moose watching tours in vermont

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Many people who visit this area hope to be able to spot a moose while they are here.  To help you in your wildlife viewing effort we have created a moose viewing map.  The map denotes areas that have been frequently visited by moose. It is important to realize that there are a few things to consider as you head out on your moose viewing adventure as follows:

•  You are most likely to see a moose at dusk, dawn or directly preceding or following those timeframes.
• Keep your eyes open for muddy, bog-like areas along the roadside.  These areas are often created by frequent visits by moose.
• The eyes of a moose will not reflect like those of a deer in your vehicle headlights.  This makes them very difficult to spot alongside, and more importantly, in the roadway.  Please drive slowly and with caution.
• If you do spot a moose please be sure to keep a safe and respectful distance.   Moose are much faster than their appearance may cause you to think.  They can cover a sizable distance in a remarkably short time.  Moose have few natural predators and, as such, are comfortable being aggressive if they feel threatened.  Cows with young and males during the rutting season (fall) can be particularly aggressive if pressed.

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3 Unforgettable Moose-Watching Spots in the North Country

In preparation for the upcoming only-in-New-England Moose Festival this August 27-28, we have put together a list of the top places to go moose-watching in the North Country. Break out your binoculars and your wide-angle cameras, and plan to check out these moose hangout spots on your trip up to the Moose Festival!

Moose Alley: Pittsburg, NH

The famed “Moose Alley” is actually a 12-mile stretch of road and woods surrounding the Daniel Webster Highway (US Route 3)  north of Pittsburg, NH to the US-Canada border.

Visitors are warned to drive carefully, as moose cross the road at all times of the day and can become confused when trying to find their ways back into the woods. Much of the woods along Moose Alley is extremely dense, making it difficult for these large and somewhat ungainly creatures to get through. It is not uncommon to see a moose circling along the road in attempt to find its way back home.

Right off the north shore of First Connecticut Lake, Moose Alley is definitely renowned as one of the best places in the country to see moose, but you might have to put some thought into it. Certain times of day (dawn and dusk) and of the year (early spring and late fall) are better than others for moose-sighting. 

If you are planning a moose-watching excursion, you might want to brush up on your moose knowledge. Did you know…

• Moose are technically part of the deer family
• Moose can grow as tall as 6.5 feet from hoof to shoulder and weigh as much as 1,600 pounds!
• Moose ‘hoof it’ for the roads in early spring to lick the salt left behind by melting snows
• Moose can be very unpredictable, and at times aggressive (particularly when guarding their young)
• Moose can run at a speed of up to 35 miles per hour, 4 times the speed of a human!
• Sometimes moose watching can keep you out late into the night and just like fishing, it gets you out of bed bright and early. Luckily, there are several places to stay to make your home base for any North Country adventure. 

Route 26, Dixville Notch, NH

The 11 miles along Route 26 between Errol, NH and Dixville Notch State Park is another stretch of road in wooded forestland that provide great odds at seeing moose. It is also part of the 90-mile Cultural Byway between Gorham, NH and Pittsburg, NH known as the “Moose Trail Path.”

Dixville Notch State Park is a beautiful northern section of the White Mountains with multiple pull-offs and hikes to rivers, waterfalls , gorges, and scenic overlooks.

If you don’t have much luck with Route 26 or if you want to extend your moose-watching excursion, try the 15-mile stretch along Route 16 between Errol, NH and the Pontook Reservoir. The road follows Bear Brook of the Androscoggin River. Swampy, marshy backwaters along the river provide some of the best spots for possible moose congregations. You can also head west on 26 to Colebrook, and the Connecticut River.

While moose-sighting is not a consistent or guaranteed endeavor (they are wild animals), there are a few tips and tricks that will help you increase your odds of catching a glimpse.

• Take a quiet drive just before dawn or for the hour around sunset
• Look for muddy, wet “wallows” on the side of the road. Often time, you can see tracks and paths created by the moose
• Lurk at a quiet wallow or roadside pull-off, preferably where other cars are not stationed. Noise will scare them away!

