Big News for Grand Falls!
We’re excited to share some big news: Maine Huts & Trails has been awarded $17,500 from Somerset County to help reopen our Grand Falls Hut!
A Boost from Bingham Wind
Somerset County’s Unorganized Territories Tax Increment Finance Fund is the source of the funding, which is administered by the Somerset County commissioners. Maine Huts & Trails is one of two organizations selected to receive support this round, drawing on funds generated by the Bingham Wind tax increment financing district, which channels revenue from the portion of the Bingham Wind farm located in the county’s unorganized territories back into the surrounding community.
What the Funds Will Do
Most of the grant will go toward a new battery system for Grand Falls Hut, along with other essential upgrades needed to bring the hut back into operation. It’s not a glamorous line item, but it’s a critical one: consistent reliable electricity powers the water pump and other hut system that make it possible for a crew to be on-site.
That’s exactly the plan for this summer. Once the battery system is in place, we’ll be able to station a crew at Grand Falls Hut to begin work on the immediate surrounding trail network. This is an important step toward reopening Grand Falls Hut and expanding access to Maine’s backcountry.
The Bigger Picture
Powering Grand Falls Hut is just the beginning. It’s the first phase of a multi-year plan to rehabilitate our trail system along the Dead River, one of the most remote and scenic corridors in our network. Getting the hut operational again lays the groundwork for everything that follows, from trail maintenance to the eventual return of overnight guests.
We’re grateful to Somerset County commissioners for recognizing the value of investing in backcountry infrastructure, and to everyone who continues to support Maine Huts & Trails as we work to keep these remote spaces open, safe, and welcoming.
Stay tuned for updates as our crew heads out to Grand Falls Hut this summer! We’ll be sharing progress along the way.