The majestic, the mysterious, the mammoth Maine moose. Where can you see one for yourself? We know. Or at least, we know where we’ve seen them and heard about them being seen. Which is why we, as people that live and work in this fine state of Maine, want to give you our finest tips to seeing a moose for yourself.
When to see a moose
So first: what time of year gives you the best chance to spot a moose? That would be late spring into early summer. You can also try to spot them in the fall, during their mating season. The male moose (fun fact, the plural of moose is moose) will also be sporting a full rack of antlers—which can span 6 feet and weigh up to 40 pounds. They’ll shed them in early winter, so if you catch a moose in that late-spring window, he’ll likely be without a rack.
Because they’re crepuscular (what an excellent word) your best times for moose sightings are dawn and dusk. So you’ll either have to get up very early, or be ready for a little sundown moose searching.
Another activity: while you’re looking for moose, you can also look for their shed antlers, which we call “Shed Hunting” here in Maine.
Where to see a moose
Lazy Tom Bog
Kokadjo, ME
We didn’t say it would be just outside of Portland, did we? This first likely moose-sighting spot is pretty far north and inland Maine. Because they’re very good at swimming, eat quite a bit of aquatic plants/vegetation, and love to roll in the mud to protect themselves from biting bugs, moose often linger near bodies of water. This little bog is an excellent place to camp out, be still, and look for moose.
Little Lyford Ponds
100-Mile Wilderness, ME
If you’re a fan of the Appalachian Mountain Club (we are), you’ve found your moose-peeping spot. Up next to Little Lyford Lodge in the 100 Mile Wilderness, you’ll find Little Lyford Ponds. While you can sit on the shore, your best bet is to hop in one of their canoes and paddle out, with an eye toward the shallows and the shore.
Bonus: this area is actually certified a Dark Sky National Park. Meaning, if you miss a moose sighting at dusk, just stay outside and behold some of the most pristine, un-light polluted views of the night sky available on planet earth.
Moose are quite good swimmers. On average, a moose can swim up to ten miles at a stretch.
Sandy Stream Pond Trail
Baxter State Park, ME
Take a moose hike. On this trail, at dusk or sunrise, you have an excellent chance of viewing a moose. In this circumstance, on foot and in the woods, it’s important to note that while herbivorous, it doesn’t mean that moose are approachable. These are giant, wild animals and should be treated with due caution and respect. Give them their space. View from afar. And let them amble along their way (they rarely run, but when they do they can get up to 35 MPH).
Route 201
The Forks to the Canadian Border, ME
Dubbed “Moose Alley”, this is your best bet for viewing a moose by automobile. Same idea applies for the other spots: late spring to early summer, dawn or dusk. The key here is to be vigilant. Super, super vigilant. Not just because it’s easy to drive by a moose, since they blend so well with the surrounding forest. But because moose don’t abide by the rules of the road. Drive slowly, keep an eye out. And if you see another car stopped on the side of the road, likely you’ll want to slow down and stop too: they probably already spotted a moose!
Book a Moose Tour
(Various), ME
If you want to leave your moose fortunes in the hands of a professional, there are more than a couple of tours offered across the state. Granted, most of the moose tours will be available in similar spots to the ones we’ve mentioned, but simply search out a tour and book one for yourself. They’ll take all of the guesswork out of it. But, be aware, their viewing rate is not necessarily going to be that much better than if you go on your own, it’s up to the moose fates if you see one or not. But even if you don’t spy a moose, you’ll still learn quite a bit from your guide about moose themselves and our beautiful state of Maine.
Good Words
From Maine, With Love
an Allagash Brewing Co. Podcast
This fun, informal, and informative podcast shows listeners what it’s like to work at an independent B Corp-certified brewery up here in Portland, Maine.
Moose-Sighting Tips
Tip #1: Be Careful
Again: these are wild animals that are big and strong. View your moose from a safe distance away.
Tip #2: Drive Slowly
If you’re in an area with moose, you don’t want to hit a moose just as much as a moose doesn’t want you to hit it. They are humongous and can do significant damage to even the biggest of vehicles.
Tip #3: Enjoy the Journey
If we’re being honest, most of your moose-sighting journey will involve not seeing moose. That being said, you will likely be in some of the more remote, beautiful, and pristine land that Maine has to offer. So go into it with a mindset of appreciating your surroundings, and the inevitable moose sighting will be the cherry on top.
And after you see your moose, and want to share the story with some kindly strangers, stop by our tasting room here in Portland. We’d love to see those photos.