Take An Adventure Into The Wild – Go With The Pros

Family riding the trails

The moose are out there, even if you’re having trouble sighting them on your first few tries. There are miles and miles of wooded forest for them to tromp through (including some locals’ back yards) so your mileage may vary, especially if you are taking off on your own. 

When you really want to see a moose though (and let’s face it, who doesn’t want to see the tallest animal in North America?) you might want to call the professionals. Consider renting some ATVs and hiring a guide, local guides can lead you and your family to all the best moose-sighting spots in the region!

Bear Rock Adventures is a family-oriented business in Pittsburgh, NH providing rentals and guides in ATV-country in the Great North Woods of New Hampshire. They have been riding along these trails for years, so you can rest assured that they are experts on the very best places to go for scenic views and wildlife spotting in the North Country.

The Moose Festival takes place the weekend before Labor Day in Colebrook, NH & Canaan, VT. It is the place to be for horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, moose chili, an outdoor crafts fair, classic car show, moose-calling competition, and – of course – everything moose!

Take a jaunt through classic New England Americana festivities, then hop aboard a moose-sighting express! After all, it’s not every day that you see either (or both) of these national treasures!

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Moose-Watching Advice | How, When & Where to Spot a Moose in New England

Where do moose live? What’s the best way to see a moose? Here’s some moose-watching advice from regional experts on how to spot one of these iconic animals for yourself.

By Yankee Magazine

Aug 26 2022

Moose Heading to Mount Washington

Moose are more than mere players in New England’s ecosystem; in terms of tourism, they’re a star attraction. Where do moose live? What’s the best way to see a moose? Here’s some moose-watching advice from regional experts on how to spot one of these iconic animals for yourself.

New England Moose-Watching Advice The Animal That People Want to See the Most

• Moose-watching is best done by car —just don’t stop too close to them or get out of the vehicle. Remember: These are wild animals and always should be treated with respect and caution.
• The best time for moose-watching is in mid-May through July, when they move into open wetlands to feed. Like most members of the deer family, moose are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and twilight.
• Keep your eyes peeled for bogs and wetlands, where moose tend to hang out. They’re also drawn to salt licks, which is why many prime moose-spotting routes have areas where road salt runoff has built up.
• If you’re hoping to spot a moose in  New Hampshire , try looking along Route 16 north of Milan; Route 26 east of Dixville Notch; Route 112 east from Lincoln to Bear Notch Road; and Route 110 north of Berlin to Route 110A.
• For moose in  Vermont , you may have luck on Route 114 in Canaan and East Burke; Route 105 from Island Pond to Canaan; and the viewing platform at Route 105 and Notch Pond Road in North Brunswick.
• How about where to see moose in Maine ? The moose population in Maine is among the biggest in the U.S., which means this state has entire regions worth checking out: Western Lakes and Mountains, Kennebec Valley, Maine Highlands, and Aroostook County.
• And of course you can always rely on professional tour guides , such as Gorham Moose Tours in Gorham, NH ( gorhammoosetours.org ), and Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville, ME ( maineoutfitter.com ).

Research by Heather Tourgee. Sources: Wendy Bolduc, Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; Susan Warner, Vermont Fish and Wildlife; Katelyn White, NH Grand

Yankee Magazine

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Best moose viewing? - Vermont Forum

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Best moose viewing?

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Can you give me some tips for best moose viewing in Vermont?

It's not easy for the casual tourist to see a moose in Vermont. You need lots of time and lots of patience and a bit of luck.

Moose like wet, boggy land in very out of the way places.

I've had my best roadside sightings in the early morning and around dusk.

The rural northeast is some of the best territory for moose.

You have to keep a sharp eye out. They blend into the landscape pretty darned well for such huge animals. It helps if you have passengers who are also looking.

