Maine's Largest Lake Is An Expansive Recreation Paradise With Diverse Lodging Options And Stargazing

Maine is known for its beautiful nature, stretching from the postcard-worthy scenery of Acadia National Park to the thick-forested wilderness areas and waterfall trails of the Highlands. But nestled among the remote Longfellow Mountains is Moosehead Lake, the state's largest, covering some 75,000 acres. Extending 40 miles long and 22 miles wide, the natural lake is a haven for vacationers who hope to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor recreation. Let's explore the activities and sights of this little-known area.

With such a large body of water at your disposal, visitors can expect all of the typical activities of a lakeside stay. Here, you can go swimming, fishing, or hiking, and there are water sports, too. Those who enjoy paddling can take advantage of kayaking, canoeing, or even stand-up paddleboarding. Maine's best islands for a quintessential summer getaway are not only on the coastline; for a real adventure, you might want to charter a boat in order to reach some of the 80 islands tucked throughout the lake.

Apart from taking in other areas apart from the shoreline, the islands open up another activity that makes the trip out to them worthwhile. As the name of the lake implies, there are moose in the area, and you might spot one if you're lucky. If you head to Sugar Island, the largest in the lake, you might see other interesting wildlife too.

Apart from daytime outdoor activities, there's one thing to do that you should set some time aside for — and perhaps a nap, too. Moosehead Lake offers some of the best dark skies for stargazing in the Northeast because of its remote location. Without the light pollution of nearby cities and towns, visitors can more easily and clearly see the stars, planets, and astronomical events, like meteor showers and the northern lights. In fact, many lodges, inns, and hotels offer programming for guided viewings.

While there isn't a bad time to visit Moosehead Lake, those who want the best stargazing experience should avoid visiting near a full moon. The light of the moon can actually make it more difficult to see smaller stars and the Milky Way. Though summer and fall are popular times to visit Maine for the warmer weather and autumn foliage, snow doesn't hinder the stargazing experience here, as guests can take dark sky snowshoeing tours. To view more than just stars, venture out on a moose safari to find the giants wandering around the area. 

If you plan to stargaze or look for wildlife, don't forget to pack a pair of binoculars for easy spotting. Of course, a pair of hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing — plus an extra layer for nighttime activities — are good to have as well. Summer visitors should consider tossing in a pair of goggles along with your swimsuit to swim in the lake.

For those who plan to make the trip, the nearest major airport to Moosehead Lake is in Bangor, a lesser-known city boasting the best of Maine with fewer crowds and lower costs. You'll need to rent a car, as the trip from Bangor International Airport to the lake is 105 miles, roughly a 2.5-hour drive. Having a car at your disposal will also make exploring the area easier. Whether you want to search along the shoreline for the perfect picnic spot, stop at a trailhead for a hike, or meet a group for a tour, a car is very useful for making the remote area more accessible.

Apart from the wildlife, forests, and the lake, Moosehead is home to a diverse swath of lodging options. There are vacation homes, lodges, and inns to choose from, with unique rooms you can book, too. The Lodge at Moosehead Lake offers rooms inside the inn as well as carriage house suites, which feature cozy fireplace nooks and excellent views. Over at the Guilford Bed and Breakfast, guests can enjoy a traditional New England stay inside a historic 1902 home. Wilsons on Moosehead Lake features log cabins and offers guides for local adventures, while Kelly's Landing has lakeside rooms and a four-bedroom cabin.

So, those looking for a little rest and relaxation mixed with outdoor adventure can find it at inland Maine's Moosehead Lake. While visiting the state's coast is a classic trip, it's time to venture out into the state's wooded Highlands.