Mountain Biking

A hut-to-hut mountain bike tour is a really fun way to experience the Maine backcountry, and our trail network links up with some of the best mountain biking in New England. The 80 mile plus, world-class system is suitable for both traditional mountain bikes (front suspension recommended) and fat tire bikes.

The riding accomodates all skill levels and once the temperature drops, you'll find our trails are groomed for winter snow biking, too. Easy-goers will enjoy beebopping between Stratton Brook Hut and Poplar Hut along the Narrow Gauge Pathway, a rail-trail style gravel path meandering beside the Carrabassett River, while more adventurous riders can gain some mileage on purpose-built single track and double track trails reaching as far north as Grand Falls Hut. The area from the Bunting Boat launch area to the Grand Falls is recognized as critical habitat for the Wood Turtle. Mountain Biking is permitted on the Trails leading to and around Grand Falls from July 15th - November 1st.

Make sure to book a gear shuttle for your pack with your reservation so you can cruise between huts without the extra weight.

Don't have a bike, yet? Contact one of the local bike shops below to set up a rental!

Check out TrailHUB, a free app for your phone that will give you a detailed picture of what our mountain bike trail network looks like. TrailHUB is a navigation tool with conditions updates and alerts set by the Maine Huts & Trails trail crew that lets you play like a local. Download the app, set up your account, select your state, activity, and organization (Maine Huts & Trails). Then you can view our trails, get detailed notes on their status, and even lock the screen to navigate without data as you make your way along your new favorite ride.

There are some great things happening in the Valley! Take advantage of weekend Free Shuttle rides curtosy of our friends at Sugarloaf. Come explore, this is Maine outdoors at its best.

Before heading out check MH&T Trail Conditions or the local NEMBA chapter's conditions page here.

We can keep talking about how amazing the biking is out here, or you could just come experience it for yourself!

Bike Rentals, Apparel, and Maintenance

Allspeed Cyclery - (207) 779-3951 (summer only)

Fat Biking

Find out more about out what trails are good for Fat Biking. We have great beginner and expert rides to chose from.

Fat tire biking is a really fun way to travel from hut to hut. It’s a trend that doesn’t seem to be slowing down, so whether you’re on a fat bike yourself or see them out on the trails, here are a few things to keep in mind:

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.

Consider other trail users. Bikes don’t need (or want) set ski tracks, so leave the tracked trail for cross country skiers. Also, remember to yield to skiers and snowshoers. December and April are prime months for fat biking. Weather and trail conditions are unpredictable, but early morning is almost always great riding. The trails are cold and firm at first, and start getting a little tacky as the day warms up.

Hut Skiing & Snowshoeing Trips

From flat, wide trails to steep descents, our trail difficulty ranges from beginner to advanced and offers something for every skier. Suggested trip itineraries vary depending on the skiers skill and experience level.

Cross Country Skiing Trips

NOVICE SKIERS

These skiers are beginners that have skied only a few times, or who are looking to take family or friends on a trip that everyone will enjoy with minimal experience. Generally comfortable on Green colored trails. Someone new to backcountry Nordic skiing would fall in this category, as it is different from resort trails.

Suggested Beginner Trips:

Flagstaff Lake Hut: Total mileage 4.4 - Park at the Flagstaff Hut Trailhead and follow the Maine Hut Trail 2.2 miles to the Hut. This is an easy green trail that winds through the woods to the hut. Great for all ages and abilities! View trip on map
Poplar Stream Hut: Total mileage 6.6 - Park at the Airport Trailhead and follow the Maine Hut Trail 3.3 miles to Poplar Hut. Great for beginners seeking a little more elevation gain, this section of the Maine Hut Trail is a combination of beginner and intermediate levels. View trip

INTERMEDIATE SKIERS

These folks are someone who skies on a regular basis. They are comfortable skiing trails of medium difficulty and terrain (Blue Trails: generally mix of technical and climbing trails). .