Watch for them in the road. If you hit them with your car , you'll be lucky to get out alive.

I've seen quite a few moose this summer already. That's quite uncommon. I usually see about one a year.

For someone visiting for a week or two, it really isn't worthwhile to go out and search specifically for moose (unless you're on a hunting trip ... then get a guide with an atv). I know people that have lived here for years and never seen one.

Good tips thanks!

We've seen them twice (if memory serves) over the 30 years I've been here. Both times were in Underhill, on Pleasant Valley Rd. So... agree with the above posts.... Don't bother planning your trip around the slim chance of seeing moose! :)

We've had pretty good luck seeing them at Ricker Pond State Park in the Northeast Kingdom (Groton), up at the dam around sunset. Sometimes you don't see anything but a bump in the water, and then up comes a moose. We caught one on video once. We often ran across their scat during hikes at Peacham Bog.

I was astonished to discover at the Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury that they can dive up to 12 feet deep to get tender plants that grow at the bottom of ponds. Imagine going for a swim and having a moose come up from underneath you!

The trails around Mt. Worchester are also popular spots to see 'em (rarely... as always).

Thanks all! Yeah. We spent a week all over Alaska and saw none.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Vermont Hotels and Places to Stay

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1322 U.S. Route 2

Randolph NH 03593

(603) 466-2191

Join us as we take you on a 3 hour tour (yes, just like Gilligan’s Island) in one of our comfortable tour buses.  Enjoy a moose / wildlife tour on the North Country's longest-running tour with experienced wildlife guides that know just where to search and find MOOSE!

It is illegal to shine lights in order to spot moose or other animals, but we have permission from the state of NH, so our buses are equipped with spot lights to find and view MOOSE after dark.  Night time is the ideal time to view moose, but also the most dangerous as they blend in with their surroundings and dark backgrounds.  That’s why we recommend letting us do the driving and searching for you!

When possible and safe, we allow visitors to disembark the bus and get a closer look at these beautiful animals.  Our success rate for 2013 was 96% and in one tour we were fortunate to see 23 MOOSE!  Our tours run from the end of May until the end of September in order to increase our chances of seeing our wonder friends, the MOOSE.

Please understand that MOOSE like all animals can be unpredictable and there is no guarantee of seeing a moose, but we will make every effort to make your trip enjoyable!

Mount Jefferson View is not affiliated with, maintained by, or in any way officially connected with Gorham, NH Moose Tours or any of its business units.

Where (and How) to Spot a Moose (Responsibly)

Our favorite spots to peep New England's most charismatic megafauna — and get in some outdoor adventure while we're at it.

By Megan Michelson

Certainly, you want to see a moose. They’re the tallest mammals in North America, totemic of New England, and magnificent to behold. But tracking one down isn’t easy. Even though they’re huge — a bull moose can be about 6 feet tall and weigh well over 1,000 pounds — they’re surprisingly stealthy and don’t usually travel in a herd. Moose are most active at sunup and sundown, and you’ll likely find them wading in muddy bogs, marshes, and near wetlands.

If you’re lucky enough to spot one, remember: keep a safe distance, stay quiet, and try to stay out of sight. “More often than not, most people will encounter moose in a vehicle. Pull over, give the moose space,” says Steven Tatko, the Appalachian Mountain Club ’s director of Maine conservation and land management and a frequent moose spotter. “Moose are not aggressive, but they are easily spooked.” Here are the prime places to start your search — in Maine and across the Northeast — depending on how you like to spend your time.

Best for Hikers Baxter State Park, Maine

While you’re looking for moose at Baxter State Park , you can also top out on Maine’s highest peak, 5,267-foot Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, or hike any of the park’s more than 220 miles of trails. Baxter is known as a breeding ground for moose, the official state mammal, so look out for them in the fall near wetlands along the Russell Pond Trail. Or get a “moose pass” at Togue Pond Gatehouse , 17 miles northwest of Millinocket, to take the quick, 1.5-mile round-trip hike into Sandy Stream Pond, though note that rangers limit the number of visitors to reduce crowds. Campsites in the park open in July, and visitors must make reservations online or by phone.

