I grew up in the Moosehead area and know it very well. I used to see moose about every 10 feet as a…read morekid. Between what I believe to be overhunting of the moose (I am not a anti-hunt person) and diseases they have suffered such as so many of the young ones dying recently of ticks, they are far and few between. I took my Granddaughter on her first trip to Maine this past July. I knew we had a very short time there and moose were very scarce. Although I knew the area well, I had not been back to Maine in sometime. I knew the best opportunity for my granddaughter to see a moose would be a person who is very experienced in finding them, as well as being out there each and every day. I certainly chose the best guide in Amber of Moosehead area guide service. Her knowledge of the Maine woods, the Moosehead area and of the moose themselves was incredible. We had been out for a while and not seen a moose. She told my granddaughter that she had to get out of the car and do the Moose dance if she wanted to see a moose. Amber looked at me and whispered, I can see she is getting a little sleepy as we started at 4:30 AM in the morning. I thought this would give her a good break. Amber did teach the most dance. It was so funny because minutes after she taught my granddaughter how to do the Moose dance we came upon a beautiful moose. My granddaughter was so excited and I was so happy we had such a knowledgeable, kind, and sweet person as Amber. If you ever get to Maine and want to see a moose, I highly recommend booking your trip with Moosehead area, guide service and Amber. Maybe she will even teach you the most dance.

If you ever want to see a moose but also learn EVERYTHING there is to know about them, you have to…read morebook a moose tour with Moosehead Area Guide Service! I thought I loved these beautiful animals but Harold, the tour guide, surpasses my passion! He goes beyond anyone I know to explain in a detail and in a respectful way how moose live in nature to include their habitat, diet, temperament, physical features, mating season, difference between male and female moose, behavior etc. I could go on and on but you HAVE to experience this yourself! I just took my 12 yo grdson on a tour the end of July. He said it was better than Christmas! This was my 2nd time with Harold where I had taken another grdson. Both experiences unexplainable and wonderful! A memory they'll treasure forever! Call today and book a tour! You'll be so happy you did to see and learn about these amazing, magnificent animals!

This is an absolutely magical place filled without absolutely draconian rules!…read more You can maybe argue that the second thing enables the first thing but...that is not an argument I would make. I find it a bit silly that a state park in rural Maine built around a 5,000+ peak would model its park rules after Denali National Park, centered around the tallest mountain in North America. I think rules this restrictive only serve to make our parks less accessible to people who aren't affluent white liberals but...enough of my soapboxing. We came here to climb Mt Katahdin. And, for once in my life, when I say "climb", I actually mean it! We did a technical rock climbing route on the peak called "The Armadillo": https://www.mountainproject.com/route/106020335/the-armadillo We stayed at a luxurious lean-to at Chimney Pond. The rangers there were very helpful and friendly. They made the drudgery of the various oppressive rules almost...fun? I highly recommend staying at Chimney Pond yourself, climber or not. The views here feel nothing like New England. They feel more like Alaska, north of the arctic circle. Katahdin is only a little over 5,000 feet but it has big granite walls of rock unlike an other mountain in New England. (yes, including Mt Washington) My only complaint is that I got an insane amount of insect/arachnid bites on this trip. If you're staying in a lean-to, it might be helpful to have some sort of bug net! so many rules, so magical

Park was great, went on a three day two night trip. Only knock was our hike from Roaring Brook to…read moreHamlin peak and back was previously reviewed as intermediate to hard. After my trip I would absolutely say difficulty should be changed to hard to expert, the trip down from Hamlin peak was two miles down the mountain and extremely time consuming. All in all an amazing experience just be prepared for a long, challenging, but rewarding trip!

Here's the thing - I don't consider myself a fisherman but I do like fishing. I love being out on…read morethe water and enjoying nature. I love the feeling of that first bite and the thrill of fighting a big fish. What I don't like is the pressure that can come with some guided trips; to always catch more, bigger, better. Don't get me wrong, Megan will put you on fish and she is always up for intense, technical trips if that's what you are looking for. However, she is also up for more casual fishing and is forever patient. Under her guidance I caught my first fish on the fly and got to explore some of the prettiest country Maine has to offer. I would highly recommend booking a trip with Megan. No matter what your fishing style is, she can take you on a great adventure!

