Mount Chase MaineATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mount Chase, Maine.
1. Baxter State Park
WILDERNESS AND PEAKS
Baxter State Park is a pristine wilderness area located just 15 miles from Shin Pond. The park features over 215 miles of trails popular with hikers, mountain climbers, and naturalists, as well as more than 40 peaks and ridges besides Mount Katahdin. Visitors can enjoy camping at eight roadside campgrounds, two backcountry campgrounds, or numerous individual backcountry sites for backpackers.
2. BigRock Mountain
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
BigRock Mountain provides visitors with spectacular views of the surrounding Maine wilderness. The mountain offers outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing throughout the seasons. During winter months, it transforms into a popular destination for skiing and other snow activities.
3. Mount Katahdin Scenic Overlook
BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Mount Katahdin Scenic Overlook offers visitors panoramic views of Maine's highest peak. The overlook is accessible via a short walk and provides excellent photography opportunities of the majestic mountain. Visitors can enjoy the changing colors throughout the seasons, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers.
4. Mt Katahdin
MAINE'S HIGHEST PEAK
Mt Katahdin stands as Maine's tallest mountain at 5,269 feet and marks the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The mountain offers challenging hiking trails with rewarding summit views that stretch for miles across Maine's wilderness. Located within Baxter State Park, hikers must obtain permits in advance during peak season to experience this iconic Maine landmark.
5. Temple Theatre
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Temple Theatre provides cultural entertainment in a beautifully preserved historic building near Mount Chase. The venue hosts a variety of performances including films, live music, and community events throughout the year. Its charming architecture and intimate setting make it a beloved cultural institution in the region.
6. Wilderness Edge Campground
RUSTIC OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATIONS
Wilderness Edge Campground offers visitors a comfortable base to explore the natural beauty of Mount Chase and surrounding areas. The campground provides various accommodation options from tent sites to RV hookups in a serene forest setting. Guests can enjoy amenities while staying close to hiking trails and water activities in the region.
7. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
PRESERVED NATURAL LANDSCAPE
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument spans 87,563 acres of mountains and forestland in northern Penobscot County. The monument's north entrance is located just 15 miles north of Shin Pond Village, making it easily accessible for visitors to Mount Chase. Visitors can explore a section of the East Branch Penobscot River and enjoy various outdoor activities in this protected natural area.
8. Shin Pond Village
RECREATIONAL RESORT DESTINATION
Shin Pond Village serves as a recreational resort built on the former Shin Pond House site in the early 1980s by Craig and Terry Hill. The village features a general store, public laundry, public showers, campsites, guest suites, and cabins for visitors to enjoy. It provides an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions including Baxter State Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, both less than 30 miles away.
9. Mt. Chase Lodge
HISTORIC SPORTING LODGE
Mt. Chase Lodge was established in 1960 on Upper Shin Pond as a recreational sporting lodge. Since 1976, Rick and Sara Hill have operated the lodge, maintaining its tradition of outdoor recreation and hospitality. The lodge offers visitors comfortable accommodations while enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the area.
10. Driftwood Lodge and Camps
HUNTER'S PARADISE RETREAT
Driftwood Lodge and Camps is located on the east side of Upper Shin Pond, offering rustic accommodations in a picturesque setting. The property is managed by Paul and Tracy Reed and features specialized guide services for bear hunters. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful lakeside location while taking advantage of the surrounding wilderness activities.
11. Sawtelle Falls
NATURAL WATER FEATURE
Sawtelle Falls offers visitors a chance to experience one of Maine's beautiful natural water features near Mount Chase. The falls provide excellent photography opportunities and a peaceful setting for nature appreciation. Visitors can access the falls via directions available from Shin Pond Village, making it an accessible day trip for tourists staying in the area.
12. Public Beach on Lower Shin Pond
REFRESHING LAKESIDE RECREATION
The Public Beach on Lower Shin Pond provides visitors with water access for swimming and relaxation during the summer months. The beach area offers a family-friendly environment for cooling off after hiking or exploring nearby attractions. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape while taking advantage of this local recreational resource.
13. Mount Chase Trail
HISTORIC FIRE TOWER HIKE
Mount Chase Trail offers a 1.7-mile hiking experience beginning at the intersection of Mountain Road and the Shin Pond ATV Trail. From the summit, hikers can enjoy views of nearly the entire International Appalachian Trail in Maine, from Mount Katahdin to Mars Hill. The mountain was historically the site of two fire towers, with the second steel tower (built in 1917) now preserved at the Patten Lumberman's Museum after its removal in 2001.
14. Patten Lumberman's Museum
LOGGING HISTORY PRESERVED
Patten Lumberman's Museum preserves the rich history of Maine's logging industry through extensive exhibits and artifacts. The museum houses the sixteen-foot steel fire tower that once stood on Mount Chase from 1917 until its removal in 2001. Visitors can explore the evolution of logging practices and gain insight into this important aspect of Maine's cultural heritage.
15. Point-of-Pines Camps
TRADITIONAL MAINE SPORTING CAMP
Point-of-Pines Camps was created on Upper Shin Pond and historically operated by G.F. Root. In 1952, it was included in a survey of Maine wilderness sporting camps, though described as "less wilderness in concept and category." The camps continue the tradition of Maine sporting camps, offering visitors a chance to experience the region's outdoor recreational opportunities.