I’ve got to thank Tommy Carbone for republishing Hubbard’s Guide to Moosehead Lake and Northern Maine. It’s an amazing book by Lucius Hubbard, first published in 1879. Hubbard updated and republished the book 4 times.
Hubbard really knew Maine’s north woods and his book features his hikes and paddles throughout the north woods. Thankfully, our north woods hasn’t changed much since Hubbard’s time.
Consider this quote from Hubbard: “Each renewed visit to Moosehead Lake attaches one more firmly to its magic presence and lovely views, every feature of which offers the returning traveler an indescribable welcome.” That’s still true today.
I’ve spent time in many of the places Hubbard wrote about, and it was fascinating to learn what those places were like in the 1800s, such as all the wildlife Hubbard saw including caribou.
I also appreciated all the information Carbone added to the book, with help from Fred Willcox. And the photos will put you right there in my favorite places.
Hubbard even wrote about Sourdnahunk Lake, where I have a camp, and Sourdnahunk Stream, where I spent lots of time fishing. And I especially liked Hubbard’s fishing reports, because I fished a lot of the waters he writes about.
I guarantee, if you’ve spent time in the north woods, you will love this book, but even if you haven’t, you’ll enjoy it, and you’ll probably start planning a visit there.