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If you haven’t spent time in Greenville, Maine and it’s surrounding areas you are missing out. On a trip north to Greenville in June our family explored the B52 Crash Site and learned a lot at this hidden gem of a local spot.
When you find the trail after the slight nausea settles you aren’t quite sure what to expect. The logging roads aren’t kind to car sick tummies! You step forward on the trail that looks like most other trails then you notice something ahead. Is it a piece of metal? Did someone leave trash next to the trail? Oh there is more. There is a tire!
The B-52 Crash site in Greenville is a different sort of destination. It’s part memorial and part hiking trail. As you walk along the trail there are American flags dotting the woods and the bits of the debris get larger. Some on the ground, some wedged between split trees. At the main part of the memorial you see the shell of the fuselage and a plaque dedicated to those who perished in the crash. It is eerie, solemn, and intriguing all at the same time.
There are placards with more information about the crew and events of that day in January. 9 crew members took off from Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts for a training mission. They met turbulent weather in Western Maine that lead to a structure failure and caused the bomber tail to be torn off. The Captain ordered the crew to abandon the B-52C. 15 minutes from town center of Greenville you can easily miss the turn off on to Prong Pond Road. You may pass trucks full to the brim of logs as the roads to the site are active logging roads. The owner of the roads added signage and encouraging guests to respect the roads, trail and memorial.
While at the Indian Hill Trading Post I spotted this book, Final Mission- The North Woods, which chronicles the events of the the cold day in January in 1963. I look forward to learning the story from the perspective of the survivors and the families of those who were lost in the tragedy.
If you are visiting Northern Maine this is a great spot to visit and learn about. This location is often visited by hikers in Spring, Summer and Fall and snowmobile riders through the winter months. Piscataquis County offers breathtaking views from Elephant Mountain while you are visiting the area.
Such an interesting place, a great stop for plane enthusiasts!
This looks like a great way to do something different for a family outing. You did an amazing job painting a picture with your descriptions!
This looks so interesting. What a great way to get exercise while learning some history. My son would think this is super cool.