Boating
Moosehead Lake - For those who enjoy boating
on fresh water, Moosehead Lake offers the most spectacular location
in all of New England. 40 miles long with literally hundreds of
miles of shoreline and over 300 islands, the lake boasts some of
the finest scenery, private protected cover, crystal clean water,
and unparalleled adventure available anywhere in the northeast.
Because of the tremendous amount of space available,
boat traffic on the lake is sparse. You can spend a day on Moosehead
and feel like you are the only person on the water. Nevertheless,
boats of all sizes can be found, from large, three deck cruisers
and sail boats to small canoes and fishing boats. Along the shore,
there are numerous picnic and camping areas accessible only by boat.
Since there is no mooring law, one may drop anchor or spend the
night provided you are not infringing on someone's privacy on shore
and that you pose no hazard to navigation.
The boating season runs from Memorial Day through
early September. Water temperatures in the summer often rise into
the lower 70s providing excellent swimming. Full lake levels occur
at the beginning of the season, with the annual drawdown commencing
in mid August. By late fall, the lake is usually down at least 3'
so some caution is required in shallow bays or coves. The lake is
adequately marked with hazard buoys, but only beyond 200' from the
shore. If you venture in closer to shore, we recommend that someone
be in the bow to check for any random rocks or hazards. Public Launching
facilities are available in Greenville Junction, Lily Bay State
Park, Rockwood and Seboomook. Marinas offer docking facilities,
and some of the lakeside resorts and restaurants offer docking and
decks.
Moosehead can also rear up and bite you. Due to its
size, wave heights can exceed 5' in windy weather, and the lack
of traffic means that you may find yourself all alone if you get
into trouble. We strongly recommend that you use caution when wind
speeds are forecast to be high or when the skies darken, signifying
an approaching front. On the other hand, the magnificence of an
evening cocktail on the deck of your boat while watching the sun
set over the Boundary Mountains on a warm July evening is almost
impossible to beat.
Other Lakes and Ponds - If you are seeking
privacy and solitude for canoeing and kayaking, scores of smaller
lakes and ponds await you. Some of our favorites are the Wilson
Ponds, Prong Pond, First Roach Pond, Brassua Lake, Mountain View
Pond, Sawyer and Indian Pond. These all offer public launching;
please note that Sawyer Pond has a 150' carry in. For those of you
who would like to experience the beauty and tranquility of gliding
across a pond and sneaking up on the wildlife that calls this area
their home, you may rent equipment at local shops in town. Some
even offer pick-up and delivery service to your destination.
Regardless of the size of your boat, there is abundant
room for you to enjoy the Moosehead Lake area, a true boater's paradise.
With the largest body of water east of the Mississippi you can row,
paddle, sail or motor anything your heart desires!
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