2001 July 2 - Big Moose Mountain

Moosehead from Big Moose Mtn (Mt Katahdin in background)

This 3196 foot mountain is an easy hike and offers awesome views of the Moosehead region. This one is a must if you are hiking in the Moosehead region!

Directions From Greenville, take route 15 north. 5.2 miles from the caution light in Greenville, there is a sign for Little Moose Public Reserved Land on the left. Turn left on this gravel road and 1.5 miles in will be a sign marking Big Moose Montain Trail on the left. Parking and the trail head are on the right immediately opposite the sign.

Trail Easily followed and very well maintained trail ascends gradually at first, then steeply, especially after passing the old warden's cabin. Wood and rock steps assist on steeper sections. About a half mile from the summit, signs mark two short side trails offering scenic veiws. Continue to summit for truly amazing views. Distance from trail head to summit is approximately 3 miles with elevation gain 2000 feet. This mountain was home to the first forest fire lookout tower in the U.S., built by M.G. Shaw in 1905 and later replaced with a steel lookout tower in 1919. Remains of that tower are still there but in poor condition. Alternate, shorter trail ascends along ski lifts from resort area.