Fat Bike Ride to Poplar Hut with CRNEMBA

Our second guided winter program was the biggest one yet! In partnership with CRNEMBA, 25+ fat bike riders met up on a mild Saturday for a 16-mile exploratory ride to Poplar Stream Hut. The crew started out from the Stratton Brook/Rte. 27 Trailhead and rode down the Narrow Gauge Pathway and on CRNEMBA-maintained singletrack trails along the Carrabassett River. At the end of the Narrow Gauge, the trail joined up with the Airport Trail (Maine Hut Trail), crossed over Poplar Stream, and continued along Poplar Stream Trail up the ridge to Poplar Hut.

Trail conditions were absolutely perfect! The crew made the climb to Poplar Stream Hut for a lunch of bean quesadillas, beef chili, homemade cookies, and delicious Maine beer from our hut staff. The next best part of the ride? The 2 mile downhill rip on groomed trails!

Photos from CRNEMBA and MH&T

A few intrepid riders took Larry’s Trail to visit the fully frozen waterfalls. The cold temps had firmed the ice completely for a stunning backdrop. The falls are only 3 miles from the Airport Trailhead, and always are worth a visit in winter. Pics don’t do them justice!

Photos from Ian Ogilvie

Thank you to everyone who trekked out for this fantastic free event! We were humbled to welcome both local and visiting riders. Support our friends at CRNEMBA by joining as a member and participating in their free summer mountain bike rides and trail work days. The next Maine Huts & Trails guided trip is the FULL beginner Nordic ski at Flagstaff Trailhead on February 1st. Intermediate skiers, there is still room in the February 15th ski from Campbell Field Trailhead. Visit the event page for more info and to RSVP. We also have more free outings coming up in March. We hope to see everyone out on the trails this winter!