Cook Memorial State Park wilderness guide
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 60 miles.

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, Maine
⌖ 5.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greenville, Maine

Greenville offers everything for the nature lover: from hiking lush trails and paddling tranquil waters, to thrilling snowmobile rides and serene moose watching.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Rockwood, Maine
⌖ 12.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rockwood, Maine

Rockwood, Maine offers an unspoiled wilderness playground where hiking, canoeing, fishing, and snowmobiling thrive year-round. This quaint town is the perfect base to embrace Moosehead Lake’s vast forests, rugged mountains, and serene waters.

Late Spring through Early Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for snowmobiling and skiing
Explore Town
Monson, Maine
⌖ 17.86 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Monson, Maine

Monson, Maine is a remote outdoor hub on the edge of vast wilderness. It offers hikers, paddlers, fishermen, and winter adventurers access to rugged trails, pristine rivers, and quiet forests year-round.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Baxter State Park Community, Maine
⌖ 19.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Baxter State Park Community, Maine

Baxter State Park Community is the gateway to Maine’s wildest landscapes, centered around Mount Katahdin. It offers hiking, paddling, and winter sports in a pristine, rugged setting perfect for adventure seekers craving solitude.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Baxter State Park, Maine
⌖ 19.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Baxter State Park, Maine

Baxter State Park is Maine’s vast wilderness playground centered around Mount Katahdin. It offers rugged hiking, quiet backcountry camping, and pristine lakes for paddling, perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and stunning landscapes.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
The Forks, Maine
⌖ 23.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

The Forks, Maine

The Forks, Maine is a thrilling destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Dive into whitewater rafting the Kennebec, explore scenic hiking trails, or hit the snowmobile paths in this remote, adventure-filled town.

Summer and Early Fall
Explore 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.

Kennebec Full River Trip: Run New England’s High-Volume Gorge
ADVEXPEDITION
Bingham, Maine
Boat TourADV Bookable

Kennebec Full River Trip: Run New England’s High-Volume Gorge

A daily guided whitewater run from Bingham that delivers guaranteed dam-release Class III–IV rapids, on-river gear and transport, and a riverside lunch—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip