Looking Back on Summer 2026
Our Most Successful Summer in Recent Years
With November marching forward, we’re looking back on a summer season to be proud of. From May to November, Maine Huts & Trails welcomed 1,085 overnight guests, along with countless trail users. Flagstaff Lake Hut was a home base for youth and community groups, while Stratton Brook Hut gave day visitors and weekend guests a place to relax, recharge, and keep on adventuring. Our huts hosted school groups, special events, trail crews, volunteers, and more.
Opening the Backcountry to More People
Our mission is to create more access to the backcountry, and this year we put that into practice. We hosted 34 youth and community groups totaling 835 participants, a 60% increase over 2025. More than $23,000 went to qualified groups to help reduce their costs. Visitors ranged from local schools just up the street to colleges from Pennsylvania, proof that Maine’s backcountry draws people from everywhere. Many were repeat guests, and are already booking for next summer!
Caring for the Trails
Trail work was a big part of our summer. The High Peaks Alliance Recreational Rangers, Wabanaki Youth in Science, Forest Stewards Youth Corps, and the Carrabassett Valley Trail Crew all joined our own Operations team in the field, with many crews basing themselves at Poplar Stream Hut. Together they replaced bridges and culverts, dug drainage ditches, and cleared miles of trees. Their dedication helps keep our trails safe, inviting, and free for everyone.
Volunteers Who Showed Up
We offered more volunteer opportunities than ever, from spring hut preparation to midsummer brush clearing to fall firewood stacking. Our 2026 George Lawrence Volunteer Group of the Year, the Falmouth High School Outing Club, visited twice this summer alone. Volunteers stacked over 32 cords of wood, and we’re ready for a snowy winter!
Looking Ahead
Thank you to everyone who visited, volunteered, and helped make this season such a success. Our energy is turning to winter, with bookings rolling in and the huts fully staffed. Opening day for winter 26/27 will be December 26th. We hope to see you out on the trails and up at a hut!