Tag: moosehead lake

Best Lake Vacation Destinations for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo by Joel & Jasmin Førestbird on Unsplash

Previously on our blog, we covered the best lake vacation destinations for relaxation. You can lay back at these lakeside retreats and enjoy the scenery. But for some people, the easygoing atmosphere may feel too slow. Maybe you’re the first out the door on a hiking trip, always ready to explore the wilderness. You’d rather spend all day exploring a new mountain than being inside reading a book. Check out these top five lakes for outdoor enthusiasts! If this describes you, we’ve got you covered.

Moosehead Lake, Maine

Photo courtesy of Destination Moosehead Lake

Philosopher and writer Henry David Thoreau referred to Moosehead Lake as “uninterrupted.” Its 120-mile stretch of water (the second largest in New England following Lake Champlain) winds through gorgeous mountainous scenery, reasonably untouched by man-made features. For the best hiking, Mount Kineo offers plenty of different trails for all experience levels. If you’re an advanced hiker, you won’t want to miss the Pinnacle Pursuit – a six-mountain hiking challenge with incredible views that are worth the arduous effort. And, of course, as its name suggests, you’re bound to catch glimpses of wildlife such as moose, falcons, loons, and otters.

Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

Photo courtesy of National Park Service

Along the south shore of Lake Superior, on Wisconsin’s northernmost point, sits the Apostle Islands. These gorgeous sandstone cliffs and sea caves are only accessible by boat. Further, camping is the only accommodation while staying on these islands, making them a perfect destination for serious outdoor enthusiasts. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is home to more lighthouses than any other National Park. If you enjoy bird watching, bring binoculars while on the island – you’ll likely find plenty of new birds to identify. The archipelago gets more than 240 species of winged visitors every year. You’ll need to plan your visit in advance, but it’ll be well worth the trip.

Lake Chelan, Washington

Photo courtesy of Visit Chelan County

On average, Lake Chelan sees 300 annual days of sunshine. At this iconic lake destination in the Pacific Northwest, it’s rare that you’ll ever take a rain check on hiking plans. Besides the sunny weather, Lake Chelan is close to Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park. Immersed in these stunning alpine landscapes, you’ll have an abundance of hiking trails at your fingertips. These national parks offer over 250 miles of trails for mountain bikers, hikers, motorcyclists, and horseback riders. There are plenty of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding on the water. In short, if you can’t get enough of nature, Lake Chelan is the place to be.

Lake George, New York

Photo courtesy of Adirondack Almanack

Lake George is nicknamed “Queen of the American Lakes” for a good reason. Although the town of Lake George is small and quaint, its natural surroundings are expansive. Located near the Adirondack mountains, it’s known for its proximity to stunning foliage and mountainous views. If you own or rent a lake house along its 32-mile shoreline, you’ll have access to countless outdoor activities – whitewater rafting, motorcycling, horseback riding, hiking – you name it! And if you need a day off, head to Million Dollar Beach along Lake George’s shore.

Lake Lure, North Carolina

Photo courtesy of Southern Trippers

Tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lure offers both gorgeous lake views and 1,000 acres of wilderness. The scenery is so outstanding that Lake Lure has been a movie destination for shooting Dirty Dancing, The Last of the Mohicans, and other films. To get a good look at everything, climb up Lake Lure’s Chimney Rock for expansive views. Overall, the abundance of hiking trails and nature activities make this southern lake a perfect spot for outdoor lovers. 

Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails! We hope you enjoy your next lake vacation at one of these top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.

4 Fun Facts about Maine Lakes

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of onlyinourstate.com.

For some, a dream lake house means countless boats on the water, a thriving city nearby, and a sense that there’s always something going on. But others prefer a secluded, quiet slice of paradise. If you’d choose the latter, a home on one of the Maine lakes might be perfect. As the least populated state in the country, you’re likely to have more outdoor space to yourself. Bordered by the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the state is surrounded by majestic nature, and its lakes are no exception. Check out these fun facts about four Maine lakes!

