Q      How much does it cost?

a       This is a tough question due to the fact that our rates vary by season and because we offer discounted lodging for children, groups and for our members. Please refer to the Rates page on our website or call our office at 877-634-8824 to discuss pricing for your adventure.

Q      How do I book my stay online?

a       Because of our unique lodging situation, we understand that it can be a little difficult to book your trip online. Click here for some helpful tips that can make your online booking experience easier.

Q      What do most people do?

a       We get asked this question a lot and there really isn’t a preferred trip or specific route that “most people” follow. During the summer season, about half our guests choose to stay at one hut while the other half hike hut-to-hut. People tend to enjoy Flagstaff as a place to stay for multiple nights and tend to travel southwest to northeast from Poplar to Grand Falls when they go hut-to-hut. As Huts are built and trails are added the “typical visit” changes. For ideas on “what to do” at each hut check out the “Basecamp Adventures” on each of our Hut pages: Poplar, Flagstaff and Grand Falls

Q      What are the differences between the huts and their surrounding areas? (Accommodations, scenic views…)

a       While each hut is unique in its own right, many aspects are the same at each hut. The huts are attractive and energy efficient structures designed to blend harmoniously into their natural surroundings. Each hut is “off-the grid” and features state-of-the-art utility systems that generate and store their own power through a combination of alternative energy sources. Though the bunkroom configuration is different at every hut, they each provide sleeping accommodations, with a soft mattress and a pillow on each bunk, hot showers, toilets and healthy, homemade meals. That said, there are somewhat significant differences in the hut locations despite the fact that they are only about12 miles apart.

• The Poplar Hut is located in Carrabassett Valley, in the shadow of Sugarloaf and features easy access from a main road (Route 27), well-traveled trails and a small swimming hole at Poplar Stream Falls.
• Our Flagstaff Hut is located on the sandy shores of the eastern end of Flagstaff Lake and while the drive to the trailhead is a little off the beaten path, this hut is the easiest, most accessible distance from the nearest trailhead.
• Grand Falls Hut, our most recent addition, is our most remote and therefore least accessible hut positioned roughly 8 miles from the end of the Long Falls Dam Road This hut features fabulous views of Basin Mountain and is just a short walk from the Dead River and Grand Falls.

Q      Can you drive to the huts?

a       No. Our Huts are backcountry lodges and have NO VEHICLE ACCESS. Depending on the hut you are visiting, you can expect anywhere from 1 to 6 hours of hiking from the nearest trailhead parking. Please plan accordingly. For maps of the huts and their proximity to the nearest trailhead, please visit the Maps page on our website.

Q      What should I pack?

a       Some key items to remember are: sheets or sleeping sack, pillowcase, rain jacket, and a map.  For a more detailed list, see our Packing List

Q      Where can I rent skis and/or snowshoes?

a       Rental equipment is available from the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. Scroll down for snowshoe and Nordic ski rental prices.

Q      What will I eat?

a       Our menu changes, but you can be sure that dinner and breakfast are always delicious, hearty, and healthy. If you’re staying overnight, you can order a bagged lunch before you go to bed.  Bagged lunches include a sandwich, fruit, granola bar, and a baked good.  If you’re hiking in for lunch, there will probably be both hot and cold menu items, hot and cold drinks, and delicious baked goods. Beer and wine is also available for purchase.

Q      Can you accommodate guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions?

a       Of course!  We are happy to provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-free meals.  Please be sure to mention any dietary restrictions when you make your reservation. We make every effort to be sure our meals appeal to guests of all ages, but kid-friendly meals are also available upon request.

Q      When should I plan to arrive at the hut?

a       We serve a family-style dinner promptly at 6:00 PM, so we recommend you plan to arrive by 5:00.  If you’re new to our system, be aware that the hike or ski in to the hut almost always takes longer than you expect.

Q      What will the weather be like?

a       We recommend you be prepared for all types of weather.  Don’t forget rain gear in the summer, and give yourself extra travel time in case of bad winter weather.  Here is a link to a weather forecast for Kingfield: 7-Day Forecast

Q      What does the trail look like?

a       The groomed ski trail is marked with white diamond trail markers with the MHT logo.  Other trails are marked with blue blazes.  Our trails occasionally intersect old logging roads and other trails, so it’s important to be familiar with these markings. Check out our Downloadable Trail Maps

Q      What will the trail be like?

a       Terrain: The trails from Poplar to Grand Falls are mostly gently rolling hills, suitable for beginner hikers and skiers.  The trail from Grand Falls to the Forks is for advanced skiers only. For more detail, please visit our Trails page.

a       Conditions: In the spring and during rainy periods, the trail may be wet.  In the winter, grooming conditions may vary.  Click here for our Grooming Policy

Q      How do I get to the Poplar/Flagstaff/Grand Falls trailhead?

a       Please refer to the Driving Directions page on our website.

Q      How long will it take me to get to the trailhead from Kingfield?

• From the Kingfield office to the Gauge Road Trailhead (access to Poplar Stream Falls): 25 minutes
• From the Kingfield office to the Flagstaff Lake Hut Trailhead via Long Falls Dam Road: 65 minutes
• From the Kingfield office to the Big Eddy Trailhead via Long Falls Dam Road (for Grand Falls access): 75 minutes
• From the Kingfield office to the West Forks Trailhead (for Grand Falls access): 75 minutes

a       For driving directions and times to major cities, click here

Q      How safe is my vehicle and its contents at the trailheads?

a       We have no surveillance or safety measures in place at our trailhead lots. That said, we’ve rarely had issues where a vehicle or its contents were disturbed. We encourage all guests to stow any valuable items in unseen places and lock their car doors.

