Maine Huts & Trails provides a full complement of year-round outdoor activities.
Canoe/Kayaking
- Canoe/kayaking is possible on Flagstaff Lake and the Dead River.
- It is possible to canoe/kayak hut to hut from Flagstaff to Grand Falls Experts only can continue canoe/kayaking from Grand Falls to West Forks. Short sections of portaging are required.
- Canoes/kayaks are available on a first come first served basis at Flagstaff hut for short term use (i.e. 1-2 hours)
- Recommended paddle/hike combination includes canoe/kayaking from Flagstaff to Round Barn or East Flagstaff to hike Avery Peak or Little Bigelow in the Bigleow Preserve.
- Rentals are available at Belgrade Canoe and Kayak, (207) 495-2005.
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Hiking
- Hiking is allowed on all MH&T trails.
It is possible to hike hut-to-hut among all huts.- Best MH&T hiking trails include Poplar area (Larry’s Loop), Flagstaff area (Birch Trail, Shore Trail and Hemlock Trail) and Grand Falls area (Fisherman’s Trail).
- Most MH&T trails are fairly flat with no significant elevation changes.
- Recommended nearby day hiking can be found on the Appalachian Trail and Bigelow Preserve. Drive time: 15 minute drive from Flagstaff and Poplar trailheads. Best hikes include Little Bigelow Mountain and Avery Peak via Safford Brook Trail.
Mountain Biking
- Mountain biking (including winter mountain biking) is allowed on all MH&T trails except Hemlock.
- It is possible to bike hut-to-hut between all huts. We do not recommend biking from Grand Falls to West Forks, however.
- Most MH&T trails are fairly flat with no significant elevation changes.
- Mountain bikes with knobby tires are essential on MH&T trails. Hybrid bikes are not suitable on MH&T trails.
- Hybrid bikes can be used on nearby beginner routes including the Narrow Gauge Trail, Carriage Road, Long Falls Dam Road and hut service roads (call for information, not marked on map)
- Recommended nearby mountain biking can be found at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center (beginner to advanced) and Stratton Brook Trail (intermediate), Narrow Gauge Trail (beginner),Carriage Road (beginner) It is possible to bike to these locations. Vehicle drive time to Outdoor Center: 15 minutes from Poplar trailhead; 30 minutes from Flagstaff trailhead.
- Rentals are available at the Carrabassett Valley Bike Shop (207) 671-3560.
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Skiing
- Cross-country skiing is allowed on all MH&T trails.
- It is possible to cross-country ski hut-to-hut among all huts.
- Maine Hut Trail is groomed for backcountry skiing. Grooming is not intended to be touring center quality. Trail may only be groomed once per week. Conditions can be particularly challenging during or within 24 hours of a snowstorm.
- Backcountry skis with edges are recommended. Skating and classic skis are suitable only when trail conditions allow. Be prepared with skis for all conditions.
- Most MH&T trails are have limited elevation changes that do require some descending skill. The trail from the parking area at Gauge Road to Poplar Hut has significant climbing that requires some experience.
- Recommended nearby Nordic skiing can be found at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. Drive time: 15 minutes from Poplar trailhead.
- Rentals are available at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center: (207) 237-6830.
Snowshoeing
- Snowshoeing is allowed on all MH&T trails.
- It is possible to snowshoe hut-to-hut among all huts.
- Most MH&T trails are fairly flat with no significant elevation changes.
- Best MH&T snowshoe trails include Poplar area (Larry’s Loop), Flagstaff area (Birch Trail, Shore Trail, Hemlock Trail), Grand Falls area (Fisherman’s Trail)
- Recommended nearby day trips can be found on the Appalachian Trail and Bigelow Preserve. Drive time: 15 minute drive from Flagstaff trailhead. Best snowshoeing includes Little Bigelow Mountain and Avery Peak via Safford Brook Trail.
- Rentals are available at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center: (207) 237-6830.
Swimming
- Swimming is allowed at your own risk at Flagstaff Lake; wading is possible at the Poplar Stream Falls and near Grand Falls.
- Lifeguards, floats and rafts are not provided.