Henry David Thoreau Loved Moosehead Lake

The Maine Woods – Amazon

Henry David Thoreau, the famous American poet, philosopher, and essayist in the 1800s, was famous for his pastoral lifestyle. His book, Walden, describes the simple joys of existing in nature. On one of his many outdoor journeys, he visited Moosehead Lake, where he climbed the state’s highest peak, Mt. Katahdin. In his book, The Maine Woods, he fondly refers to Moosehead Lake’s nature as “uninterrupted” and a “gleaming silver platter at the end of a table.”

Although he wrote these words over 100 years ago, he isn’t wrong today. According to the New York Times, an average of 4 people per square mile live in Piscataquis County, where you will find Moosehead Lake. The landscape is scattered with tall spruces, firs, and pines. Wildlife like moose and bald eagles inhabit these spaces. If you’re looking to live on a peaceful, rustic lake, endorsed by Henry David Thoreau himself, Moosehead Lake is the one to check out.

Damariscotta Lake is Home to a Rare Alewives Run

Photo courtesy of The Lincoln County News.

Of the Maine lakes, this one is slightly lesser-known, and you may see fewer boats on the water. But despite its isolation, Damariscotta Lake is not one to skip. The lake’s remarkably clear waters allow you to see 10 feet below the surface. This clarity is an especially useful feature for witnessing the famous annual Alewives Run. 

Alewives, members of the herring family, are seawater fish that travel to freshwater to spawn each year. Although the alewife population has thrived in the past, they have significantly decreased in Maine over the last 200 years. Most recently, the Damariscotta Mills fish ladder has revived this population. This year alone, the ladder has helped 1,069,488 alewives into Damariscotta Lake. You can witness their migration annually over Memorial Day weekend. As part of the annual Alewife Festival, the Damariscotta Mills community hosts a 5K run, a cookout, and a chance to watch the fish.

Of the Maine lakes, this one is slightly lesser-known, and you may see fewer boats on the water. But despite its isolation, Damariscotta Lake is not one to skip. The lake’s remarkably clear waters allow you to see 10 feet below the surface. This clarity is an especially useful feature for witnessing the famous annual Alewives Run. 

Alewives, members of the herring family, are seawater fish that travel to freshwater to spawn each year. Although the alewife population has thrived in the past, they have significantly decreased in Maine over the last 200 years. The Damariscotta Mills fish ladder has revived this population. This year alone, the ladder has helped 1,069,488 alewives into Damariscotta Lake. You can witness their migration annually over Memorial Day weekend. As part of the annual Alewife Festival, the Damariscotta Mills community hosts a 5K run, a cookout, and a chance to watch the fish.

Sebago Lake is the Deepest in New England

Sebago Lake – YouTube

Just northwest of Portland is Sebago Lake, which is the deepest lake in New England. Its depth of 316 feet is enough to hold the Statue of Liberty, plus the base. It contains almost a trillion gallons of clear water that provides the Greater Portland Area’s water supply. As well, it’s the second largest lake in Maine at 28,771 acres. The lake’s depths make it very popular for fishing lake trout. Sebago Lake’s underwater islands and coves also make it home to multiple other fish breeds like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie. If you’re choosing one of the Maine lakes for fishing, look no further.

The First Registered Maine Guide is from Rangeley Lake

Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby – Boothbay Register.

If you’re seeking outdoor sports on the Maine lakes, you may have heard of the Rangeley Lake Resort. It’s a prime destination for travelers who ski and snowboard in winter and fish and kayak in summer. Today, it’s a revered travel destination. But at one point in time, Rangeley Lake wasn’t on the map. 

In the 1850s, the presence of 12-pound brook trout in the lake brought a slough of anglers to Rangeley Lake. Over the following decades, the region brought on local guides. One of them was Cornelia Crosby, also known as “Fly Rod Crosby.” She gave up a steady job in baking to fish Lake Rangeley, caught hundreds of fish per day, and wrote popular journal articles about her sport. She later became the first registered Maine guide — a prestigious feat, especially for a woman in the 1800s. You can find her namesake trail by the lake, the Fly Rod Crosby Trail.

Learn more about lake living on Maine lakes at Lakehomes.com! 

