Oct 15-16, 2022: Moosehead Lake Surf & Turf

Participants: Adam Chase, TC Ron Chase
Adam and I had fabulous weather for the Moosehead Surf &Turf that included climbs of Mount Kineo and Little Kineo Mountain. Initially, I was looking for a two-day forecast with light winds. Unfortunately, several Chowderheads couldn’t make it on short notice. We launched from Kineo Landing in Rockwood and had an easy crossing to the foot of the mountain. The views of southern Moosehead from Indian Trail were phenomenal. The trail surface was wet due to heavy rains the previous day, so we decided to descend on the Bridle Trail. That was a mistake as the heavily eroded path was a virtual stream. From there, we paddled north along the island to Hardscrabble Campsite on the northwestern tip. After
setting up camp, we explored nearby Farm Island where there are three additional campsites. On Day Two, the lake was mirror calm for our crossing to Moosehead Public Lands on the east shore where we quickly found camp roads that led to the trailhead for Little Kineo Mountain. For a remote mountain, the trail was in exceptionally good condition. We encountered a series of steep ledges before reaching an overlook with an expansive view of central Moosehead. Soon after, we arrived at a rounded open ledge that is the highpoint. The calm conditions continued on our return to Hardscrabble Point and then Rockwood. Two hikers on Mount Kineo were the only people we met during our entire trip.