Suggested Intermediate Trips:

Stratton Brook Hut: Total mileage 6.2 - Park at the Stratton Brook Trailhead and ascend Newton's Revenge to the summit. This trip combines beginner, intermediate and advances trails all in one. Skiers seeking a longer route may start at the Airport Trailhead and ascend Crommett's Trail. View trip via Stratton Trailhead or Via Airport Trailhead
Two Hut Trip Stratton Brook/Poplar Stream: Total mileage 15.6 - Park at Airport Trailhead and ski either way to Stratton Hut or Poplar Stream Hut. Best route for a two hut trip starting and ending at the same parking area. View trip
Three Hut Trip Flagstaff Lake/Poplar Stream/Stratton Brook Hut: Total mileage 24.7 - The quintessential hut to hut experience. Trail distances range from 2.2 miles to the longest 11.8 miles. Not for beginners! You will need to stage cars, or arrange transport for the finish. View trip

ADVANCED SKIERS

Suggested Advanced Trips:

Two Hut Trip Poplar Stream/Flagstaff Lake Hut - Total mileage 17.3 Trail distances range from 2.2 miles to the longest 11.8 miles. You will need to either stage cars, or arrange transport. View trip
Three Hut Trip Stratton Brook/Poplar Stream/Flagstaff Lake Hut - Total mileage 24.7 miles The ultimate three hut trip. Trail distances range from 2.2 miles to the longest 11.8 miles. You will need to either stage cars, or arrange transport. View trip

Hut Snowshoeing Trips

NOVICE SNOWSHOERS

First time on snowshoes, or planning an overnight with the family? These trips offer gentle terrain, and each direction is 3.3 miles or less. Stay on the Maine Hut Trail, or explore some of the unique side trails just for snowshoers.

Suggested Beginner Trips:

1. Flagstaff Lake Hut: Total mileage 4.4 - Park at the Flagstaff Hut Trailhead and follow the Maine Hut Trail to the Hut. This is an easy green trail that winds through the woods to the hut. Great for all ages and abilities! View trip

Side Trail: Shore Trail: 2 miles - Follow along Flagstaff Lake and see beautiful vistas overlooking the lake and mountains. View trail

2. Poplar Stream Hut: Total mileage 6.6 - Park at the Airport Trailhead and follow the Maine Hut Trail through the woods and long the Poplar Stream to Poplar Hut. Great for beginners seeking a little more elevation gain, this section of the Maine Hut Trail is a combination of beginner and intermediate levels. View trip

Side Trail: Warren's Trail: 1.6 miles - This winding trail ascends through ancient tree growth and makes for a great loop to see waterfalls and wildlife. The bridge crossing over Poplar Stream Falls is a great stopping point for photos. View trail

Side Trail: Larry's Trail: 1.1 miles - Larry's follows along the other side of Poplar Stream from Warren's Trail. Seen often in photos, this trail offers stunning views of South Brook Falls and the intricate stone steps which lead up to the groomed Maine Hut Trail. View trail

INTERMEDIATE AND EXPERIENCED SNOWSHOERS

Snowshoers looking for more varied terrain, distances, and challenges ...

Suggested Trips and Routes

1. Stratton Brook Hut: Total mileage 6.2 - From the Stratton Brook Trailhead, warm up on the Narrow Gauge Pathway, then trek up Newton's Revenge for a continuous 600 ft ascent. Enter the alpine landscape with a few punchy switchbacks and be greeted with views of the Bigelow Mountain skyline. View trip via Stratton Trailhead

Alternative Trail: Oak Knoll: 3 miles - Moderately challenging ungroomed route, featuring plenty of switchbacks that cover 713 feet of climbing. View trail

2. Stratton Brook and Poplar Stream Hut Loop: Total mileage 15.6 - Best two-hut loop that starts and ends at the same trailhead. Miles for each day vary from 3.3 to 7.6. View trip

Side Trails: See Larry's and Warren's above.

Maine Huts & Trails Winter Trail Rules

In addition to commonly understood rules of the road, please remember the following when using the Maine Huts & Trails system:

Please pay attention to posted signage along the system indicating areas open/appropriate for skiing and/or snowshoeing
Control yourself and ski responsibly.
When approaching others from the rear, slow down and announce your presence. Pass slowly and safely.
Please walk on the side of the trail if an area is too technical for your ability and you need to remove skis.
No dogs on the trail between November and April.