Greenville, Maine
Gateway to Moosehead Lake. World-class fishing, seaplane rides, hiking at Gulf Hagas, and moose watching in the heart of the Maine Highlands.
Greenville sits at the doorstep of Maine's largest lake and deepest wilderness, where moose outnumber people and floatplanes still serve as backcountry taxis. It is the launchpad for Gulf Hagas, Mount Kineo, and hundreds of miles of unbroken forest trails.
Fuel up before you head north. Greenville is the last town with a gas station before miles of unbroken forest. Fill your tank and grab supplies at Indian Hill Trading Post, which doubles as a grocery store and gear shop.
Book seaplane tours early in your trip. Flights with Currier’s depend on weather and wind. Schedule for your first full day so you have backup days if fog rolls in off the lake.
Bring serious bug protection from late May through July. Black flies and mosquitoes are aggressive near the water and on forest trails. A head net and DEET repellent are not optional.
Paddle mornings, hike afternoons. Moosehead Lake is calmest before 10 a.m., making early morning the safest window for kayaking. Save inland trails for afternoon when lake winds pick up.
Cell service is unreliable outside town. Download offline maps and trail guides before heading to Gulf Hagas, Borestone Mountain, or any backcountry trailhead.
Things to Do
Gulf Hagas
The Grand Canyon of Maine. A 3.5-mile slate gorge with five major waterfalls along an 8-mile loop trail.
Moosehead Lake
Maine's largest lake spans 75,000 acres with sheltered coves, remote islands, and mountain-backed shoreline.
Mount Kineo
Boat-access-only peninsula rising 763 feet from the lake with cliff-face trails and a summit fire tower.
Borestone Mountain
4-mile round-trip through Audubon sanctuary past alpine ponds to exposed granite peaks with 360-degree views.
Lily Bay State Park
924-acre state park with 90 campsites, sandy beach, boat launches, and direct Moosehead Lake access.
Seaplane Tours
Vintage floatplane rides in a 1954 de Havilland Beaver over the Moosehead wilderness from Greenville Junction.
Moose Watching
One of the densest moose populations in the Lower 48. Guided safari tours run mid-May through October at dawn and dusk.
Katahdin Cruises
Cruise Moosehead Lake aboard the restored 1914 steamboat Katahdin, a National Historic Landmark.
Moosehead Lake Fishing
Legendary landlocked salmon and brook trout fishery with fly fishing, trolling, and ice fishing year-round.
Snowmobiling
Major hub on Maine's ITS trail system with over 300 miles of groomed corridors linking to Canada.
Where to Eat & Drink
368 Maine at The Lodge
Fine DiningAward-winning prix fixe restaurant with locally sourced ingredients and views of Moosehead Lake. Open May through October.
Slate at Blair Hill Inn
Fine DiningRelais and Chateaux-affiliated dining room in a hilltop estate with white-tablecloth service and sweeping views.
Kelly's Landing
Casual AmericanLakeside restaurant with outdoor deck directly over the water. Burgers, fried seafood, and sunset drinks.
Stress Free Moose Pub
PubLaid-back downtown pub with burgers, steaks, seafood, trivia nights, and live music in summer.
Jamo's
PizzaLocal favorite for hand-tossed pizza with creative toppings, plus subs and calzones for takeout.
Cafe Crepe
CafeBoardwalk creperie overlooking Moosehead Lake with sweet and savory crepes, coffee, and pastries. Seasonal.
Where to Stay
Hotels
(2)Wilsons on Moosehead Lake
Resort HotelWaterfront cottage rentals with 1 to 5 bedrooms, full kitchens, and private docks on Moosehead Lake.
Moose Mountain Inn
HotelFamily-run inn with moose watching tours, ATV rentals, and snowmobile packages outside downtown.
B&Bs & Inns
(3)The Lodge at Moosehead Lake
B&BSelect Registry property with themed rooms, full-service restaurant, and adventure packages including seaplane tours.
Blair Hill Inn
B&B79-acre Relais and Chateaux hilltop estate with 10 guest rooms, 6 cabins, a spa, and commanding lake views.
Greenville Inn
B&BRestored 1890 lumber baron mansion one block from downtown with luxury suites and private cottages.
Campgrounds
(1)Lily Bay State Park
Campground90 wooded and waterfront campsites on Moosehead Lake with fire rings, showers, and a swimming beach.
Shopping & Services
Indian Hill Trading Post
General Store / OutfitterLandmark hilltop store with outdoor gear, groceries, a deli, and Maine-made products all under one roof.
Northwoods Outfitters
Outdoor Gear / RentalsFull-service outfitter with kayak, canoe, and bike rentals, guided trips, fishing licenses, and gear for every season.
Maine Mountain Soap & Candle
Artisan GiftsHandcrafted candles, local soaps, lotions, and pottery made in the Moosehead Lake region.
Events & Festivals
MooseMania
Month-long spring festival with guided moose safari tours, photo contests, canoe races, craft fairs, and family events.
Fourth of July Celebration
Craft fair, parade from Greenville Junction, and fireworks launched over Moosehead Lake at dusk.
Forest Heritage Days
Annual two-day festival celebrating Maine logging history with live demos, bus tours, exhibits, and lumberjack competitions.
International Seaplane Fly-In
One of the largest seaplane gatherings in the eastern US, drawing hundreds of floatplanes and thousands of spectators.
When to Visit Greenville
Spring
Apr - May
30-60F
Ice-out on Moosehead Lake (mid-May) kicks off fishing season and MooseMania. Wildflowers and migrating birds return.
Summer
Jun - Aug
50-78F
Warm days and cool nights. Ideal for paddling, hiking, and swimming. Peak moose activity at dawn and dusk.
Fall
Sep - Oct
35-65F
Brilliant foliage peaks late September. Crowds thin for the best season of hiking, photography, and seaplane flights.
Winter
Nov - Mar
5-25F
Heavy snowfall transforms the region. 300+ miles of groomed snowmobile trails and ice fishing on frozen Moosehead Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting Greenville. Can't find your answer? Contact us.