Mount Kineo

Mount Kineo is a mountain that rises 800 feet (244 m) from Moosehead Lake, creating a bold landmark in the landscape. One side features steep rocky cliffs, while the other side slopes more gently beneath a cover of maple and birch trees.

A large hotel was built on the shoreline in 1848 and rebuilt several times, eventually becoming one of America's biggest inland waterfront hotels by the 1880s. The hotel eventually closed and no longer stands today.

Native peoples traveled far across the region to gather rhyolite from this mountain, shaping the volcanic rock into tools and hunting equipment. The stone was so valued that people came from distant areas to find it and trade.

Access to this location requires a boat journey across Moosehead Lake from the town of Rockwood, with regular shuttle services available during summer months. Weather on the lake can change quickly, so it is wise to bring layers and check conditions before departing.

This peak holds one of North America's largest formations of rhyolite, with cliffs dropping nearly straight down over 200 meters into the lake below. The sheer size and rarity of this volcanic rock deposit set it apart from other mountains in the region.

Location: Maine

GPS coordinates: 45.69977,-69.73380

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:56