Spring Grand Falls Reconnaissance

Last week, staff members Eliza & Sam went on an overnight reconnaissance to the part of our trail network between Grand Falls and West Forks to check on conditions in the region. A combination of dead outdated batteries and washed out bridges have kept the Hut closed for the last couple years. Without working batteries, we are unable to run the solar energy system, composting toilet, and water from the well. In addition to the batteries needing replacement, record flooding has not been kind to our 18+ bridges along the Dead River on the way to the Hut.

Grand Falls Hut

After walking the section of trail closest to West Forks with a representative from the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway, they headed deeper into the woods along the Dead River. Utilizing an emergency river access route, they made their way to the bridge over Enchanted Stream, which is the largest bridge on that section of the Maine Hut Trail. They were happy to find that the bridge was still in good condition, despite needing some new decking.

Sam & Eliza sporting protection from Maine’s unofficial state bird at Enchanted Stream

After Enchanted Stream, it was on to Grand Falls Hut. They were glad to discover that, despite a new layer of accumulated insects on the floor, the hut weathered another winter well, and was still in the same condition as last fall. After a thorough sweeping, the main hall of the hut was deemed as the preferred overnight accommodation, safe from the hoards of blackflies outside.

Relaxing by the fire at Grand Falls Hut after a day of exploration

The second day of the reconnaissance dawned with temperatures in the 30s which kept the swarms of flies at bay for the first few hours of the day. They spent the morning inventorying the trails around the hut and Grand Falls itself. Other than some overgrowth and a ruined bridge on the falls trail, most of these trails were found to be in decent condition, and many seem to see somewhat regular use. As always, Grand Falls was spectacular, especially with the high spring flow over it.

Grand Falls

Continue to stay tuned to our website and social media as we plan for the future reopening of Grand Falls Hut and the surrounding trails. Want to experience a bit of the Grand Falls magic yourself? It’s an easy walk from the end of Lower Enchanted Road to the waterfall, heading south on the Maine Hut Trail. Learn more about this easy walk here (we recommended staying on the Maine Hut Trail in both directions to avoid the damaged bridge on the Falls Trail).

Capturing the beauty of Grand Falls