Up in Maine, they have good snow coverage on most of the 45 miles of trails operated and maintained by Maine Huts and Trails and the best of it is in the Carrabassett Valley close to the alpine skiing of Sugarloaf. They are a good choice for a President’s Week getaway vacation.
Lodging, meals and a system of trails
Maine Huts and trails is a system of three huts and 45 miles of linking trails through the Maine woods. One of the huts is on Flagstaff lake, another on the Dead River, below Grand Falls and the third is near Poplar Stream Falls. All of the huts accommodate overnight guests and offer breakfasts, trail lunches and dinners in comfortable and convivial surroundings close to the best of nature. They also have showers and the chance to meet and get to know other outdoor sportsmen.
Late winter outdoor options for singles or couples
During winter they offer some of the best snowshoeing and Nordic (cross-country) skiing in the east. Skiers and snowshoers can opt for a one night trip in to one hut only or to make this a three night trip making the rounds of all three huts. This is also a good place to keep in mind all year as well. They operate as a hiking venue during the summer and their proximity to the Dead River makes them popular with fishermen (and fisherwomen). Another option, especially for anyone not sure of their endurance, is to plan to spend two night in the same hut, venturing out during the day to explore trails close to the host hut.
Inexpensive getaway rates
Rates at the huts are inexpensive and start at around $79 per person per night for non-members ($11 less per night for members) for shared quarters and includes breakfast and dinner and, of course, use of the trails and facilities. Lunch at the hut or a trail lunch is an additional cost, around $10. Gear transfer (so you don’t have to schlep it on the trail yourself) is also available for a mere $20 per bag. Reservations are highly suggested, you would not want to hike in to a hut and find that there is no bed in the hut. Base memberships are only $35 for individuals and $65 for a family membership so the cost of a membership could be recouped very fast.
Getting to Maine Huts and Trails
From the greater Boston area get onto I-95 north and head through Portsmouth New hampshire into Maine. The Maine Huts and Trails website has good directions from the maine Turnpike (I-95) to their main offices in Kingfield, Maine.
Comments