There’s A Hike In Maine That Leads You Straight To An Abandoned B-52 Crash
There are a number of hikes in Maine leading straight to the most beautiful places in the state. From views high above the treetops to those that go for miles across the Atlantic Ocean. While we love these hikes and recommend a ton of them, we also love the ones that lead to history. You won’t find quintessential vistas or a cool, rickety lobster shack. Instead, you’ll find a B-52 crash site in Maine that lies at the end of an easy hike. With the ability to pay homage to those who worked on behalf of America’s freedom, we think you’ll find that this is a trip worth taking.
Elephant Mountain can be found in Piscataquis County, east of Moosehead Lake and just six miles from Greenville.
The crew was in the midst of a training mission, officially referred to as a "Terrain Avoidance Flight."
The mission was intended to practice ways of getting through Advanced Capability Radar without being detected by Soviets during the Cold War.
These types of flights had been made successfully on the West Coast, but this was the first of it's type to use terrain-following radar on the East Coast.
The plane took off with two crews from Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts and two instructors based in New Mexico.
The navigator, pilot and co-pilot all ejected themselves, but the six crew members in the lower deck didn't have time to find their way out before the plane crashed on the west side of Elephant Mountain just before 3pm.
Head north on Lily Bay Road for just under 7 miles, where you'll make a right onto Prong Pond Road. From here head less than two mile and stay right when the road veers. In about 4 miles, stay right at the fork in the road. About 5.5 miles on, you'll come to a small parking lot on the left. The trail begins here.
The wreckage is strewn around the area, so plan to spend some time walking around to see everything.
For more Maine history, check out the oldest place you can possibly visit. This town everything you need – restaurants, bars and local shops – to keep busy all day!
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Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
