🌲 Visiting Maine’s B-52 Crash Site Memorial: A Powerful Hike into History Near Moosehead Lake

By Gerry Caron | August 7, 2025

A Cold War Landmark Hidden in the Maine North Woods

Deep within the rugged wilderness of the Moosehead Lake Region lies one of the most sobering and historic landmarks in the Northeast. The B-52 Stratofortress Crash Site Memorial on Elephant Mountain, just outside Greenville, Maine, serves as a powerful tribute to the lives lost during a 1963 military tragedy.

Whether you are arriving by ATV, snowmobile, or on foot, this easy 0.4-mile trail offers a rare, immersive look into Cold War history, where the wreckage remains exactly where it fell over six decades ago.

The Tragedy of 1963: A Story of Survival and Sacrifice

On January 24, 1963, a U.S. Air Force B-52C Stratofortress out of Westover Air Force Base encountered extreme low-altitude turbulence over the mountains of western Maine. The structural stress caused the vertical stabilizer to shear off, sending the massive bomber into an uncontrollable dive.

The Miracle and the Loss: Of the nine crew members on board, only two survived a night in the sub-zero Maine winter:

• Lt. Col. Dante E. Bulli (Pilot): Survived a harrowing parachute landing and a night in sub-zero temperatures.

• Capt. Gerald J. Adler (Navigator): Achieved the impossible by surviving an ejection without a functioning parachute, landing upright in a deep snowbank despite critical injuries.

Today, the sprawling debris field serves as a silent graveyard and a protected memorial for the seven airmen who did not return.

What to Expect on the B-52 Memorial Trail

Located just 15 minutes from downtown Greenville, the site is accessible via the B-52 Crash Site Trail. As you enter the woods, the atmosphere shifts to one of quiet reverence.

• Distance: 0.4 miles round-trip

• Difficulty: Easy (family and pet friendly)

• The Sights: Twisted aluminum fuselages, massive engine components, and the famous black Monson slate memorial inscribed with the names of the fallen.

• Conservation Note: The site is a “no-harvest zone” protected by Weyerhaeuser. Strict Rule: Look but do not touch. Removing wreckage is illegal and disrespectful to the memorial.

How to Get There: Adventure via Land or Trail

The journey to Elephant Mountain is part of the experience. The rugged 8-mile gravel stretch on Prong Pond Road (off Lily Bay Road) is accessible by:

1. Hiking/SUV: Best during dry conditions from late spring through late fall.

2. ATVing: A premier stop on the regional summer trail maps.

3. Snowmobiling: A must-visit winter destination via the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club trail system.

📍 Trailhead Coordinates: View on Google Maps

Plan Your Moosehead Lake Adventure

The B-52 Memorial is just the beginning. The Greenville and Rockwood areas offer a four-season playground for every type of traveler:

• Outdoor Thrills: World-class ATV & Snowmobile Trails.

• Nature: Moose Safaris, hidden waterfalls, and bird watching.

• Scenic Views: Seaplane flights over Mt. Kineo and boat tours of Maine’s largest lake.

Where to Stay: Your Adventure Basecamp

For the ultimate North Woods experience, stay at Moose River Lookout in Rockwood. Nestled on the Moose River with direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails, this premium vacation rental features:

• Private Dock on the river (minutes from the lake).

• 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths (Sleeps 7).

• High-End Amenities: Free WiFi, Backup Generator, and trailer-friendly parking.

Book Your Stay:

• Website: Moose River Lookout

• Phone: 800-544-0300

• Email: [email protected]

• Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd, Rockwood, ME 04478

Visit the B-52 Memorial this season to honor a hidden chapter of American history and experience the haunting beauty of the Maine wilderness.