Winter Adventures on Moosehead Lake: A Chilly Escape

Moosehead Lake, the biggest lake in New England, is a playground for winter lovers. It's not just big; it's huge, covering about 75, 000 acres. That's like 40 miles long and 10 miles wide. Imagine trying to wrap your head around that size! The lake is home to over 80 islands and attracts people all year round. But winter? Winter is special. The area is a hotspot for snowmobilers, skiers, and hikers. The first visit to Moosehead during winter can be eye-opening. Picture this: driving into Greenville, and the only people you see are snowmobilers fueling up. That's how serious folks are about winter sports here. Recently, a short trip to Moosehead Lake was spent in Beaver Cove, staying right by the shore. The challenge was choosing what to do. Hiking in Little Moose Public Land? Downhill skiing at Big Moose Ski Area? Cross-country skiing? The options were endless. The choice was Mount Kineo, a unique landmark. In summer, you'd take a boat to get there. But in winter, when the ice is safe, you can walk or ski right over. Starting at the Rockwood boat launch, a mile-long trek across the ice led to the peninsula where the mountain is located. From there, it was cross-country skis all the way to Mount Kineo State Park. Mount Kineo is impressive. It's got cliffs that rise 700 feet above the lake, and the summit is 1, 789 feet above sea level. Hiking up the steep Indian Trail to the top and then descending on the Bridle Path offered stunning views of the lake, dotted with colorful ice fishing shacks and snowmobiles. The horizon was a deep periwinkle, with snow-dusted mountains.At the summit, there's a converted fire tower with an observation deck. Climbing it in winter is tricky because of the ice and snow, but the 360-degree view is worth it. The wind up there can be brutal, but the sight is breathtaking. After the hike, a stop at Rockwood Bar and Grill for some comfort food and friendly service was just what was needed. But the evening brought a reminder of winter's dangers. Three snowmobilers crashed through the ice nearby, but were quickly rescued. It's a stark reminder to stay away from flowing water on the ice. Driving back, a moose was spotted stomping through a snowbank. After a moment of indecision, the moose turned away, avoiding a potential collision. It was a close call, but also a reminder of the wildlife that calls this place home. The community around Moosehead Lake is tight-knit. People greet each other in restaurants, and snowmobilers wave as they pass by. It's a welcoming place, and it's easy to see why people would want to live there. Staying in a house right on the lake was a treat. On the last morning, a ski trip to Lily Bay State Park was in order. Normally a popular spot for families in the summer, the park was quiet in winter. The only company was a white-tailed deer stepping through the snow. Skiing along the park roads and trails, the snow told a story. Wildlife tracks dotted the forest floor, from deer to squirrels to tiny mice and voles. Sitting on the beach, blocked from the wind, the snow almost felt like sand.