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Uninterrupted Nature: A Spotlight On Moosehead Lake, ME

Posted on Camille Smith
Moosehead Lake Aerial View during summer

Three hours north of Portland, Maine, you’ll find a lake that American writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau described as “a gleaming silver platter at the end of a table” with gorgeous land that is “uninterrupted.” Moosehead Lake, its name derived from the lake’s shape when viewed from Mount Kineo, certainly lives up to Thoreau’s words. Stretching 120 square miles, Moosehead is the second largest New England lake after Lake Champlain. It’s also bordered by the charming town of Greenville, where you can discover shops, boutiques, golf courses, and fun restaurants such as the Stress Free Moose. This town certainly retains its local culture, just as the surrounding woods still boast their natural beauty. Unassuming yet magnificent, this tranquil Northeastern lake deserves its spotlight. And who knows — you may end up finding a new vacation destination or dream spot for your lake home.

The History

Henry Perley, better known as Chief Henry Red Eagle
Photo courtesy of The Moosehead Historical Society & Museums.

The background of this extraordinary lake begins between three and six thousand years ago when several Native American tribes used the waterways for transportation and hunting large animals. They also valued the minerals on Mount Kineo, felsite, and rhyolite, which were instrumental in creating tools such as spearheads. In the 19th century, Native Americans living in the region guided Henry David Thoreau through Moosehead’s expansive woods by foot, canoe, and boat. He wrote about his travels in his book, The Maine Woods. Moosehead Lake also holds a noteworthy place in the history of aviation and steamboats. You can still experience the latter by riding the Katahdin Steamship, also known as “Kate.” Today, the Moosehead Historical Society commemorates various aspects of Moosehead Lake’s history with attractions such as the Lumbermen’s Museum, the Moosehead Aviation Museum, and the Center for Moosehead History. 

The Great Outdoors

Father pointing to Moosehead Lake with daughter

This idyllic natural paradise in Northern Maine certainly has no shortage of outdoor activities. No matter the season, you can engage with nature and explore the stunning scenery. This time of year, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing are popular activities for the whole family. You can check out the best ski and snowboarding trails to hit the slopes as soon as possible. Once the weather is a bit warmer, trade your ski poles for hiking sticks and discover the bounty of mountains and waterfalls that Moosehead Lake has to offer. In particular, the famous Mount Kineo offers several different trails with varying intensity. If you’re unafraid of arduous trails and want to get the most breathtaking views, opt for the six mountain hiking challenge called the Pinnacle Pursuit. You may be lucky enough to spot a native falcon or moose while you’re there.

After you’ve earned your trailblazer badge, try casting your fishing line at over 40 ponds and lakes in the area. Moosehead’s irregularly shaped shoreline encloses an abundance of fish such as salmon and trout, making it a popular fishing destination. For more high energy outdoor attractions, you can rent an ATV and ride through the woods. Or if you’re looking for a bird’s eye view, Moosehead offers scenic plane tours where you can get an aerial glimpse of this incredible lake region.

Moose walking along Moosehead Lake

With a plethora of outdoor activities and local attractions, you can tap into both your adventurous and serene sides at Moosehead Lake. This region, with its unique wildlife, little light pollution, and majestic mountains, is certainly a rarity, making it an ideal place to vacation or reside. 

To learn more about this northeastern lake paradise, click HERE.

Fourth of July Festivals for Your Family

Posted on Staff

Flashy fireworks, hot dogs, boat parades and live music — the makings of the best Fourth of July festival around.

father and son on dock holding American flag

As far west as Idaho or in the most north-eastern corner of the U.S. in Maine, you’re sure to find an Independence Day celebration worth shouting about.

But in case you don’t know where to start your search, we recommend you look to your lakes for family-friendly July Fourth festivities you won’t forget.

Coeur d’Alene Lake, Idaho

Spanning 33,000 acres in Idaho’s Spokane County, Coeur d’Alene Lake is no stranger to fantastic Fourth of July fun, and neither is its nearby namesake city.

Each year, the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce kicks off the festivities at 10 a.m. with the Coeur d’Alene Fourth of July Parade.