If I could give Megan Hess 10 stars I would. Her enthusiasm and skills are not be denied and a…read moreday of fishing with Megan is memorable. Can't wait for a spring trip for Bass Robin G Hudson NH

We went fishing with Kevin on one of his snowmoble assited ice fishing adventures. It was…read morefantastic, Kevin supplied two snowmobiles with dog sleds, bait, gear and lunch for both days. We caught a ton of fish and were chasing flags all day. Kevin is a great guide and he knew exactly how to handle the groups mixed level of fishing experiance. He helped the newbies without being overbearing and made sugestions and recomendations to the experianced guys without forcing an agenda on them. I've fished with many guides over the years and a quality guide like Kevin is tough to find. I highly recomend Kevin for your next fishing adventure.

From the owner: Registered Maine guide who runs fishing trips for brook trout, landlocked salmon and smallmouth…read morebass throughout Maine during the summer months. Trips can involve wading small streams for native trout, hiking into remote trout ponds, or floating rivers in Hyde driftboat. Also does limited number of snowmobile-assisted ice fishing trips to classic lakes in the winter. Operates a popular fly fishing school, hosts destination travel trips, and is a certified fly casting instructor. Has published dozens of articles in national magazines like Fly Fisherman, Fly Fishing, the Atlantic Salmon Journal and Outdoor Life. Also published a popular book titled, A Fisherman's Guide to Maine, which received many positive reviews and was a top-selling outdoor title for several years. Does winter talks and book signings at Sportsman Shows and events throughout New England. I really enjoy hosting families and special groups because I make fishing FUN.

Great half day trip, John put my son and grandson on fish early and often. I even caught a few for…read morethe first time in 10+ years. Weather was excellent, just enough breeze to keep the bugs away. We fed the eagles with chub, pickerel and sunfish which also fell for our bait. The doe deer we saw swimming across the river, a first for this 25 year veteran guide, was a perfect end of the day as we motored back to the boat launch. A day remembered by all aboard.

From the owner: Began with building a business, one customer at a time and now has grown considerably with a solid…read morecustomer base

We had a great time fishing on the Kennebec last weekend. It was a beautiful day - not too hot, not…read moretoo cold, and it was so relaxing drifting down the river and casting for bass. We were in two rafts - Mike and Garrett were our guides. We argued after the trip who had the better guide - both were very knowledgeable, patient, and fun. I was particularly grateful to Mike for the attention he gave my daughter - who wasn't all that sure about fishing! He made sure that she caught some fish, and helped her with how and where to cast to find fish. We shared a good laugh when a fish slipped out of her hands, right into her sweater pocket!! A great day on the Kennebec - we will definitely be back!!

From the owner: Guiding fishing trips in Western Maine. Fly fishing or spin casting, novice or expert. Trout,…read moreSalmon and smallmouth bass, full day, 1/2 day or multi day trips.

Welcome to a top Family friendly fishing lodge…read more There are private cabins, with en suite bathrooms, excellent housekeeping, a main Lodge with a beautiful dining room serving heroic portions of home made food for breakfast and dinner. The staff anticipates every need, and ensures that every guest enjoys their individualized stay. Boats my be rented but they also offer complete professional guide service with all the necessary equipment. Not to be missed by any rational adult who enjoys the outdoors and pristine wilderness (along with all the faci

A wonderful place to come for dinner! From the gracious hosts Patrick and Sandy, friendly staff,…read moredelicious dinner (Tonight's menu featured prime rib with incredible popovers) to the beautiful setting ensures we'll be coming back.

My childhood best friend and I, literally stumbled upon Rideouts August of 2025…read more Wow, we were so amazed. 1950s charm with modern anemeties. We stayed for 3 days in a Studio cottage literally on the water, grandfathered to be so close. Gas grill and picnic table and Ice, all available and free. Cabin was quite clean, we heard the loons at night. Patty and Stan are very friendly, easy going and especially accommodating. Kids were laughing, playing, swimming, fishing. Great place for family's on a budget. Lots of available kayaks and canoes. Power Boats are very well maintained, clean, reasonable rental rates. Stan and Patty make it very clear, No dogs allowed! That's ok, they are upfront with everyone. Who wants to hear barking dogs all day and night. Sooo, we going back, I just booked a full week in a cabin with a kitchen, for late June 2026. We opted out of the Meal plan, although we hear the American plan food is top notch. RIDEOUTS set us up with a Registered Maine fishing Guide, (Burt). We are so excited. I'll add a few pictures from last year (2025) June/July 2026 review to come.

I take a number of trips to Rideouts each year and I just saw the two negative reviews and feel…read morecompelled to respond. This place is a hidden gem. Stan and Patti work tirelessly to ensure everyone has a great experience whether it is a group fishing or a young family vacationing. They respond quickly to everyone's needs and concerns. The place is spotless and well maintained. I was witness to several incidents that the previous negative reviewer inaccurately described and also the damage he or his family left. They were asked to leave and the people there, including me, were glad they did. Stan and Patti have big hearts and long fuses but when people act in a manner that impacts their livelihood, property, or the experience of other vacationers, after a few warnings you are asked to leave. It is why I keep coming back and year after year and the experience keeps getting better and better. It is a hidden gem but only for those who are respectful of others. I'm heading back again in a few weeks and would recommend it to anyone.

great supply of quality flys and extremely knowledgeable and helpful owner ! Highly recommend…read morestopping in to shop and chat. It's on your way to Ashland and the entrance to NMW via 6 mile gate anyway !!!

If you love fly fishing you'll be in heaven tons of fly hooks and materials to make your own. They…read morealso have tons of Rocks and Semi precious Gems. You can spend a good amount of time in here looking at Agate's and tumbled stone of every color of the rainbow. The prices are a steal in my opinion. My hubby bought me a beautiful fluorite pendant. You could be in here for quite a while, so much to look at. I also noticed they had Llamas, goats & sheep outside. My husband's father goes here quite often and says they always have something new.

Leen's Lodge is the ultimate fishing experience! I've been with my parents, my husband and most…read morerecently with our two young children - each visit has been even better than the last (and it started out fantastic!) The cabins are so comfy and clean ~ the onsite beach is the best way to start your morning & end the day. Meals at the lodge are delicious - Scott and Kris are such wonderful hosts. We also highly recommend local fishing guides: Sue, Billy, Randy & Jessie. If you want to take your friends/family on a magical vacation - you must come to Leen's!

"If I were heading there, I wouldn't start from here." Overheard by a local resident providing…read moredirections to Leen's Lodge. And "I don't think you can get there from here" was heard by another. There's no quick way to Leen's Lodge. Ok, there is a floatplane that gets you there quickly from Bangor. But you have to get yourself to Bangor, first. Driving it's two hours from the airport. But it is worth every bit of effort to get there. Leen's Lodge is a gem on the edge pristine clear waters of West Grand Lake in the heart of the northern Maine wilderness. The lodging is rustic - it is cabins on the lake. But they are clean, quaint, and comfortable. The service and food are top-notch. The proprietors, Scott and Kris Weeks, and family, along with a few extra staff provide an experience you won't ever forget. Dinner - 5 stars. The first night I had the most amazing, perfectly seasoned, tender lamb chops with freshly baked homemade bread, wild rice, asparagus, and dessert was local blueberry pie. Other entrees included maple glazed salmon, filet mignon, and fresh Maine lobster. Breakfast - You cannot beat it. Blueberry pancakes with local maple syrup and thickly sliced bacon. My morning order "Wendy, make whatever looks good today." I was never disappointed. But you are not just coming here for the food. It's an epic outdoor experience - the quality of hunting and fishing is among the best in the world. We fished and caught as many big perch as we wanted, plenty of smallmouth bass, and even some land-locked salmon. (I won't mention that my fishing buddy hooked an eel - that did not get in the boat.) All of this with epic views while bald eagles and osprey soar overhead. The fishing guides are amazing and make the experience suitable for anyone - whether you are an accomplished angler or you've never even baited a hook, you'll find what you're looking for here. I understand the hunting is even better. When you're there, don't forget to look up at the night sky. I don't think I have ever seen the stars so bright. I am counting the days until I can return to Leen's Lodge.