B-52 Memorial — Attraction in Bowdoin College Grant West Township

Maine’s most popular military aircraft crash site. Visiting this memorial was a very somber experience. During a training mission a B-52C bomber crashed here on Elephant Mountain in 1963. The yellow signage is easy to follow along the dirt road leading to the free parking area. From the parking area it’s a very short walk (literally just a few minutes) into the actual crash site; containing lots of large and small pieces of aircraft debris. I noticed numerous pieces from the B-52 that are now suspended up above the forest floor, by the trees that have grown into those aircraft parts. The book “Final Mission” included in my photos is a great read honoring this military crew; with a detailed timeline and explanation of events. Visiting this memorial is free to the public. Use caution while driving these dirt roads during logging activities. Logging trucks have the right of way and it’s advised you pull over while a logging truck is...

Only recommend for able-bodied people. My mother wanted to come here in the worst way. The place GPS brought us was a mile and four tenths from the crash site. If you have the right route, there's a parking area and porta potties right next to the entrance. My mom had to abort and was supposed to wait for me. She decided to return to my car. Her rollator broke(both wheels)and she fell. Thankfully, she was uninjured! I share this to caution people to consider their level of physical fitness.

On to the memorial; Well worth the effort to see. A very sober reminder that freedom isn't free. I was fortunate that 3 retired Air Force members had come along and I had the benefit of their insights. Shout out to David, Bill, and Curt. I was grateful for their fellowship...

Very surreal experience that I would strongly recommend you visit if in the area. I've been here several times at different times of the year, and with different vehicles, and this is what I've learned. Best time to visit? Late spring or anytime in the summer. Once the leaves start falling and snow covers, you'll be missing a lot. I've driven to this site off Lily Bay Road in a sedan, minivan, large SUV and Jeep. Definitely recommend the latter. You can traverse it in a sedan or minivan but you'll be driving at 2 mph for a while trying not to have one of the large rocks in the road slice through your oil pan. Use caution and don't think you're getting up there at 30 mph. Often the logging trucks are coming through and they are on the job...