Best for Mountain Bikers Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

Most of Vermont’s moose population resides in the marshy forests of the state’s Northeast Kingdom . If you’re on a quest for moose, start at Brighton State Park , just outside the town of Island Pond, where you can pitch a tent at one of 54 tent sites or bed down at 23 lean-tos on the shores of Spectacle Pond. From there, kayak, paddleboard, or canoe the pond, or walk the park’s short hiking trails in search of moose. The Kingdom Trails — a haven for mountain bikers with 100-plus-miles of tracks — is a half-hour south and has reopened to in-state and out-of-state riders who have self-quarantined for 14 days (check out the COVID-19 restrictions here ). If you want to stay in your car, Route 105 from Island Pond to Bloomfield has a moose-viewing platform along the way.

Best for Whitewater Rafters U.S. Route 201, Maine

Maine’s Kennebec Valley is flush with moose. If you time it right — dawn or dusk in the late summer or early fall — you’ve got a good chance of seeing one. The historic scenic byway of U.S. Route 201, called the Old Canada Road, covers 78 miles from Fairfield to the Canadian border. Along the way, make a stopover at the Forks, the confluence of the Kennebec and Dead Rivers that’s famed for its whitewater rafting. Camping and cabin rentals at Northern Outdoors , an adventure base camp located downriver, are restricted to residents of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont through June 26, along with private RV parks and campgrounds in the area.

Best for Road Trippers Route 3, New Hampshire

You’ll see signs along the northernmost section of Route 3 reminding you to “Brake for moose.” And for good reason: this stretch of roadway, nicknamed Moose Alley, has a thriving population of them and is popular with car-bound sightseers. From the Granite State’s most northerly town, Pittsburg, at the headwaters of the Connecticut River, drive north toward Canada. Be sure to take it slowly so you don’t miss them. This vast corner of the Great North Woods region is teeming with moose. As of mid-June, state park and private campgrounds are currently restricted to residents.

Best for Anglers Quabbin Reservoir, Massachusetts

Moose reside in select locations in western and central Massachusetts, but the woodlands and ponds around Quabbin Reservoir , 40 miles northeast of Springfield, might be your best bet. The reservoir, which holds hundreds of billions of gallons of water, is a main drinking supply for many residents in eastern Massachusetts. Hiking trails around the reservoir vary in length and start at designated gates, fishing is permitted with a valid fishing license, and the bird-watching is stellar here, too. As of July 1, private and state campgrounds are opening on a case-by-case basis , so be sure to check with individual sites for the latest status.

Best for Paddlers Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Maine & Saint Regis Canoe Area, New York

It’s not uncommon to count moose in the dozens during a few days paddling along the 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway . The marshy bits of the waterway’s 40 or so lakes and ponds offer some of New England’s best habitat for not only moose, but beaver, muskrat, and waterfowl too. The Allagash remains open, with dozens of riverside, first-come-first-serve campsites; paddlers pay overnight fees at staffed checkpoints before putting in. And while New York is outside of New England, moose are making a comeback in the northern Adirondacks . The best place to spot them is within the 8,400-acre Saint Regis Canoe Area , New York’s only designated canoe wilderness. With 26 miles of hiking trails and more than 20 ponds, you’ll paddle from lake to lake with short portages in between, then pitch a tent at one of 70 designated primitive camping sites along the waterfront. While the Department of Environmental Conservation has suspended overnight camping on certain state lands and backcountry permits for more than ten people, Saint Regis Canoe Area remains open to visitors. Just be sure to monitor the official site for changes.

This story was produced in partnership with Outside magazine. Read more from our Complete Guide to an Outdoor New England Summer !

