You Should Be Here–Hiking Kineo in February

By Lew-Ellyn Hughes

“I have never seen a grander or more beautiful sight than the northern woods in winter.” 

–Theodore Roosevelt in a letter to his mother, 1879.

The trails on Mount Kineo offer a variety of challenges during the summer, but they become even more demanding in winter, especially the steep, rocky Indian Trail and the North Trail as it leaves the shoreline. Yes, both the Indian Trail and the North Trail can be quite demanding during summer months, and this difficulty increases in winter conditions. However, the beauty of the peaceful winter woods along the trail and the breathtaking view of ice-covered Moosehead Lake from the summit make the winter journey to the top all the more valuable.

To navigate the snowy conditions, our hiking group opted to snowshoe the Bridle Trail until it met the Indian Trail, allowing us to continue our ascent to the summit. The breathtaking views, mild weather, and delightful company of my fellow hikers made the experience even more enjoyable. In the distance, from near the summit, we spotted ice shacks on the lake that looked like tiny crumbs scattered across a massive dinner table of white. We paused for lunch at the junction of the two trails, finding a cozy spot among the trees that shielded us from the wind, allowing us to savor our meal while taking in the stunning vista of the lake below and the surrounding mountains.

If you plan to hike on the frozen surface of Moosehead Lake, make sure to bring snowshoes that are in good condition for effective navigation. Also, stay on the marked trail when crossing the lake, since some areas never fully freeze. The trail is staked when and where the ice is solid. Safety always comes first when hiking, especially in winter, so be smart and prepared. If you act carelessly, you could be responsible for the costs of your rescue. Visit the website Maine.gov for more details and tips on winter hiking. Remember to dress warmly, stay hydrated, and take in the breathtaking winter views from the summit of Mount Kineo, because it’s a journey to cherish!

On this adventure, you can stay, eat and shop in Rockwood, so be sure to visit the following businesses’ websites when planning your trip:

The Birches www.birches.com

Moosehead Bait and Tackle &  Moosehead Sled Repair and Rental www.mooseheadsled.com

Rockwood Bar & Grill www.rockwoodbarandgrill.com

June & Jean Fine Jewelry juneandjeanjewelry.com

Gray Ghosts Camps grayghostcamps.com

Lawrences Lakeside Cabins linktr.ee  [email protected]

Kineo Northstar 413-219-6296

Mt Kineo Guide Service mtkineoguideservice.com

Rockwood Cottages rockwoodcottages.com

Wilson’s on Moosehead Lake wilsonsonmooseheadlake.com

Last, but certainly not least: Be sure to check out the Winter – Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit challenge—you will be glad you did!