Summer & Fall
at Mt. Chase Lodge
Mt. Chase Lodge is ideally located near the northern entrance of Baxter State Park, offering easy access to one of Maine’s most iconic wilderness areas—without the crowds often found farther south near Mount Katahdin. It is a great starting point for exploring remote trails, scenic drives, and quiet backcountry landscapes.
Just a short drive away, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument adds even more opportunity for adventure, with miles of hiking and biking trails, paddling routes, wildlife viewing, and some of the darkest night skies in the eastern United States.
From hiking and paddling to wildlife watching and foliage drives, there is no shortage of ways to experience the North Woods. However you choose to spend your time, it is easy to slow down, unplug, and take in the pace of this part of Maine.
Hiking & Exploring
Explore quiet, uncrowded trails that wind through remote forests and rugged terrain. Whether you are hiking in Baxter State Park, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, or nearby backcountry areas, it is common to spend hours without seeing another person.
Cell service is limited in most areas, so planning ahead is essential. Be sure to bring a map, water, snacks, and extra layers. Let us know your plans before heading out—we are always happy to help you prepare and point you in the right direction.
Moose & Wildlife
Join a Registered Maine Guide for a private Moose & Wildlife Tour and experience the North Woods up close. These guided trips are offered on select mornings throughout the summer and provide a great opportunity to explore remote areas with someone who knows where to look.
It is a relaxed, informative outing and one of the best ways to increase your chances of spotting wildlife while learning more about the region. You may also choose to explore on your own, and we are happy to provide you with ideas of places to visit.
Mt. Katahdin Scenic Flights
Floatplane tours over Baxter State Park
Take to the skies and explore Mt. Katahdin and Baxter State Park from above on a scenic floatplane flight departing from Lower Shin Pond. You’ll take in sweeping views of the Knife Edge, glacial basins, remote lakes, and miles of untouched forest.
Flights are $305 per person with a two-person minimum and are perfect for couples, families, and small groups. Each flight is arranged in advance through Mt. Chase Lodge, making it easy to plan a seamless and unforgettable experience during your stay.
Fishing
Fishing is a big part of the experience at Mt. Chase Lodge. Upper Shin Pond and the surrounding waters offer opportunities to catch brook trout, landlocked salmon, and other native species in a quiet, uncrowded setting.
Guests can cast right from shore, head out by canoe or kayak, or explore nearby lakes, ponds, and remote streams throughout the region. Whether you prefer a relaxed evening on the water or a full day of exploring new spots, there is plenty of variety close by.
For those looking to make the most of their time, guided fishing trips are available through experienced local Registered Maine Guides. We are happy to help coordinate options and point you toward productive waters based on current conditions.
On the Water
One of the highlights of staying at the lodge is getting out on the water. Guests have free access to canoes and kayaks for use on Upper Shin Pond, making it easy to paddle whenever the mood strikes.
The calm water is ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Early mornings and evenings are especially peaceful, with frequent wildlife sightings and the sound of loons echoing across the lake.
If you prefer to explore beyond the pond, there are plenty of nearby lakes and streams. Need equipment? We can point you to local rental options—just be sure you have a way to transport them.
Guided Outdoor Experiences
Enhance your stay with a guided trip tailored to your interests. Whether you’re new to the area or looking to deepen your experience, our guided outings offer local knowledge of a Registered Maine Guide and access to the best spots.
- Guided fishing and Fly Fishing instruction
- Moose Watching Tours
- Wildlife and birding trips
- Seasonal availability
Maine's Dark Skies
International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Far from city lights, the Katahdin region offers some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi. At Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, a designated Dark Sky Sanctuary, the Milky Way shines vividly overhead. Visit Katahdin Woods and Waters and stargaze or enjoy a stunning night sky right outside your cabin door.
Bird Watching
The Katahdin region offers a unique mix of habitats, from lakes and wetlands to dense spruce forests and higher elevation terrain. This diversity attracts a wide range of bird species, many of which are uncommon elsewhere in the United States.
Loons, ducks, and other waterfowl are often seen right on the pond, while nearby forests provide habitat for species like the Boreal Chickadee, Bicknell’s Thrush, Spruce Grouse, and Black-backed Woodpecker. Whether you are an avid birder or just getting started, there is plenty to discover.
Fall Foliage
Fall in Northern Maine is something special. As temperatures cool, the forests come alive with deep reds, bright oranges, and golden yellows. Peak foliage typically arrives in late September and early October, drawing visitors from all over.
Take it in from a trail, a bike ride, or a scenic drive through the surrounding hills and valleys. After a full day outside, come back to the lodge for a warm meal and a cozy evening by the fire.
Biking
There is a growing network of trails in the area, offering everything from single track riding to more relaxed gravel routes. Through our partnership with Katahdin Area Trails, guests can enjoy access to non-motorized trails right from the property.
For a day trip, head toward Katahdin Woods & Waters, Peavey Brook Outdoor Center, or the Penobscot River Trails, where you will find miles of scenic riding. It is a great way to see more of the region on two wheels.
ATVing
With direct access to a well-maintained trail system, ATV riders can head out right from the lodge. Routes range from short scenic rides to full-day adventures through the North Woods.
Ride to scenic viewpoints like Roberts Mountain or explore longer routes that take you deep into the surrounding landscape. There is ample space for trailer parking, and if you need a machine, we can connect you with nearby rentals.
History
The North Woods of Maine are rooted in a long tradition of logging, guiding, and a life shaped by the land. For generations, these forests supported working camps and river drives, where crews moved timber through remote terrain and down winding waterways.
That history is preserved and brought to life at the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, where visitors can explore original equipment, camp buildings, and stories from the region’s logging era. It offers a close look at the people and work that defined this part of Maine.
Nearby Destinations
Visit Baxter State Park
The North gate to Baxter State Park is located just 15 miles from Mt. Chase Lodge. In addition to Mt. Katahdin there are over 40 peaks and ridges in the park. The trail system features over 215 miles of trails popular with hikers, mountain climbers and naturalists. You will also find many spectacular rivers, streams, and ponds for canoeing, fishing and swimming.
Baxter State Park
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Katahdin Woods & Waters
Spread across a wild landscape offering spectacular views of Mount Katahdin, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument invites discovery of its rivers, streams, woods, flora, fauna, geology, and the night skies. All of the monument lands border the eastern side of Baxter State Park and the North Entrance is located just down the road from us here at Mt Chase Lodge.
Katahdin Woods & Waters
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Penobscot River Trails
Penobscot River Trails are a newly-developed trail system alongside the East Branch of the Penobscot River. They have 15 miles of biking trails surfaced with crushed gravel. They also offer mountain bike, snowshoe, and x-country ski rentals, with two warming huts and visitor’s center. In the winter, trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing with designated snowshoe trails.
Penobscot River Trails
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