Mainepedia
Shirley, Maine

Shirley, Maine

Quiet Moosehead Lake gateway south of Greenville

Overview

Just south of Greenville, Shirley offers a quieter base for Moosehead Lake adventures. Camp roads lead to ponds and bogs where moose feed at dawn, and ITS corridors carry sleds toward Monson, Abbot, and Greenville. The village itself remains small and wooded.

Key Facts

Population 240
Region Maine Highlands
County Piscataquis
Founded 1834
Nearest City Greenville (10 minutes)

What Shirley Is Known For

Shirley Local Highlights

Moose watching
Shirley Bog is a well-known dawn and dusk viewing spot.
Trail access
Snowmobile and ATV routes link to Greenville and Monson.
Camp life
Remote ponds and cabins sit a few miles off Route 15.

Things to Do

1
Scout Shirley Bog
Watch quietly for moose along pullouts and logging roads.
2
Ride to Moosehead
Use ITS 85/86 toward Greenville’s trail hub.
3
Paddle remote ponds
Carry a canoe into small waters for trout fishing and solitude.

Living in Shirley

Sparse services in town; groceries, fuel, and restaurants are in Greenville or Monson. Residents rely on wood heat, plowed dirt roads, and generators at remote camps.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Mild, 65-78 F

winter

Cold and snowy, -5 to 20 F

spring

Cool, 35-55 F with mud season

fall

Crisp, 40-58 F and peak foliage

How to Get There

Follow Route 15 north from Monson or south from Greenville; Bangor is about 1 hour 20 minutes via Route 15 and I-95.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Shirley outline

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shirley known for?

Shirley is known for Shirley Bog, a well-known moose watching spot at dawn and dusk, ITS trail access toward Greenville and Monson, and remote camp roads leading to ponds where anglers find solitude.

How far is Shirley from Greenville?

Shirley is about 10 minutes from Greenville on Route 15. Bangor is about 1 hour 20 minutes via Route 15 and I-95.

What outdoor activities are available in Shirley?

Shirley offers moose watching at Shirley Bog along pullouts and logging roads, snowmobiling and ATV riding on ITS 85/86 toward Greenville's trail hub, and paddling remote ponds with a canoe for trout fishing and solitude.