Terrain
Fat tire biking is a unique way to travel hut to hut within the Maine Huts & Trails network. All our trails are multi-use, so fat bikers are welcome in both summer and winter seasons alongside our skiers, snowshoers, and hikers.
When fat biking, please consider other trail users. Also, remember to yield to skiers and snowshoers.
Trail Conditions
Unlike skiing, the best conditions for fat biking are when the snow is hard packed and firm — so don’t waste a good powder day on your bike. If you’re planning a fat bike trip weeks or more in advance, be ready to change your plans to skiing or snowshoeing just in case we get a big snowstorm. The worst skiing conditions are the best biking conditions, as the grippy tires are built to handle some ice, and you’ll be able to balance easily with more speed.
Before heading out check trail conditions or the local NEMBA chapter’s conditions page.
Suggested Routes
Beginner: Narrow Gauge Pathway, Maine Hut Trail to Flagstaff Lake Hut, Service Road to Flagstaff Lake Hut
Intermediate: Maine Hut Trail from Airport Trailhead to Poplar Stream Hut, Trails between Poplar Hut and Flagstaff Lake Hut, Crommett’s Trail via the Narrow Gauge Pathway.
Advanced: Newton’s Revenge/Maine Hut Trail to Stratton Brook Hut
Bike Apparel and Maintenance
There are currently no local fat bike rentals, but you may be able to find rentals through bike shops in Southern Maine. For apparel and maintenance, you can visit the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center or Northern Lights Bike Shop.
Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, Carrabassett Valley, ME
Northern Lights Bike Shop, Farmington, ME
Best Maine Hut Destinations for Fat Biking
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Stratton Brook Hut
Getting to Stratton Brook Hut requires a moderate ascent of just over 600ft of elevation. Visitors should be prepared for a hearty workout on the way up and a fun, fast descent on the way down. When to Visit Stratton Brook Hut Our eco-lodge is open primarily during our winter season (late December through mid […]
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Poplar Stream Hut
Poplar Stream Hut is the closest hut to our Kingfield office and can be accessed from the Airport Trailhead in Carrabassett Valley. Reaching the hut requires crossing land owned by the Penobscot Indian Nation and leased by Maine Huts & Trails. Please be respectful of the land and wildlife as you enjoy a gentle ascent […]
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Flagstaff Lake Hut
A two mile hike from the trailhead will deliver you to a picturesque lakeside vista before reaching the hut where you can kick back and relax. Our most popular hut, Flagstaff is a great “first hut” for new visitors and for wildlife enthusiasts. Birders will see kingfishers, loons, and pileated woodpeckers. Deer, beavers, and playful […]
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Grand Falls Hut (Closed)
Grand Falls is our most remote hut, located almost 12 miles northeast of Flagstaff Lake. A combination of dead outdated batteries and washed out bridges have kept the Hut closed for the last couple years. In addition to the batteries needing replacement, record flooding has not been kind to our 18+ bridges that extend along […]