Mount Chase, Maine, is a remote yet welcoming small town in northern Penobscot County, known as a gateway to Baxter State Park, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, and the vast North Maine Woods. Surrounded by forests, lakes, and rugged trails, Mount Chase offers visitors unparalleled opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and paddling, all while enjoying the serenity of Maine’s true backcountry.
How Mount Chase Got Its Name
Incorporated in 1864, Mount Chase was named after the prominent mountain in the area, which early settlers used as a natural landmark. The region’s rich logging and trapping heritage shaped its early economy, and today Mount Chase continues to embrace its tradition of outdoor adventure, rugged living, and close-knit community spirit.
Top Things to Do in and Around Mount Chase, Maine
Mount Chase is an adventure lover’s paradise, offering direct access to some of Maine’s wildest and most scenic areas:
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Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument – Hiking, paddling, wildlife watching, and scenic drives.
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Baxter State Park (Northern Gate) – Explore Mount Katahdin, Maine’s tallest peak, and countless wilderness trails.
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Mount Chase Trail – Hike to the summit for panoramic views of Katahdin, Traveler Mountain, and the North Maine Woods.
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Seboeis River – Canoeing, kayaking, and fly-fishing in pristine waters.
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Shin Pond Village – Lakeside recreation, kayaking, fishing, and snowmobiling base.
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Snowmobiling on ITS Trail System – Mount Chase is a hub for some of Maine’s best snowmobiling trails.
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ATV Trail Riding – Explore vast trail networks and remote backcountry routes.
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Bird and Moose Watching – Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in the surrounding woods and wetlands.
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Allagash Wilderness Waterway Access – For experienced paddlers seeking Maine’s legendary canoe routes.
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Ice Fishing on Shin Pond.
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Camping and rustic cabin retreats in the surrounding North Maine Woods.
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Scenic Photography and Stargazing – Mount Chase offers some of Maine’s darkest skies.
Answers to the Top Search Queries About Mount Chase, Maine
Where is Mount Chase, Maine located?
Mount Chase is located in northern Penobscot County, approximately 90 miles north of Bangor, along Route 159, near the northern entrance to Baxter State Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
What is Mount Chase, Maine known for?
Mount Chase is known for its outdoor recreation, direct access to Baxter State Park and Katahdin Woods, snowmobiling, ATV riding, and as a wilderness gateway to the North Maine Woods.
What is the population of Mount Chase, Maine?
According to the most recent census, Mount Chase has a population of approximately 180 residents, offering true small-town and wilderness seclusion.
Is Mount Chase, Maine a good place to visit?
Yes, Mount Chase is ideal for those seeking wilderness experiences, hiking, paddling, snowmobiling, hunting, and remote camping adventures.
What outdoor activities are popular in Mount Chase, Maine?
Hiking, snowmobiling, ATV riding, hunting, fishing, paddling, wildlife watching, camping, and photography.
Where can I stay in Mount Chase, Maine?
Lodging includes rustic cabins, campgrounds, and lodges in Mount Chase, such as Shin Pond Village, with more options in Patten and Millinocket.
Where can I eat in Mount Chase, Maine?
Dining options include Shin Pond Village Restaurant, with more restaurants and pubs located in Patten and Millinocket.
Is Mount Chase family-friendly?
Yes, Mount Chase is great for families seeking outdoor adventures, snowmobiling trips, cabin getaways, and learning about Maine’s wilderness heritage.
What is Mount Chase’s zip code?
Mount Chase’s zip code is 04765.
Does Mount Chase have direct lake or river access?
Yes, Shin Pond and the Seboeis River are within or near Mount Chase, offering excellent paddling, fishing, and lakefront recreation.
Lodging & Dining in and Near Mount Chase, Maine
Lodging:
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Shin Pond Village Lodging & Cabins (Mount Chase).
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Mt. Chase Lodge (Mount Chase).
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Bowlin Camps (remote lodge experience on the East Branch of the Penobscot River).
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Katahdin Valley Motel (Patten).
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Campgrounds and rustic cabins within the North Maine Woods.
Dining:
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Shin Pond Village Restaurant (Mount Chase).
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Craig’s Clam Shop (Patten).
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Hang Wong Restaurant (Medway).
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River Drivers Restaurant & Pub (Millinocket).
Census Snapshot
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Population: Approximately 180 residents.
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Median household income: Around $47,000.
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Land area: About 41.4 square miles, featuring forests, lakes, rivers, and rugged mountains.
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Primary industries: Outdoor recreation, lodging, small businesses, forestry, and guiding services for hunters, anglers, and paddlers exploring the North Maine Woods.
Summary: Mount Chase, Maine – Where Wilderness Begins and Adventure Never Ends
Mount Chase, Maine, is a wilderness town where outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, and rugged charm come together at the doorstep of Baxter State Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Whether you’re climbing Mount Katahdin, snowmobiling legendary trails, fishing Shin Pond, or exploring remote canoe routes, Mount Chase offers visitors an authentic Maine wilderness experience with the comforts of small-town hospitality.
For hikers, paddlers, snowmobilers, hunters, and families seeking off-the-grid adventures, Mount Chase is the perfect launchpad to explore Maine’s wild and unforgettable North Woods.