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Beat the heat on a summer’s day with a Birches Resort Moose Safari shuttle aboard The Discovery

Summer is prime moose-watching season, when cows and their newborn calves feed by the lake and in nearby streams.  Our specially trained wilderness guides will bring you to moose feeding grounds by pontoon boat. Once there, we’ll turn off our engines and watch moose and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Before the end of the excursion, we’ll head to Mount Kineo to see its 800 foot cliffs. Don’t forget your camera!

Moose and Wildlife Safaris depart daily from The Birches Resort marina, and we require a six-person minimum (unless otherwise stated upon reserving).  This popular trip books quickly.  For reservations and to confirm departure times call us at 800-825-9453 . No pets please.

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Where to Spot Moose around New England This Fall

From “Moose Alley” in northern New Hampshire to the Quabbin Reservoir right here in Massachusetts, here’s where to look for the majestic mammal.

From day trips to weekend getaways, our biweekly Traveler newsletter shows you the best of New England and beyond.

A moose crosses a New Hampshire river in the fall. / Photo by Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

From the hard-shelled lobster to the eastern chipmunk, New England is a kingdom of creatures great and small. But few of them are as mighty and mythic as the moose. Bill Bryson, author of A Walk in the Woods , once wrote that “a moose is a cow drawn by a three-year-old,” and when you behold one of these antlered behemoths in the flesh, it can feel like meeting a visitor from another dimension.

There’s just one problem. Moose are famously elusive, hidden in the vast woods and wetlands where they munch on bark, leaves, and grasses. But fall offers a unique window for moose sightings. Mating season runs from mid-September through late October, and during this time, moose are more active and prone to making appearances on roads and trails. So set your GPS for these four New England moose zones, and remember the following moose-spotting safety tenets: Leave your dog at home, keep your distance if a moose emerges from the trees nearby, and if you see a moose while driving on the road, yield to the big, old quadruped!

Moose Alley

Pittsburg, NH

The Great North Woods of far northern New Hampshire—beyond the White Mountains!—are a rustling realm of birch and pine timberlands: perfect for any moose seeking peace and quiet. The town of Pittsburg is the last outpost you’ll hit before reaching the Canadian border, but the final 12-mile stretch of Rt. 3 has emerged as its own destination. The remote country road is nicknamed “ Moose Alley ” due to the frequency with which drivers have spotted moose while traversing the road. Moose lumber out of the mixed deciduous and boreal woods so regularly that you’ll notice other drivers taking it slower than usual. This is always a smart idea when passing through any territory with its fair share of antlered denizens. (Lest we forget, moose are big .) Your drive will take you past the Connecticut Lakes and gentle trails like the Falls In The River Trail , which will allow you to walk even deeper into Moose Alley.

Island Pond

Island Pond, VT

Labyrinthine dirt roads, mossy bogs, and evergreen forests are scenic cornerstones of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom—the least populated corner of the Green Mountain State and a hotbed of hoofs and antlers (relatively speaking, given the rarity of moose appearances). While “The Kingdom” offers many villages that can serve as your moose-spotting basecamp, consider Island Pond for the following reasons. The town is located next door to the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge at Nulhegan Basin, where you can explore more than 26,000 acres of forest, peatlands, and shrub swamps on trails and gravel roads until mid-December. Soggy clearings in woodlands are a reliable chilling venue for moose, and once you’ve scoured the refuge, consider the nearby Moose Bog Trail for an enchanting boardwalk stroll through a black spruce bog. And as you head toward Island Pond for nourishing grub, try swinging through Brighton State Park , where flat trails offer primo access to Spectacle Pond.

