USA > New England > Maine
Moosehead Lake, nestled in the Longfellow Mountains in the Maine Highlands Region, is the largest lake in Maine. It has an elevation of 1,023 feet, boasts over 400 miles of shoreline, covers an impressive 120 square miles (about 75,000 acres) and stretches 40 miles long by 10 miles wide.
Moosehead Lake is a natural lake formed more than 12,000 years when glaciers receded from Maine. The 150-mile long Kennebec River originates from Moosehead Lake. The Kennebec Water Power Company, owned by FPL Energy, owns the storage dams at the East and West Outlets of the lake. Moosehead Lake is used for hydroelectric power, flood control, recreation, and drinking water supply. Construction of the West Outlet Dam dates back to the 1830s.
Moosehead Lake has an interesting topography: Mount Kineo, whose rocks and boulders jut out over Moosehead Lake, has attracted visitors for centuries with its amazing cliffs and scree (broken rock). The mountain is also home to rare animal and plant life as well as more than 80 islands, the largest of which is Sugar Island.
As the Moosehead Lake Chamber of Commerce boasts, the region is home to more moose than people. Quiet and beautiful, the lake is situated at the foot of Maine's woods and until recently, was so secluded that it was only frequented by Maine residents. However, the region has gained in popularity and is quickly becoming known as an eco-tourism destination, luring nature lovers and those yearning for the peace and serenity of a secluded wilderness lake.
There are many year-round activities for visitors to enjoy at Moosehead Lake. In winter, there are ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even dog sled racing. The long summer days are full of boating, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, swimming, bird watching, camping, fishing, golf, hiking, moose watching, and horseback riding. Visit the Moosehead Marine Museum and take a scenic lake cruise aboard The Katahdin.
Anglers enjoy spin casting and fly fishing. While plenty of fishing destinations are accessible by car, one can also choose to adventure out and hike to one of the lake's more difficult-to-access destinations. Anglers can expect to enjoy catches of bass, perch, salmon, togue (lake trout), and brookies (brook trout).
Moosehead Lake: Messaging Forums
This lake was last edited by Lisa Raub (lisaraub) on 3/25/08.
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