Maine Mountain Trail Tells Story of 1963 B-52 Tragedy

There's a hike in northwestern Maine that has intrigued me for a long time. It’s not because of its difficulty or its connection to a larger trail network.

This hike doubles as a somber history lesson. It leads to the B-52 Stratofortress crash site on Elephant Mountain in Piscataquis County.

What’s the Story Behind the Elephant Mountain B-52 Crash?

In January 1963, a B-52 took off from Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts on a training flight. While flying at low altitude over Maine, the crew encountered severe turbulence, and the aircraft broke apart mid-flight.

Erin via Facebook

Six crew members went down with the plane. Another died after ejecting. Two crew members survived the freezing night and were rescued the following day.

The debris field spans several acres on the southern slope of Elephant Mountain. Much of the wreckage remains in place, with the plane’s vertical stabilizer located over a mile from the main site.

The Crash Site Is Now a Memorial for All to Visit and Remember the Victims

The hike has become a very popular one. Located about 15 miles from downtown Greenville, it's relatively easy to find and access—depending on the time of year and road conditions.

While pieces of the plane were once removed, they have since been returned to serve as a memorial to those who lost their lives. Visitors are strongly encouraged to leave everything as they find it. It’s important to remain respectful of this living monument.

Erin via Facebook

Below are some powerful images from the site. Thanks to Erin from Norway, we can see the debris field and better understand how moving the memorial truly is.

Erin also suggested bringing an American flag if you decide to visit. Many visitors leave flags in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Thank you to Erin for allowing us to tell this part of history with her powerful images. And thank you to all who serve and have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The B-52 Memorial Site of Maine's Elephant Mountain

Just south of Moosehead Lake lies a memorial that some may not know about. The memorial is a short hike in, right on the southern slope of Elephant Mountain in Piscataquis County.

The memorial is the crash site of a B-52 Stratofortress that went down on a training mission in 1963.

The site is now a popular hiking destination for folks to learn of its history and to pay respect to the seven men who lost their lives that fateful day.

A thank you to Erin from Norway, who took these very powerful images of the site, and allowing us to tell the story through her work.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka