Visiting Mount Kineo State Park: a Unique Hiking Destination on Moosehead Lake

Visiting Moosehead Lake is always a fun trip, especially in autumn when the fall colors are hitting their peak. Spending a day at Mount Kineo State Park should definitely be a part of your plans when you come up to Greenville and the Highlands. If you haven’t heard of it, Mount Kineo is set in the middle of Moosehead Lake and it’s not easy to get to. Either a wild drive or a small boat ride will get you there, but then once out there, what do you do?

We’ve got the full scoop on hiking and other things to do at Mount Kineo State Park, and I think you’ll find that it’s going to land on the top of you Maine bucket list before long. Read on, and if you have any questions about visiting Mount Kineo State Park or need other recommendations for the Greenville area, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a wonderful trip to explore Maine.

Highlights of Visiting Mount Kineo State Park

I’m a sucker for a beautiful view, and when you can enjoy both a boat ride and some beautiful trails that provide sweeping landscapes all around, that’s just winning to me. Mount Kineo State Park is unique in that it’s most easily accessed by the pontoon boat ferry that leaves each hour from Rockvwood. You pay in cash (exact bills is best) and then board the boat for a beautiful 15 minute trip out into Moosehead Lake. Once you arrive at Mount Kineo State Park you’ll have a few options for how to spend your time:

• you can walk to the golf course and have a nice lunch at the clubhouse
• walk the Carriage Trail around the Mount Kineo shoreline or
• you can choose one of the two trails up Mount Kineo.

My top pick is the hiking option up to the top of the mountain, up 1,789 feet. There are two trails to choose from, either the Bridle Trail or Indian Trail. I’ll be honest that both are a challenge, but the Bridle Trail is the easier of the two. The Indian Trail is shorter, but it goes directly up, meaning that there are parts of it that you’re stepping up dugout stairs and holding onto roots to stay on the trail. It’s quite a challenge. The Bridle Trail is easier, but it’s still quite the hike. This trail is more gradual and meanders through the woods vs going along the cliff-top like the Indian Trail.

The views are amazing as you go, and when you get to the very top of the Mount Kineo trails, you’ll have a very tall fire lookout to climb. If heights aren’t your thing, you won’t like climbing the tower. It’s a metal staircase and it’s breezy. The 360 degree view of Moosehead Lake from Greenville to Kokadjo and beyond is amazing, and you really do feel like you’ve accomplished something.

Tips for Mount Kineo State Park

It takes some planning to be able to visit Mount Kineo State Park, whether you drive there or take the pontoon ferry boat. Yes, you can drive but it’s a very long one (an hour and a half from Greenville) and most of it is on unpaved roads as you get out to the mountain. Planning your day to fit with the ferry schedule is best and will allow you the most time for hiking and relaxing out in Moosehead Lake.

If you want to just do the Carriage Trail along the shoreline, the views are great and you’ll have a 2 mile long hike. It’s level the whole way and is well maintained. For the Indian Trail, you access it by starting on the Carriage Trail and then you’ll make a right onto it about a half mile or so along the route. The Indian Trail is only a half mile before it connects with the last part of the Bridle Trail up on the mountain, but that half mile is intense. Plan to take it slow and be sure of your footing, stopping for breaks along the way. Since the trail is near the cliff edge you’ll have some amazing views when you stop.

If you’ve chosen to go the Bridle Trail route in Mount Kineo State Park you’ll go past the India Trail and then it’s clearly marked where you enter the Bridle to head up the mountain. This is a one mile trail up, and while it is more gradual, it is still a solid hike. This leg of your journey may take you 45 minutes or more. When the trials meet at the top, know that you have another 20-30 minutes before you reach the fire lookout tower. Really, hiking at Mount Kineo State Park is fun and beautiful, but it is a challenge!

Note: you do NOT want to hike back down to the shoreline of Mount Kineo State Park on the Indian Trail. It’s just too steep and dangerous of a route for your descent.

