Hawk's Nest Lodge is a bed and breakfast located in West Forks, Maine next to the Dead River and the Kennebec River. The establishment is in a more rural location, which allows guests to utilize the many outdoor trails and participate in activities such as hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ATV riding. The business has a total of eight suites that can be reserved, with one unit, the Down River Suite, being ADA-compliant. Hawk's Nest Lodge also has a restaurant that is found on the lower level that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. The owners of the business want guests to feel comfortable during their stay and try to provide a space that is "warm and inviting."
Hawk's Nest Lodge offers eight suite-style rooms. Each unit varies in size and comes equipped with a private bathroom and shower. One accommodation that tends to be reserved more frequently is The Presidential Suite, which is the largest. It has a queen bed, a full bed, and a bunk bed. There are three rooms inside that can sleep up to six people. Another unit that tends to be more popular is The Enchanted Suite, which is considered the honeymoon suite. The Enchanted Suite can accommodate up to two people and has a private balcony that overlooks the river.
There are various common areas that visitors can spend time at during their stay. On the lower level of the lodge, one can find a restaurant that serves three meals a day and a fireplace with a seating area for guests to use. The property manager mentions that the restaurant focuses on using organic ingredients and making food from scratch. A porch, flower beds, walking trails, and ATV paths—which are more accessible during the summer months—can be found outside. During the winter, the ATV roads can be used with snowmobiles and other winter vehicles. The lodge does not offer sleds or ATVs for rent, but there are several rental companies nearby where patrons can rent some of these items temporarily.
Due to the ruralness of Hawk's Nest Lodge, there are fewer restaurants in the area. However, the business owns a restaurant where visitors can buy a variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A few dishes that are served in the morning for breakfast are eggs benedict, omelets, coffee, french toast, and pancakes. The restaurant serves chili, soup, salads, pizzas, burgers, chicken wings, pasta, and a few seafood options for lunch and dinner. They also have a kids' menu.
The owners of Hawk's Nest Lodge would like their lodge to be a "warm and inviting environment," and they want their guests to be comfortable while staying at the establishment. The owners and the manager try to create this desired atmosphere by putting a focus on their check-in process and making it easier and faster for guests to get to their rooms when they arrive. The manager mentions that they "try to make sure everything is covered as far as items patrons might need during their stay, in terms of making the experience really welcoming."
The lodge implements several policies in an effort to help guests have a comfortable stay. Quiet time begins after 10:00 p.m. each night. Smoking is prohibited inside the lodge as well as on the grounds. Patrons are not allowed to bring their pets with them when they come to the business. One of the units on the first floor, the Down River Suite, is handicap-accessible and ADA-compliant.
Many visitors have traveled through the area and stayed at Hawk's Nest Lodge. A few people have left a review of their experience and mentioned some aspects that they like, with one person noting, "The room was cozy and clean; we could step right out of our door and get a nice meal. They've got some really nice people working here and two cute dogs that may visit with you. A unique place to stay that overlooks the sleepy Dead River - a great Maine experience." The lodge is open year-round, with the exception of two months in the off-season, and caters to a variety of travelers. During the winter, snowmobile enthusiasts tend to frequent the lodge due to the trail access that connects to more extensive trails in the area. In the summer, guests come for outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting and hiking.
Hawk's Nest Lodge was established around 2003 and has since been offering units for guests to reserve. There have been updates to the business over the years, and the owners are currently working on several different projects. A few of the guestrooms will be renovated, and the owners plan to add more seating in the bar area. The manager also explains that they would like to add several more amenities for patrons to use, as well as some extended services and online packages that can be added to a reservation.
11 West Shore Road
Caratunk, Maine 04925
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Jeremy Hargraves
