THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
State Park · Maine

Cook Memorial State Park

Cook Memorial State Park offers diverse outdoor recreation on the scenic northern shore of Moosehead Lake, featuring hiking trails, camping, boating, and access to pristine woodlands and shorelines.

State Park1,0004+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Cook Memorial State Park

Cook Memorial State Park offers diverse outdoor recreation on the scenic northern shore of Moosehead Lake, featuring hiking trails, camping, boating, and access to pristine woodlands and shorelines.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Cook Memorial State Park, located on the northern shore of Moosehead Lake in Maine, provides visitors with a rich outdoor experience amid the scenic landscapes of the region. The park spans varied terrain including forested areas, rocky shorelines, and wetlands, creating habitat for diverse wildlife such as loons, deer, and moose. Established to honor George W. Cook, a celebrated local outdoorsman and conservationist, the park has become a favored destination for families and nature lovers looking to explore the northern Maine wilderness. Recreational opportunities include hiking on well-maintained trails offering lake views, camping at a developed campground with access to the water, and boat launching for fishing and paddle sports. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, picnicking, and in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The park features notable landmarks such as scenic overlooks of Moosehead Lake, quiet coves ideal for paddling, and forest stands dominated by spruce, pine, and hardwood species. The park’s proximity to the town of Greenville allows for convenient access to amenities while retaining a peaceful atmosphere. Whether seeking active outdoor pursuits or tranquil natural settings, Cook Memorial State Park provides a gateway into Maine’s vast wilderness and the iconic Moosehead Lake region.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Cook Memorial State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Ski & Snowboard at Nashoba Valley Ski Area★ 6.5⌖ 6 miSnowboarding
Boston

Ski & Snowboard at Nashoba Valley Ski Area

Experience skiing and snowboarding at Nashoba Valley Ski Area, just 40 minutes from Boston. With slopes for all skill levels and night riding options, it's an accessible winter sports destination. Perfect for beginners and those seeking a vibrant local community.

SnowboardingView Details→
Moosehead Lake★ 8.5⌖ 9 miBoating
Moosehead Lake

Moosehead Lake

Explore Moosehead Lake in Northwest Piscataquis, Maine. Engage in boating, hiking, and moose watching. Visit nearby Mount Kineo for scenic views. Best accessed via boat, this remote location is ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty, perfect in summer.

Canyon and Waterfall Adventure at Gulf Hagas Trailhead★ 8.2⌖ 11 miHiking
Gulf Hagas Trailhead

Canyon and Waterfall Adventure at Gulf Hagas Trailhead

Explore the Gulf Hagas Trailhead near Monson, Maine, offering a roughly 6-mile moderate hike with dramatic gorge views and seven waterfalls. Ideal in late spring or early fall, activities include hiking, photography, wildlife observation, and swimming in natural pools. Prepare for rugged, wet terrain and fewer crowds.

Waterfall Wonder: Little Wilson Falls★ 7.8⌖ 12 miHiking
Little Wilson Falls

Waterfall Wonder: Little Wilson Falls

Explore Little Wilson Falls, featuring a dramatic 40-foot waterfall tucked along the Appalachian Trail near Monson, ME. Best visited in spring or fall, it offers a picturesque setting for hiking and photography. The area is accessible via a short hike and provides a tranquil wilderness experience.

Moxie Falls★ 8.5⌖ 21 miHiking
Moxie Falls

Moxie Falls

Explore Moxie Falls, a 1.2-mile easy trail in West Forks, Maine, featuring a stunning 90-foot waterfall. Popular for hiking, photography, and wildlife watching, it's a great family-friendly outing, especially in spring and fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Scenic overlook of Moosehead Lake providing panoramic views✦ Moosehead Lake shoreline with opportunities for fishing and paddling✦ Diverse forest habitat supporting native wildlife including loons and deer✦ Quiet backcountry trails ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Cook Memorial State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Cook Memorial State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Cook Memorial State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee applies for day use; camping requires reservation and fee; no special permits required for entry.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Cook Memorial State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Cook Memorial Campground

Located within the park adjacent to Moosehead Lake; features tent and RV sites with water access and restroom facilities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Cook Memorial State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Greenville
⌖ 5.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greenville, Maine

A serene gateway to the Maine Highlands offering remote wilderness experiences and outdoor adventures in every season.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Rockwood
⌖ 12.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rockwood, Maine

A rustic gateway to the rugged wilderness of Maine, offering remote waterways, dense forests, and quiet mountain trails for authentic year-round outdoor adventure.

Late Spring through Early Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for snowmobiling and skiingExplore Town
Monson
⌖ 17.86 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Monson, Maine

A remote gateway to vast wilderness offering rugged hiking, paddling, fishing, and winter sports in the heart of Maine’s forested mountains and rivers.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Baxter State Park
⌖ 19.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Baxter State Park, Maine

A rugged wilderness park offering remote hiking, challenging climbs, pristine lakes, and untouched forests for true outdoor enthusiasts.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Baxter State Park Community
⌖ 19.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Baxter State Park Community, Maine

A remote gateway community combining rugged wilderness access with small-town hospitality on the edge of Maine’s most iconic wilderness.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
The Forks Plantation
⌖ 23.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

The Forks Plantation, Maine

A rugged, tranquil wilderness gateway known for its pristine rivers and vast forestlands perfect for multi-season outdoor pursuits.

Late Spring through Fall for paddling and fishing; Winter for snowmobilingExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Cook Memorial State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Thoreau Wabanaki Cruise on Moosehead Lake: Penobscot Stories and Birch Bark Canoe DemonstrationGreenville, Maine · 5.35 mi away
On the Water· Katahdin Cruises & Moosehead Marine Museum

Thoreau Wabanaki Cruise on Moosehead Lake: Penobscot Stories and Birch Bark Canoe Demonstration

Board the Katahdin on Moosehead Lake for a three-hour cultural cruise led by Penobscot historian James E. Francis, Sr. and canoe builder Jason Pardilla—an immersive kickoff to the Thoreau‑Wabanaki Trail Festival that blends storytelling, birch bark canoe craftsmanship, and lake-side wildlife viewing.

3 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.