History Guide
The B-52 Crash Site Memorial
A somber hike on Elephant Mountain to the preserved wreckage of a Cold War bomber.
Deep in the woods near Greenville lies a tragic piece of Cold War history. On January 24, 1963, a US Air Force B-52C Stratofortress on a training mission encountered severe turbulence and crashed into the side of Elephant Mountain.
Seven crew members died. Two survived a night in the frozen wilderness before being rescued.
The Site Today
The crash site has been preserved as a memorial. It is a “no harvest zone” for loggers.
- The Wreckage: The debris is largely untouched. You can see the massive tail section (still green with camouflage paint), landing gear, fuselage sections, and twisted metal scattered through the trees.
- The Hike: A short, flat trail (about 0.5 miles) leads from the parking area to the debris field.
- Respect: This is a grave site. Visitors are asked to treat it with reverence and not remove any pieces of the wreckage.
Getting There
- The Road: Access is via a logging road (Prong Pond Road) outside Greenville. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, though cars can make it if they drive slowly.
- Directions: From Greenville, head north on Lily Bay Road, turn right on Prong Pond Road, and follow signs for the “B-52 Memorial.”
It is a haunting, powerful experience that contrasts the peaceful beauty of the Maine woods with the violence of the crash.