Quabbin Reservoir

New Englanders tend to think of moose as creatures of the north, but in fact, they routinely make their way across the hills and hollows of Massachusetts. Just ask the residents of Wellesley, where one seriously intrepid moose was spotted in 2012. But generally speaking, your best bet for sighting a moose in the Bay State will be the muddy shores and lonesome woods of the Quabbin Reservoir . A slow drive along the scenic roads encircling the nearly 120,000-acre watershed could yield a sudden glimpse of matted fur and twisted antlers. Try Rt. 122 on the north shore—which offers direct access to the lakeside Federated Women’s Club State Forest —or take Rt. 9 into the town of Ware. Here you can get closer to the water by following the footpaths and bike trails at Quabbin Park , which will take you into serene waterfront territory like Hank’s Meadow and to more dramatic sights like the Enfield Lookout . (The latter is named for one of the towns that was flooded to create the reservoir.)

Maine Wildlife Park

99.9% of the time, there are no guarantees when it comes to moose-spotting in New England. The lone exception is Maine Wildlife Park , where state game wardens and biologists oversee a wooded sanctuary for animals that cannot be returned to the wild due to medical needs and injuries. Unsurprisingly, moose are the star residents here, but the park also offers the chance to observe and admire wildlife wonders like the Canada lynx, the porcupine, the black bear, and the great horned owl. There’s also an onsite fish hatchery where thousands of Maine brook trout are raised from egg to adulthood through the year. But whichever path you choose to follow through the park, odds are that the pinnacle of your visit will be a very special moment with a very large moose. Bear in mind, the park’s visitor season ends on November 11, so you’ll want to head north before winter encases inner Maine in ice.

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Moose: Tips and tricks on where to find the biggest, coolest animals in Vermont

Who doesn't love a moose? Mooses? Meese? (The latter two being bastardizations of the plural for these monsters of the deer family. For those wondering, the Algonquian word is categorized by grammar-types who talk about these sorts of things as an unmarked plural — it's a herd of M-O-O-S-E.)

If you have ever spotted one on the side of the road while driving, or while hiking through the woods of the Green Mountain state, you know just how thrilling it can be. It is hard to appreciate just how big and beautiful they are until you see one in person.

RELATED: Brainworm infection implicated in moose drowning

If you have never seen a moose before, but are looking to try and find one, we've got you covered. We talked with Cedric Alexander, a wildlife biologist and moose project leader with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, who shared some tips that may help you spot one in Vermont. 

A few dozen years ago or so, moose were extinct from Vermont . Now, Alexander estimates there are roughly 1,650 moose in the the state. He saw his first in 1979. 

Much of Vermont's moose population is located in Essex Country. Go out hiking, and you may see one. 

MORE: A moose about town (when one roamed Burlington and Winooski in 2014)

The best time to spot a moose, Alexander said, is right after the snow melts, at salt licks on the side of the road. 

In the summer months, moose are commonly found near wetlands, feasting on underwater vegetation.

Regardless of season, the early morning and early evening, when moose are out eating, is the ideal time to go looking. 

"It is very safe," Alexander said when asked whether folks should go out to try and spot a moose. 

Here are some tips: 

• Stay upwind so they can't smell you.
• Stay quiet. 
• Once they notice you're a human, a moose will want to put some distance between themselves and you. Try and stay out of sight. 

Recent sightings? 

Alexander said the best person to ask is your local game warden, or folks who live in the area. Here are some recent moose sightings we found on social media! 

The Quiet Destination.

Three season lodging on the shores of international lake wallace, vermont’s ‘northeast kingdom’.

Contact us for availability! [email protected] 802-266-3360 Canaan, Vermont 05903

Jackson’s Lodge and Log Cabin Village

Jackson’s Lodge and Log Cabin Village is a destination of going-back-in-time to a Vermont lakeside resort built in the 1920s.  A restful experience where you can disconnect, find peacefulness, and enjoy our natural environment – quiet roads & trails, pristine lakes & rivers, sandy beach, moose, eagles & loons, amazing sunsets over the lake, enchanting beach-side campfires, and brilliant star-gazing.

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Our guests are always sharing photos, videos and kind words of their time at Jackson’s Lodge. We want to share those with you.

A wonderful getaway..

