Terrain
With more than 25 miles of linear groomed cross-country ski trails, Maine Huts & Trails offers one of the most unforgettable Nordic and backcountry skiing experiences in the northeast.
Different than a traditional Nordic center, our backcountry trails are typically groomed to 4 feet wide, with wider sections on flat terrain. Touring, classic, and backcountry Nordic skis work best on our trails, leave your race and skate skis for the traditional centers.
Trail Conditions
We post regular updates about current trail conditions online and on social media. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date trail information.
Suggested Routes
The founders original vision of Maine Huts & Trails was based on skiing hut to hut. The huts vary in distance from 7.7 to 12 miles apart, and it will often take a full day to get from one hut to the next. Most Maine Huts & Trails ski routes have a variety of elevation changes that require some ascending and descending skill.
Before embarking on your trip, be sure to look at the elevation changes on the map, and choose a route that matches your ability.
Beginner Skiers
Flagstaff Lake Hut offers our best beginner terrain for families with little ones and those still working to perfect their kick-kick-glide. Enjoy a mellow two-mile ski from the trailhead parking lot to the hut with minimal elevation changes and stunning lake views.
Intermediate and Advanced Skiers
Skiers looking for a two hut trip starting and finishing at the same trailhead will love the Stratton Brook Hut to Poplar Stream Hut trip from Airport Trailhead. The trail to Stratton Brook Hut feature a significant climb for the last mile that inexperienced skiers may find challenging. Poplar Stream Hut also has intermediate trails that will require control on descents and climbing.
Adventurers looking for more miles can choose from a two hut Flagstaff Lake/Poplar Stream Huts trip, or stay at all three huts.
Rental Equipment, Apparel, and Maintenance
The Sugarloaf Outdoor Center rents backcountry cross-country ski equipment and snowshoes is a great resource for area trail information, ski tuning, waxing, supplies, lessons, and more. Visit the Outdoor Center online or call (207) 237-6830.
Mainely Outdoors at University of Maine Farmington is on route for most folks traveling north to the huts. They rent winter fat bikes, cross-country skis, and a huge fleet of snowshoes. Visit their webpage and scroll to the bottom for rental items and pricing. (207) 778-7495
Best Maine Hut Destinations for Nordic Skiing
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Stratton Brook Hut
Getting to Stratton Brook Hut requires a moderate ascent of just over 600ft of elevation. Visitors should be prepared for a hearty workout on the way up and a fun descent on the way down. When to Visit Stratton Brook Hut Our eco-lodge is open during our winter season (late December through mid March) for […]
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Poplar Stream Hut
Poplar Stream Hut is the closest hut to our Kingfield office and can be accessed from the Airport Trailhead in Carrabassett Valley. Reaching the hut requires crossing land owned by the Penobscot Indian Nation and leased by Maine Huts & Trails. Please be respectful of the land and wildlife as you enjoy a gentle ascent […]
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Flagstaff Lake Hut
A two mile trek from the trailhead will deliver you to a picturesque lakeside vista before reaching the hut where you can kick back and relax. Flagstaff is a great “first hut” for new visitors and for wildlife enthusiasts. Birders may see kingfishers, loons, and pileated woodpeckers. Deer, beavers, and playful otters also inhabit the […]
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Grand Falls Hut (Closed)
Grand Falls is our most remote hut, located almost 12 miles northeast of Flagstaff Lake. A combination of dead outdated batteries and washed out bridges have kept the Hut closed for the last couple years. In addition to the batteries needing replacement, record flooding has not been kind to our 18+ bridges that along the […]