The waters off Maine’s vast coastline are complemented by over 6,000 lakes and ponds. They’re found throughout the state, providing access to one wherever you travel.
Among them are Maine’s largest lakes, known to be vast and deep. They create their own weather systems and are home to award-winning fish. Plus, each is distinctive on its own, just as you’re about to read.
Exploring Maine’s largest lakes is one step in picking spots for year-round adventures. That’s right! Think of each as an outdoor playground, even during the winter months. At any time of year, you can be on or by the lake all day, then settle in by a fire well into the evening.
Map of Maine Lakes
Here is a map of the largest lakes in Maine.
Moosehead Lake
When someone in Maine refers to “Moosehead,” it’s pretty certain they’re talking about Moosehead Lake.
This impressive Piscataquis County lake is about 40 miles by 10, with 280 miles of shoreline. These weave around the lake’s 80 islands and numerous coves. The surface area of 120 square miles is about 75,000 acres.
Moosehead is the second largest lake in New England, and has the distinction of being the largest mountain lake in the eastern U.S. It has a surface elevation that tops 1,000 feet, while its maximum depth is 246 feet.
All of that makes for good fishing, flying in via seaplane, or cruising for hours by boat or snowmobile. You’re sure to see Mount Kineo, a geological masterpiece with cliffs that top 700 feet.
You can explore the lake’s vast waters and wilderness setting while staying at Lily Bay State Park. There are tent and RV sites, and a boat launch that’s also available for day use.
There are other boat launches around Moosehead, one being in Greenville, the hub of activity at the lake’s southern tip.
Shoreline Guide: Moosehead Lake
State Survey Map: Moosehead Lake
Sebago Lake
Sebago is a lake of surprising depth, coming in at 316 feet, giving it the distinction of being the deepest lake in New England. Sebago is in Cumberland County, with its southern most access point a mere ½-hour from Portland.
The lake is 14 miles long, with a surface of almost 30,000 acres, and a 105-mile shoreline. Another interesting point is that Sebago provides drinking water for a sixth of Maine’s populace.
There are two public hard boat launches, one in Casco and another in Raymond that features two lanes.
These, and private launches in campgrounds, give you access to tour, fish, and swim in the lake. Remember too, Sebago is rich with year-round activities and places to rent for a few days or longer. You’ll find everything from cabins to multi-level country homes.
Casco is also home to Sebago Lake State Park with both day-use section and camping areas. You can head here to picnic or swim.
There are other beaches, including a public one located in Raymond on Rt. 302; Tassel Top, also in Raymond, charges a fee; and there’s an admittance fee for Nason’s Beach & Campground in Sebago.
Chesuncook Lake
Chesuncook Lake is in Piscataquis County. Its size was created in the early 20th century by damming four lakes, some streams, and a river for hydro-electric production.
Doing so created a body of freshwater with a surface area of over 25,000 acres. The lake’s perimeter is 22 miles with a maximum depth of 150 feet.
The dam that created Chesuncook was built at the northern end of the Ripogenus Gorge, creating a large reservoir. While that in itself is impressive, it’s the gorge that’s a wonder to behold. Sure, you’re not paddling down its rapids, though that’s an option during ‘releases’ that literally fuel doing so with downstream whitewater rafting outfits.
Chesuncook is part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail that spans four northeastern states and Quebec. The lake is west of Baxter State Park with a magnificent view of Katahdin, both storied destinations.
These settings are part of Henry David Thoreau’s Maine Woods. As one, Chesuncook is a place for a tranquil getaway, or wild and wooly whitewater adventures. Hmmm, why not both?
State Survey Map: Chesuncook Lake
You’ll find the boat launch at the lake’s southern end at coordinates 45.88210 -69.23430.
Pemadumcook Chain of Lakes
This unique chain is sometimes overlooked as being one of Maine’s largest lakes. As the saying goes, perspective is everything! This magnificent body of connected lakes is southeast of Chesuncook, and just west of Millinocket, the area’s enduring municipality.
This lake chain is also known as Ambajejus Lake, with its full volume being comprised of Elbow, North Twin, and South Twin Lakes, in addition to Pemadumcook.
The chain encompasses over 18,000 surface acres that extend 14 miles. The maximum depth is 101 feet, with a 65-mile shoreline. One important distinction is that this lake chain’s water comes from three different systems, making it a powerful player in the region’s ecology.
State Survey Map: Pemadumcook Chain of Lakes
Boat launches are found at coordinates 45.72888 -68.83895 on Ambajejus, and at 45.60102 -68.82066 on South Twin Lake.
Flagstaff Lake
This ‘Upcountry’ man-made lake encompasses 20,300 acres of water surface with a maximum depth of 50 feet. The lake’s maximum depth is 50 feet, with the average being 18.
Be aware that droughts can limit full access to the lake’s surface. Don’t let that deter you, because the views of the Bigelow Range from here are breathtaking.
Up this way, you’ll also find the Appalachian Trail and The Maine Huts and Trails Flagstaff Hut.
Combining this with what you read about the Northern Forest Canoe Trail makes this lake a made-to-order outdoor destination. Flagstaff’s historical distinction is associated with the 1949 damming of the Dead River.
That event, planned for harnessing water’s power, displaced a number of northern Franklin and Somerset Counties’ residents.
The hard-surfaced boat launch in Eustis is ADA accessible and located at 25 Norway Lane, off Rt. 27. Although you may choose to ply Flagstaff’s waters by motor, the real feat is doing so by kayak or canoe. After all, this lake’s setting is like stepping back in time.
State Survey Map: Flagstaff Lake
Mooselookmeguntic Lake
It’s easy to love this western Maine lake located in northern Franklin and Oxford Counties. The lake’s surface is over 1400 feet above sea level. Its 16,300-acre surface stretches out over a shore length encompassing 57 miles.
The lake’s depth averages 60 feet, with a maximum depth of 132 feet. The beauty of the area is accentuated by mountains in the 3,000 to 4,000 foot range, and more large lakes.
Mooselookmeguntic is west of the four-season destination of Rangeley where arts mix with outdoor activities. One quick access onto the lake is in the village of Oquossoc at the Haines Landing Boat Launch.
A barrier free boat launch is across the lake at the Upper Dam section of Richardson Township. That is the closer launch to the Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve, a place to go for wilderness camping.
As in, real wilderness, including island sites, the chance to bring your dog, swim, and enjoy overnights or a day visit.
State Survey Map: Mooselookmeguntic Lake
East Grand Lake
This Aroostook County lake’s 16,000-acre surface is the setting of an international border between the U.S. and Canada.
On the U.S. side, the lake sits in Washington and Aroostook Counties, and in York County on the Canadian side. East Grand Lake’s maximum depth is 128 feet with a perimeter of almost 80 miles, covering its 22-mile length.
This lake is heralded as a great fishing spot. The boat launch is in Weston at the end of the Butterfield Landing Road.
As you travel along Rt. 1, you’ll come across a couple of scenic overlooks, letting you take in the lake’s vast expanse. You’ll also find campgrounds and lodging for next winter’s snowmobile trip to East Grand Lake.
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