After its conclusion at 1 p.m., nearly 40,000 parade participants and spectators take to the city park to enjoy a variety of food vendors, craft booths and live music.

Others enjoy hiking and biking through Coeur d’Alene National Forest, participating in 5Ks and Fun-Runs, and cruising along the lake’s 135 miles of shoreline.

Lake lovers also take the opportunity to fish Lake Coeur d’Alene’s healthy populations of sport fish, including salmon, bass, trout and crappie.

As the sun sets, the Coeur d’Alene Resort offers an exclusive “Steak and Sparklers” dinner and private concert on the property’s front lawn where attendees can get a front-row seat to the evening’s grand finale.

Finally, the day’s events culminate at dusk as the Chamber of Commerce commences with its 22-minute, spectacular fireworks display over the water.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Larger-than-life lakes often usher in larger-than-life celebrations. Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks is no exception.

Fourth of July fireworks over the lake

Across its 54,000 acres, Fourth of July festivities range from pirate-themed-fireworks cruises, live concerts from Missouri’s favorite cover band “Contagious” and trips to the Dickerson Park Zoo for their annual “Red, White and Zoo: Military Appreciation Day.”

On the water, Tan-Tar-A Resort, a Margaritaville property, invites guests to take a ride on their Tropic Islands Cruises yacht for July 4th fireworks over the main channel at dusk.

Captain Ron’s Bar and Grill also offers a fantastic fireworks show for guests to enjoy while they groove to live music, dine, drink and play beach volleyball.

Of course, the Lake of the Ozarks sees plenty of boating and fishing on the Fourth of July, too. And with average temperatures of 84 degrees Fahrenheit, swimming is another fun way to spend Independence Day.

Other popular Fourth of July activities include camping, biking, and horseback riding in Lake of the Ozarks State Park and exploring nearby Bridal Cave.

Lake Barkley, Kentucky

Featuring 1,000 miles of shoreline in five counties across two states, Lake Barkley is another July 4th force to be reckoned with.

In addition to entertaining hundreds of people on its 58,000 acres, Lake Barkley also hosts a number of fireworks displays including the Lake Barkley State Resort Park show.

Held on the beach, this fireworks extravaganza is free to the public and features vendors selling a variety of foods and glow in the dark memorabilia.

Also hosted during the first weekend of July is the Cadiz “Cruise Cruz-In!,” a vintage car show and community event that takes place in historic downtown Cadiz on Main Street.

Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with free cornhole, live music, door prizes and BBQ. Satisfy your need for speed with cars, trucks, and motorcycles from “the good ‘ole days.”

And don’t forget to pack your fishing poles and gear for some of the best crappie and bass fishing in the state!

Moosehead Lake, Maine

Located in southeastern Maine, Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in the state at nearly 75,000 acres in Piscataquis and Somerset counties.

A hot spot for eco-tourists, die-hard sportsmen and urbanites seeking haven from the hustle and bustle of the big city, the lake is also popular among America’s most patriotic.

boy and girl feet hanging of the end of boat with American flag

Start your celebrating with the Town of Greenville and Destination Moosehead Lake by taking part in their annual Fourth of July spectacular! This all-day event is free to the public and includes a parade, craft fairs and the biggest fireworks show in Piscataquis County.

For a more personalized celebration, spend the day whitewater rafting on one of Moosehead Lake’s nearby rivers; fishing for salmon, brook trout, and lake trout; or enjoying a scenic 40-minute flight over the lake’s majestic waters.

Finally, top off the day’s events with an evening cruise on the Katahdin, a 1914 steamboat that tours Moosehead Lake’s southern end.

From its decks, Katahdin riders experience the lake’s best views of Fourth of July fireworks over the water and an assortment of beverages, sandwiches, and snacks.

And the best part? The fun doesn’t stop after the fireworks have faded and the smoke has all cleared. In fact, these lakes continue to offer countless opportunities for making family memories year-round.

For more ideas on family-friendly activities at the lake, be sure to read our article “Weekend Fun: Charity Poker Runs Across the U.S.”!