited opportunities for water based adventures. For canoeing and kayaking trips, check out the West Outlet to Indian Pond, a great all day adventure with a few low class rapids and plenty of calm water for relaxing, throwing in a line, or animal viewing. A multi-day excursion to consider is the Moose River Bow Trip, a three to four day trip with a variety of white water and flat water rivers and ponds.

The waterways in Rockwood offer a refreshing getaway from the warm summer sun’s rays. Grab the kids and set out tubing down Moose River for a wet adventure. Or rent a boat and explore the 400+ miles of Moosehead shoreline and private islands on the largest lake east of the Mississippi. Boating, kayaking, and canoeing on Moosehead all allow you to experience miles of pristine shoreline, island and shore beaches, and picnicking and overnight camping at several sites all around the lake.

White Water
If its big water you seek, the Spring begins the white water rafting season here in the Moosehead Lake region. The Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead rivers all offer white water that gets the adrenaline pumping. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned rafter the rivers of the Moosehead Lake offer the white water experience you are after.

Fresh Berries for the Picking
Many a sunny afternoon in the Moosehead Lake area have been spent berry picking. Fields in Summer are full of ripe, lush wild strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. They all happen to be the black bears’ favorite sweet treats too, so, while you’re picking, have your camera ready. You might just have company.

Autumn's Splendor

Fall is a time for wildlife to scurry in preparation for winter and vacationers to pack up and head home from camp . . . or is it? Rockwood is bustling with activity in the Autumn months when other areas are starting to button up for the coming winter. Hunting season peaks, fishing is productive, and the foliage is absolutely stunning during the latter part of the year.

Hunting Haven
Located in the heart of the wildlife region, Rockwood boasts some of the best hunting grounds in the Northeast. The vast, uninhabited woods are home to prized game while the overlay of back country roads provides accessibility. Besides world trophy class whitetail deer, hunters can also enjoy the thrill of pursuing black bear, partridge, and moose. Black bear season kicks off the Fall in September and lasts through November, followed by deer archery, partridge, and moose seasons in October, and deer firearms season in November. www.maine.gove/ifw/hunting_trapping/hunting/index.htm

Cast Away
Fall fishing is a favorite among fishermen looking to catch the last of the year’s open water fish. The Kennebec and Moose Rivers turn out bountiful fly fishing catches, while the lakes offer a placid refuge for the fresh water angler.

Leaf-Peeping and Photography
Striking out on a meandering country road with a camera in hand is the perfect way to spend a fall day in the mountains of Maine. Photograph the images of bold, vibrant autumn leaves set against the blue hue of the northern sky that you’ll want to remember for a lifetime. If photography is your passion, make sure to check out Gallery on the Lake.

Local photographers work is on display and for sale, in case you’d rather buy those captured natural images. 207-280-0330 www.facebook.com/.../Greenville-ME/GALLERY-ON-THE-LAKE/ 262976231001

Crunching Leaves Under Foot
Autumn is, perhaps, the most enjoyable season to hike our region’s plethora of sky reaching mountains. The weather is cool, the air is crisp. Wildlife is teeming, yet, the bugs have gone. The elaborately painted landscapes seen from the tops of mountains, such as Little Spencer, Big Moose, Moxie, and White Cap are unsurpassed.

Fly Over Foliage
Fall is the most spectacular time of year to take a sea plane ride above the lakes. Soar over this marvelous mountainous watershed, get a bird’s eye view of the most remote wild lands New England boasts, and see wildlife roaming amongst its natural setting. www.curriersflyingservice.com , Folsom’s Air Service, Jack’s Air Service

Cashing in on Geocaching
Geocaching has become increasingly popular in New England, and Rockwood is no exception. Discover your own nature based GPS treasure hunt. Visit www.geocaching.com and search by zip code 04478 for local caches.

Fueling the Fires
The Moosehead Lake region consists of thousands and thousands of acres of paper company woodlands. For a ten dollar permit, you can get a truck load of fire wood. Or find that perfect Christmas Tree! Contact the regional Plum Creek office for permits and information. (207)-695-2241

A Flurry of Fun

Rockwood is a winter wonderland seeker’s ideal destination. Whether you are content to snuggle up with a warm cup of cocoa in front of the fireplace, would rather be out on the lakes fishing, like trekking through the mountainous landscape on skis, or prefer gliding through it on a snowmobile, the Moosehead Lake Region offers it all. Miles of pristine trails, frozen fish-filled lakes and ponds, and snow-capped mountains all await you for your winter adventure vacation.

Snowmobile Away
The Moosehead Lake region is home to the one of the Northeast’s largest winter playgrounds. Hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails lead the way to many scenic and remote destinations. The 100 mile Moosehead Trail encircles the entire lake offering unrivaled views along the way. Snowmobile rentals, gas stations, overnight accommodations, and restaurants are all available at convenient locations along the trail systems, ensuring places for you to rest and refuel. If you are thinking of trying snowmobiling for the first time, renting snowmobiles is a great way to get the experience you crave. There are several snowmobile rental providers in the Moosehead Lake area ready to help you hit the snowy trails. http://www.mesnow.com/WherestheSnow.html

Off the Beaten Snowy Path
The Moosehead Lake area offers the winter outdoor adventurer ample opportunity for backcountry trekking off the beaten snowy path. There are miles of pristine trails and challenging remote terrain for those who enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing. If antler hunting is your objective, the vast snow-covered forests provide ample opportunity for finding natural treasures to take home as souvenirs.
www.visitmaine.com › Seasons› Winter in Maine › Activities

As well, downhill skiing is minutes away at Squaw Mountain for those seeking a fast-paced gravity-fed excursion. Call Big Squaw Mountain resort for lift-tickets, accommodations, and ski rental pricing and availability. 207-695-1000. For current conditions and reviews go to www.onthesnow.com/maine/...squaw-mountain-ski-resort/weather.html

Ice Fishing
The vast expanse of Moosehead Lake as well as several area lakes and ponds provide opportunities for the ice fisherman to snag his bounty of fish. Salmon, lake trout and brook trout can all be caught through the ice from the comfort of an ice house. Local merchants provide ice houses for rent as well as bait, licenses, and any other gear you may need. Contact Moosehead Bait and Tackle and Maynard’s of Maine. See www.maine.gov/ifw/licenses_permits/fishing.htm for regulations and license information.