We loved our recent stay at Jackson’s Lodge, right on the water of Wallace Pond, and right beside the border of two countries! The cabin was welcoming and comfortable, stocked with everything we needed to prepare the food we brought with us.  The cabins are well-built and well-maintained, a living testament to a bygone era of Vermont history.

TEN STARS if there were such!

I would rate Jackson’s Lodge TEN STARS if there were such a rating. For the last three or so years now, I have had the pleasure of staying at Jackson’s Lodge as a staff volunteer supporting the VT Trout Camp for Teens, sponsored by Vermont Trout Unlimited, an organization of fly-fishers, dedicated to conserving and protecting cold-water streams and fostering conservation among young people. 

Like a Bing Crosby Movie!

We had the best time! Peace and quiet surronds you. If you love the outdoors anything from water sports, fishing and hunting it is at your finger tips! The Jackson family made us dinner just to make everyone feel at home. The cabins were as if we lived there not missing anything. Every detail was looked after!  The lodge is unreal like a Bing Crosby movie!  Ask Gloria to give you a tour!!!!! It is very hard to find places like this these days. You will remember your stay forever!

Bird Hunting Trip at Jackson’s Lodge

Headed to the NEK for an annual grouse hunting trip with some buddies. Cabin was well appointed, comfortable and very clean. The proprietors, Mark and Gloria, clearly take pride in their lodge, and the comfort of their guests. They were readily available to fulfill any needs, be it a hot cup of coffee, charcoal for the grill, or directions to a “birdy” ridge.

Beautiful Sunsets!

I just spent the weekend at Jackson’s Lodge for a family wedding. The setting is peaceful and very clean. The owners truly take care in keeping up with the property and they are very accommodating and friendly. All of the cabins are unique and adorable. My family is already planning our next vacation there!

Our New Annual Tradition!

My husband and I stayed at Jackson’s lodge for our moose hunting honeymoon last Octo ber. (Yes, I said moose hunting and honeymoon in the same sentence!)… We had the time of our life at the best place in VT’s only remaining true wilderness area.

Mud season is here! Protect the trails we all love by sticking to open, dry areas. Learn more!  

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Moose Bog Trail

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Description

The Moose Bog Trail heads into the woods along a mainly flat ridge. The compacted-rock dust trail is 3+ feet wide and has resting areas along the way. Above Moose Bog, the trail turns left to descend two switchbacks down to the bog. The trail then follows a boardwalk to an accessible wildlife viewing platform with views over the bog.

The trail travels through boreal spruce-fir forest with opportunities to see and hear many northern species of birds and other wildlife. 

Other Information

The Moose Bog Trail is in the Wenlock Wildlife Management Area, part of the 22,000+ acre West Mountain Area system. Along with the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge just to the north, these areas provide large tracts habitat for many wildlife species including species rare to Vermont. 

Please note that all dogs must be kept on leash. The Moose Bog area is one of the only places in Vermont to find the Endangered ground-nesting Spruce Grouse. Any disturbance of Spruce Grouse by unleashed dogs would violate state Endangered Species laws and could be subject to fines.

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For more information, visit Vermont Fish and Wildlife online or contact:

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Trailhead Information

From Island Pond, head east on VT-103 for 9.3 miles. Turn right on South America Pond Road. The trailhead is on the right after a tenth of a mile.

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Moose Watching & Moose Safaris

Want to spot a moose in the wild we can help..

Be the moose. Feel like a moose. Know intimately the life of a moose. AND take lots of awesome photos so you can post them on social!

The search for Moosehead’s most famous resident -the moose- is on, and yes, they are bigger than you thought they would be! Maine is one of the few states with a thriving moose population, and in the Moosehead Lake Region, the moose outnumber people three to one!

Moose prefer solitude and deep woods cover in their habitat, so it is no surprise that the Moosehead Lake region has been claimed as home by these elusive animals for years. 

