Maine's Bayside Town Offers A Waterfront Getaway With Scenic Views And Outdoor Recreation

Millions of people visit Maine each year. Rocky coastlines, adorable villages, and picturesque islands draw people to the country's northeasternmost state. But the shore isn't the only place to enjoy gorgeous water views here. There are also more than 6,000 lakes dotted across the Pine Tree State. Greenville, a charming town perched along the water's edge, will have you eagerly planning your next waterfront escape to New England.

Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine. The lake is named for its shape, said to be complete with antlers and all. It's 40 miles long, contains more than 80 islands, and is bordered by more than a million acres of untouched forest. Greenville boasts a stunning setting at the southern tip of the lake. The town was established first as part of a plantation and then as an independent village in the early 19th century. Both Greenville and the Moosehead Lake Region grew with tourism and logging in the following century. Yet this is still a peaceful spot. While it continues to draw people with its natural beauty and outdoor activities, fewer than 2,000 people call Greenville home.

Greenville is about an hour and a half drive northwest of Bangor, Maine's third-largest city, where you can experience the best of the Northern U.S. You can also fly into Bangor International Airport (BGR), which mainly services nonstop flights from cities along the East Coast of the United States.

Greenville encompasses a number of coves along Moosehead Lake. East Cove and West Cove are considered the center of town. At the water's edge, you will find the Moosehead Maritime Museum (open from mid-June to mid-October). It serves as a good introduction to Greenville since it provides history about both the town and lake. The museum continues its history lesson outside on the Katahdin. "The Kate," as she is affectionately called, is a 1914 steamboat that transported people, goods, and, later, logs around the lake. The National Historic Landmark now offers numerous sightseeing cruises.

"The Kate" is not the only way to enjoy the lake here. Several outdoor outfitters provide gear so you can get even closer to the water. Northwoods Outfitters is just a short walk from the museum. The all-season shop rents canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and fishing gear, as well as camping equipment, mountain bikes, and UTVs during the warmer months. In the winter, they switch to skis, snowshoes, and snowmobiles.

Wild Ones Rentals solely focuses on watercraft. Like Northwoods Outfitters, they rent non-motorized vessels, as well as fishing and pontoon boats. While a third option, Allagash Canoe Trips, offers canoe and whitewater-rafting tours that range from one to seven days. Whether you are casting a line, paddling close to shore, or heading out to explore the islands, the best views are from the water.

Though water sports are popular ways for you to enjoy Moosehead Lake's scenic views, they are not the only activities. Jack's Air Service offers aerial tours of Moosehead Lake, Mount Kineo, and Mount Katahdin from seaplanes (from mid-May to mid-October). Mount Kineo sits on a peninsula that juts into the lake. While Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine, sits northeast of Greenville in Baxter State Park, an underrated East Coast state park.

Since Maine is one of the best states for hiking across the U.S., you should also plan to explore the trails in Greenville. The Little Moose Public Reserved Land sits beyond West Cove. Its 15,000 acres protect mountains, streams, and ponds from development. The moderate Little Moose Mountain Trail (6.6 miles) starts near the water's edge and climbs up rocky ledges. While the Big Moose Mountain Trail (2 miles) follows an old track into the forest and up to the site of the country's first fire tower. The trails intersect, and both offer spectacular views of Moosehead Lake.

Heading north on the lake's eastern side, you will discover Lily Bay State Park. Though relatively small, there's a lot to do here. It has two campgrounds, two boat launches, a pebbly beach, and two hiking trails: the Dunn Point and Rowell Cove Trails. The routes combine into a 4.2-mile trail that closely follows the lake's curves. With views like this, it's hard to believe you are so far from Maine's coast.