Snowshoe to Flagstaff Lake Hut with Maine Master Naturalist Erin Cunningham

A guided snowshoe outing this past Saturday, led by Maine Huts & Trails and Maine Master Naturalist Erin Cunningham, brought a group of participants across the Maine Hut Trail to Flagstaff Lake Hut.

Maine Master Naturalist Erin Cunningham (and Maine Huts staff alumna) interpreted the surrounding environment, pointing out signs of wildlife, forest ecology, and seasonal changes unique to Maine’s winter conditions. Specific attention was paid to identifying deciduous tree buds, tree ID by bark pattern, and identification of trees by branch growth. Snowshoe hare and small critter tracks were also identified along the way.

At Flagstaff Lake Hut, the group stopped to enjoy lunch and warm up before beginning the return trip. The snowshoe back followed the scenic backcountry Shore Trail running alongside Flagstaff Lake, offering open views of the frozen shoreline and surrounding mountains. The calm weather and fresh snowfall created ideal conditions for snowshoeing.

Looking to join Maine Huts & Trails on a free guided outing? Our next two trips will be for the cross country skiers! February 21st will be an advanced nordic ski up to Stratton Brook Hut, and March 7th will be an intermediate level ski to our Poplar Stream Hut. Please RSVP if you plan to attend, we hope to see you there!