Biking

Mountain Biking

A hut-to-hut mountain bike tour is a really fun way to experience the Maine backcountry, and our trail network links up with some of the best mountain biking in New England. The 80 mile plus, world-class system is suitable for both traditional mountain bikes (front suspension recommended) and fat tire bikes.

The riding accomodates all skill levels and once the temperature drops, you'll find our trails are groomed for winter snow biking, too. Easy-goers will enjoy beebopping between Stratton Brook Hut and Poplar Hut along the Narrow Gauge Pathway, a rail-trail style gravel path meandering beside the Carrabassett River, while more adventurous riders can gain some mileage on purpose-built single track and double track trails reaching as far north as Grand Falls Hut. The area from the Bunting Boat launch area to the Grand Falls is recognized as critical habitat for the Wood Turtle. Mountain Biking is permitted on the Trails leading to and around Grand Falls from July 15th - November 1st.

Make sure to book a gear shuttle for your pack with your reservation so you can cruise between huts without the extra weight.

Don't have a bike, yet? Contact one of the local bike shops below to set up a rental!

Check out TrailHUB, a free app for your phone that will give you a detailed picture of what our mountain bike trail network looks like. TrailHUB is a navigation tool with conditions updates and alerts set by the Maine Huts & Trails trail crew that lets you play like a local. Download the app, set up your account, select your state, activity, and organization (Maine Huts & Trails). Then you can view our trails, get detailed notes on their status, and even lock the screen to navigate without data as you make your way along your new favorite ride.

There are some great things happening in the Valley! Take advantage of weekend Free Shuttle rides curtosy of our friends at Sugarloaf. Come explore, this is Maine outdoors at its best. 

Before heading out check MH&T Trail Conditions or the local NEMBA chapter's conditions page here.

We can keep talking about how amazing the biking is out here, or you could just come experience it for yourself!

 

Bike Rentals, Apparel, and Maintenance

Allspeed Cyclery - (207) 779-3951 (summer only)

Fat Biking

Find out more about out what trails are good for Fat Biking. We have great beginner and expert rides to chose from.

Fat tire biking is a really fun way to travel from hut to hut. It’s a trend that doesn’t seem to be slowing down, so whether you’re on a fat bike yourself or see them out on the trails, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Unlike skiing, the best conditions for fat biking are when the snow is hard packed and firm- so don’t waste a good powder day on your bike. If you're planning a fat bike trip weeks or more in advance, be ready to change your plans to skiing or snowshoeing just in case we get a big snowstorm. The worst skiing conditions are the best biking conditions, as the grippy tires are built to handle some ice, and you’ll be able to balance easily with more speed.

Consider other trail users. Bikes don’t need (or want) set ski tracks, so leave the tracked trail for cross country skiers. Also, remember to yield to skiers and snowshoers. December and April are prime months for fat biking. Weather and trail conditions are unpredictable, but early morning is almost always great riding. The trails are cold and firm at first, and start getting a little tacky as the day warms up.