Over the next several years, Maine Huts & Trails has plans to significantly add to the mountain biking opportunities along our system. We envision offering mountain bikers a wide array of trails: from short, easy riding along our hut access roads and other dirt roads to technical single track deep in the backcountry. Riders will eventually be able to ride for several days along a variety of trails, staying overnight at the Maine Huts. Much work remains to bring the opportunities to the level we would like to provide, but riders are already finding some great riding along and proximal to the MH&T system. Here is some information that should help you enjoy a safe and enjoyable riding experience at Maine Huts & Trails.
- Please adhere to posted signage along the system indicating areas open/appropriate for biking and those that are closed to bikes.
- Control your bike and ride responsibly.
- Always yield. Hikers have the right of way. When approaching from the rear, slow down and announce your presence. Pass slowly and safely.
- Please dismount and walk (or carry) your bike through wet areas
- When riding on gravel roads, use caution and watch for oncoming vehicles.
- Generally, and unless posted otherwise, trails are open for riding from mid-June to late- October.
Carrabassett Valley existing mountain bike trails in relation to the Maine Hut Trail (MAP)
Sugarloaf Outdoor Center mountain bike trail map
Until further notice, the following section of the Maine Hut Trail is closed to Mountain Biking:
The section between Poplar and Flagstaff that travels through the State of Maine Bigelow Preserve. If travelling from Poplar, this section begins at the east crossing of Carriage Rd. proximal to the power line. At this point, riders heading to Flagstaff from Poplar should take a right on Carriage Rd., a right on Bog Brook Rd. and a left Long Falls Dam Rd. Then, you have the option of a) taking a left onto the Maine Hut Trail once you passed where the Appalachian Trail crosses Long Falls Dam Rd. OR b) riding up to the Trailhead and using either the Access Rd. or the Maine Hut Trail from there. If travelling from Flagstaff to Poplar riders should follow these directions in reverse and access the Maine Hut Trail off of Carriage Rd just down from Bog Brook Rd.
Suggested Itineraries
A mountain bike trip can be a great way to experience the hut-to-hut experience. It is important to note, however, that the suggested routes for mountain bikers are often different than for hikers visiting Maine Huts & Trails. Here are some suggested itineraries:
In general, the best riding on/proximal to the MH&T system is between the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, Poplar Stream Falls Hut and the East Flagstaff Rd. In this area, there is a nice mix of dirt roads and paths (Narrow Gauge Trail), single track and the Maine Hut Trail.
Accessing Poplar Stream Falls Hut via mountain bike: 
Beginner riders will enjoy using Carriage Rd. and the hut Access Rd. to ride to Poplar. park at the Gauge Rd trailhead, just off route 27 in Carrabassett Valley. (Right turn onto the Carriage Road at the Tufulio’s Restaurant sign and travel about 200 yards and make a right turn onto the lower Gauge Road and proceed straight ahead to the parking area.). From the parking area, ride back out to Carriage Rd. and make a right. This is a well-maintained, dirt/gravel road with light traffic. That being said, riders should use caution along this route, particularly where many blind corners exist. Follow the Carriage Rd. for approximately 2 miles, where you will come upon the only right hand turn (on another gravel road) since leaving the trailhead. Make this right onto an unnamed dirt road and follow it down a hill, bearing left, where you’ll go around a gate and continue to follow the road for another mile or so to the Poplar Stream Falls Hut. More experienced riders will enjoy the challenge of riding the Maine Hut Trail directly out of the trailhead at Gauge Rd. The tread is all in great shape but the elevation gain can be challenging.
Accessing Flagstaff Lake Hut via mountain bike: Riding the hut Access Rd. from the Long Falls Dam Rd. Trailhead is a nice introduction to off-road biking. The route (less than two miles) is relatively flat with a nice tread all the way to the hut. An alternative from the trailhead is to ride the Maine Hut Trail (somewhat more challenging but still appropriate for advanced beginner to intermediate riders).
Accessing Grand Falls Hut via mountain bike: At this point, the Maine Hut Trail from Flagstaff to Grand Falls Hut requires additional work before it will be ready to accommodate mountain bikes. Many dirt roads and current (and former) logging roads could be used to connect Flagstaff Lake Hut and Grand Falls Hut. Riders interested in this option should (at the very least) carry a Maine Gazetteer, compass, handheld GPS and have plenty of experience riding in remote areas.
To connect hut-to-hut at this point, we suggest the following itinerary:
3-day/2-night hut trip: Poplar to Flagstaff – park at the Gauge Rd trailhead, just off route 27 in Carrabassett Valley. (Right turn onto the Carriage Road at the Tufulio’s Restaurant sign and travel about 200 yards and make a right turn onto the lower Gauge Road and proceed straight ahead to the parking area.). From the parking area, ride back out to Carriage Rd. and make a right. This is a well-maintained, dirt/gravel road with light traffic. That being said, riders should use caution along this route, particularly where many blind corners exist. Follow the Carriage Rd. for approximately 2 miles, where you will come upon the only right hand turn (on another gravel road) since leaving the trailhead. Make this right onto an unnamed dirt road and follow it down a hill, bearing left, where you’ll go around a gate and continue to follow the road for another mile or so to the Poplar Stream Falls Hut. The next day, follow the Hut Access Rd back down towards Carriage Rd and take a right on the Maine Hut Trail towards Flagstaff. You’ll ride along the Maine Hut Trail for approximately four miles until you hit the east side of Carriage Rd. Take a right on Carriage Rd and then at the top of the hill you will intersect with the E. Flagstaff Rd. / Bog Brook Rd. Take a right here and then in approximately 200 yards take a left onto the Long Falls Dam Rd. This is a paved road. Much like Carriage Rd., there is very little traffic but riders should continue to use caution and watch for vehicles traveling quickly along this remote road. Follow the Long Falls Dam Rd. for approximately 4 miles. Watch for signs directing you to take a left into the trailhead for the Flagstaff Lake Hut. Take the left off the Long Falls Dam Rd, but instead of going straight into the parking area, follow the dirt road to the right for approximately 1.3 miles to the hut. This is the hut Access Rd. After about .8 of a mile you will come to a gate. Continue around the gate for another .5 miles to the hut. A variation to this itinerary would be to turn left onto the Maine Hut Trail from Long Falls Dam Rd. prior to reaching the trailhead. You can ride the MHT to Flagstaff Lake Hut. To return to your vehicle at the Gauge Rd. trailhead, simply follow these directions in reverse.
Carrabassett Valley mountain bike trail map with relation to the Maine Hut Trail