An intricate network of abandoned woods roads provides countless opportunities to spot moose throughout all four seasons and professional guide services offer unsurpassed access to the mooses’ deepest woods territory. 

Moose Facts

• The Maine state mammal’s size is both impressive and intimidating by any measure. A fully grown male moose, called a bull, can reach 6 ft. in height at the shoulder and can weigh upwards of 1400 lbs. 
• They enjoy dining on aquatic plants in the summer months and tree bark, leaves, and balsam fir in the cooler seasons. 
• While clumsy in appearance, moose can run at speeds of 35 mph and can swim over 10 miles at a time. 
• The best times of day to see moose are early in the morning or at dusk, while the best time of year is from mid-spring through late June. 
• The flap of skin under a moose’s throat is called a bell. 
• Moose have no top front teeth. 
• In the Moosehead Lake Region, moose outnumber people 3 to 1. 
• Only male moose grow antlers, which they shed in early winter and re-grow during the year. The main function of antlers is for display during the mating season. 
• The first law to protect moose was passed in 1930. 
• After their first calf, moose quite often have twins. 
• Moose can only see about 25 feet. 
• Moose prefer shady, wet areas such as bogs and marshes. 
• After dark, moose are very hard to spot standing on the road high above vehicle headlights. Always remain alert when driving at night. A moose encounter can result in great damage to vehicles and passengers. 

Popular Moose Hangouts 

• Department of Transportation Garage (DOT) –  Shirley  – Head south approximately 2.9 miles from the Visitor’s Center and on your right is one of the best places for sighting moose in the area. If heading north towards Greenville, as you drive through Shirley, be sure to look for the DOT sign, moose will often be seen directly across the street. 
• Lily Bay Road –  Kokadjo  – Take a scenic drive to Kokadjo, a small community north of Greenville. Stay on Lily Bay Road for approximately 20 miles and keep your eyes open for moose along the way. 
• Lazy Tom Bog –  Kokadjo  – Head to Lazy Tom Bog by continuing 1.5 miles past the bridge. Stay to your left, then take the intersection to the left and continue half a mile to the bridge that crosses Lazy Tom Stream. 
• Rt. 6/15 North –  Rockwood/Jackman  – After leaving Greenville you’ll find approximately 20 miles of the North Woods of Maine before you reach the village of Rockwood. Moose are often seen along the roadside, so keep your eyes peeled. Another 20+ miles of woods separate Rockwood from Jackman and moose sightings are frequent along this stretch of the main road leading to Canada. 

Photos provided by Northeast Whitewater

Check out these businesses while exploring the area

Northwoods Outfitters

Wilsons on Moosehead Lake Cabins and Guide Service

Currier’s Flying Service, Inc.

Northeast Whitewater

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Contact us here to learn how you can add your listing to the website and stay up to date with the latest opportunities in the region!

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Kelly’s Landing Restaurant & Lodging

Abbot Trailside Lodging

Northern Light C.A. Dean Hospital

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Gorham, New Hampshire Moose Tours

The north country's longest-running moose and wildlife tour.

Join us as we take you on an unforgettable 3-4 hour tour in one of our comfortable tour buses with experienced wildlife guides that know just where to search and find Moose! Moose Tour tickets are now on sale for May through September 2024.

An Experience to Remember...

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93-97% Moose Tour Success Rate

Is it your first time taking a Gorham Moose Tour? Browse through our list of frequently asked questions for information regarding what to expect, tour dates and times, policies, where to park, and more…

Give the Gift of a Moose Tour!

Gorham Moose Tours make an amazing gift for friends or family! Seeing your first moose can be such an exciting experience, but we also understand the dangers about being in an area you’re not familiar with after dark. Let us do the driving and searching for you!

Keep in touch with our seasonal "Got Moose?" Gorham Moose Tours newsletter.

Gorham parks & recreation department.

33 Exchange Street Gorham, NH 03581

(603) 466-2101

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