Q      How long will it take me to hike or ski hut to hut?

a       It usually takes guests between 4 to 6 hours to hike from hut to hut, and 3 to 4 hours to ski from hut to hut. In the winter, be aware that daylight is in short supply in western Maine, and give yourself plenty of daylight hours to ski.

Q      What are the arrangements for luggage to be brought into the Huts?

a       While you are required to carry your own gear/luggage from the trailhead into the Huts, gear shuttles are available from hut-to-hut during the winter season at the rate of $20 per bag per shuttle trip. We do not currently offer gear/luggage shuttling during the summer, so pack light!

Q      What procedure is there for medical evacuation (in case of something like a broken ankle?)

a       Since we strive to provide a backcountry experience, we encourage all hikers to be mindful of their abilities and carry a first aid kit and a whistle. Each staff member is trained to follow established emergency protocols which are posted at each hut. For more serious injuries, the Carrabassett Valley Emergency Rescue is only about 2 miles from our Poplar Hut and about 10 miles from our Flagstaff Hut and each hut has direct radio contact with the CVER dispatcher.

Q      Where is the nearest medical care center?

a       For Poplar Stream Falls: Franklin Memorial Health Center, Farmington, ME

a       For Flagstaff Lake Hut and Grand Falls Hut: Redington Fairview General Hospital, Skowhegan, ME

Q      What are the sleeping arrangements at the huts?

a       Each of our huts has its own unique number and configuration of bunkrooms but the bunkrooms themselves are otherwise the same. Each room has bunk beds and either a lamp or a wall-mounted light. Most of our bunkrooms are considered shared accommodations, meaning there is always the possibility that another party will be sharing your room with you. However, at each of our Huts, we have at least two “Private Bunkrooms” which feature a double bed.

• At Poplar, our private bunkrooms sleep 4 people with one double-bed and two single bunks.
• At Flagstaff, these accommodations sleep a total of 3 people in one double bed and one single bunk.
• At Grand Falls they sleep just two people in one double bed.

Q      Is bedding provided or should we bring sleeping bags?

a       Our bunks have mattresses, a pillow and a fleece blanket. Many hikers do choose to bring their sleeping bags (especially during winter months) or light sleep sacks/sheets to supplement the blanket.

Q      Will we have our own bathroom/fridge in our room?

a       No, the bunkrooms are merely for sleeping. Toilets, showers and the kitchen and dining areas are all located in the main lodge.

Q      Is there electricity at the huts?

a       Though we are officially “off-the-grid” we do have electricity in all of our huts because we create all of our own power using alternative energy systems. That being said, we require the assistance of each of our guests to be conscious of their energy usage and help us to conserve power.

Q      Is there cell service at the huts?

a       While we strongly discourage the use of electronic devices while visiting our huts, each Hut is equipped with a cell phone booster that allows them to make and receive calls in case of an emergency. We would ask you to please power down your cell phones when not in use not only to improve the experience for all of our hut guests but also to conserve battery life as you will not be able to charge them during your stay. We appreciate your cooperation!

Q      Do the huts serve alcohol?

a       We have a selection of beer and wine available for purchase at each of our huts, however we do not stock any hard liquors at this time.

Q      Can we bring our own alcohol?

a       You may bring your own alcohol but you will be required to consume it in your bunkroom(s) as our beverage license prohibits us from allowing it within the main lodge. Thank you for cooperation!

Q      Where does your food come from?

a       We do our best to purchase our food from local suppliers.  Many of our eggs come from a local farmer.  Our beef comes from a farm in
North Anson, ME.  Our dairy products come from Maine and Vermont.  Our baked goods are made with King Arthur Flour.  If you can connect us to more local suppliers, we’d be happy to hear from you!

Q      Where are the dining room tables, chairs, and artwork from?

a       Chairs are made locally by W.A. Mitchell

a       Tables are made locally by Native Woods, LLC

Q      How can I replicate these green systems in my own home?

a       Heating: We heat our huts using extremely efficient TARM wood gasification boilers.  Find out more here: TARM

a       Human Waste: CLIVUS composting toilets are a great choice for a camp, or if you’re thinking about doing serious renovations to your home.  Find out more here: CLIVUS

a       Other easy ways to go green: Reduce plastic usage with Tupperware’s.  (If you bring your own for your trail lunch, we’ll pack it for you!)  Recycle.  Compost. Use natural cleaning products.  Buy locally-made, environmentally-friendly products. Take short showers.

Q      How long have the huts been in operation?

a       Poplar Stream Falls opened in February of 2008, Flagstaff Lake Hut in January of 2009, and Grand Falls in October of 2010.

Q      I want to paddle to the Flagstaff Hut, where can I put in?

a       There are several put-in options actually, depending on how far you want to paddle:

• 0.3 mile from the Flagstaff Trailhead: 2-mile paddle, approx. ¾ to 1½ hours
• Long Falls Dam Road boat launch: 2-mile paddle, approx. ¾ to 1½ hours
• Round Barn (E. Flagstaff Road) put-in: 4-mile paddle, approx. 1 to 2 hours
• Bog Brook Road boat launch: 5-mile paddle, approx. 1½ to 3 hours
• Stratton/Eustis boat launch: 21 to 28-mile paddle, approx. 7 to 14 hours

Q      Is tent camping allowed at the Huts or on the Trails?

a       Yes, camping is allowed but we do require that campsites be:

• At least ¼ mile from any of the Huts
• At least 250 feet from lakes or streams
• At least 250 feet off our trails
• Mindful of LNT (Leave No Trace) ethics. For more information please visit http://www.lnt.org/.

Q      Where are some other good spots to hike in Maine?

a       Our trail passes through the Bigelow Preserve, and crosses the Appalachian Trail.  Those are good places to stray from our trails!

a       Another family-friendly Maine hike that our staff loves is Tumbledown Mountain.