Being Prepared for Hiking at Mount Kineo

Whether you’re hanging out on the rocky shoreline of Moosehead Lake or if you’re going to the summit of the mountain, Mount Kineo State Park is a place for hiking boots, or at least good tennis shoes. The trails are well maintained, but they are still rocky and there are lots of roots and leaves, wherever you are. Be safe for your feet and wear the proper footwear. Also, if you’re hiking the Indian Trail, be sure that you’re wearing flexible pants. There are times that you need to take big steps as you climb and jeans are just not the right type of pants to wear.

Bring plenty of water and snacks if you’re hiking or not planning on visiting the golf course clubhouse. There are no other services or food options at Mount Kineo State Park, so you must bring with you whatever you may need. And you might as well bring a first aid kit too, just in case you get injured while hiking.

Dress in layers and bring a light jacket when you come out here. It can be windy and the weather can change, so be prepared. Bring your camera gear to capture the beautiful views, fall colors if it’s the right season, and to look for wildlife. You CANNOT use a drone in Mount Kineo State Park as drones are prohibited in ALL Maine State Parks.

Getting to Mount Kineo State Park

Parking is limited at the marina in Rockwood for the Mount Kineo Shuttle, but there is a lot that can accommodate around 40 cars. Pay attention to wear your parking though because there is private property and a private residence right here on Moosehead Lake and we all want to be good visitors. If you arrive and there is no parking in the marina parking lot, pay attention to the signs on the main street to ensure you don’t park someplace illegal. It could be worthwhile to wait for somebody else to leave vs getting ticketed or towed.

Remember to bring CASH!!!! You need cash to pay for the ferry shuttle to Mount Kineo AND to pay for entrance to the state park (honors system, but be a good person).

Is there Swimming at Mount Kineo State Park?

While there is ample shoreline, the rocks can be slick and difficult to climb back up onto if you jump into the lake, so if you’re planning on swimming, confirm that you can safely get back on land. As you walk the Carriage Trail around Mount Kineo, keep your eyes peeled for a good spot to access the water, as there are quite a few good spots with easy entry. If you’re planning on swimming though, be sure that you’re healthy and safe with it. Moosehead Lake is COLD except in a few select spots. If you really want to swim, Lily Bay State Park has some great swimming spots that are actually pretty warm in the summer.

Mount Kineo State Park Operating Information

To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.

• Operating Dates/Season: Year round, 9:00 am to sunset; ferry operates May to October
• State Park office phone number: 207-941-4014
• State Park website: Maine Dept of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry
• Ferry address: 62 Village Rd, Rockwood, ME 04478

More Things to do in the Highlands of Maine

The Highlands of Maine stretch from Bangor and sprawl to the north and west following the rise of the Appalachians. There are lots of small towns and state parks, and some of the most beautiful sights in Maine. I know that most people think of coastal Maine and its lighthouses when they think of what they’ll see when they come for a visit, but the Highlands are really the playground of Mainers. This region is why Maine is called “Vacationland” and you’ll see why when you come for a visit.

And you cannot forget that the Highlands is an epic winter playground too, with destinations like Sunday River, Saddleback and Sugarloaf. In winter you’ve got downhill and Nordic skiing, and in summer it’s all about hiking and fishing. During fall this is where you come for leaf peeping and to look for moose and other Maine wildlife.

Here are some great ideas for ways to enjoy the Highlands of Maine.

Where to Stay in the Highlands

Depending on the season you’re visiting the Highlands, you will have different options for where to stay. If you’re planning on climbing Mount Katahdin or doing a portion of the Appalachian Trail, Millinocket is a great place to be based. For other Appalachian Trail launch points you can find fun places to stay in Eustace, the Carrabassett Valley, and Rangely. Another amazing summertime destination is Greenville and Moosehead Lake.

For skiing you can stay in Newry or Hanover (for Sunday River), Rangely or Phillips (for Saddleback), or Carrabassett Valley for Sugarloaf. You’ll find lots of cross country / Nordic skiing all over, but the Katahdin Area Trails are great for it!