FAQs

Pets are not allowed inside the Huts. However, pets are allowed on the trails certain times of the year:

• From December 1st through April 14th: Dogs are NOT allowed on the trails to respect and protect winter wildlife.
• From April 15th through November 30th: Dogs are permitted on the trails, and must be on a leash or under voice command at all times.

Why?

• State health codes prohibit pets, recognizing allowances for service animals, in commercial food service establishments.
• Maine Huts & Trails operates under a state LUPC permit and landowner leases that prohibit domestic animals from adversely impacting wildlife.

No, we do not allow guest vehicles to drive to the Huts.

In the winter, all huts are only accessible by trail, and we supply them by snowmobile. Maine Huts & Trails specific vehicles are able to access the huts in the summer via backcountry access roads.

View our trails to the huts.

All the Huts have electricity. However, you cannot charge electronic devices at the Huts. We create our own power using renewable energy systems and prioritize conservation. If you need an outlet for medical devices or other similar items, please call (207) 265-2400 or email us at [email protected] to make arrangements.

Cellphone service is highly unreliable. There are cell phone boosters that allow for emergency staff phone calls only.

The Huts have WiFi networks reserved for our payment systems, staff communication, and to call for help in the event of an emergency.

Call 911 for evacuation and rescue services. Dispatchers will coordinate with Carrabassett Valley Emergency Rescue, New Portland Emergency Department, and Maine Game Wardens to assist you.

Our hut staff has emergency training, but we may not always able or properly outfitted to coordinate a rescue or to provide first responder services in the event of a medical emergency.

Cell phone service is limited on our trail network, so plan ahead. Here are some steps you can take to prepare yourself:

• Bring a satellite-capable device so you can call out for help even if there is no cell service
• Pack a whistle, a headlamp, and some extra layers, snacks, and water
• Always carry a paper map of the route you plan to take (you can get free copies of our map at our Kingfield office before your trip)

Yes. The Hut Crews work long hours — cooking, cleaning, bartending, and more to make your stay the best it can be. Tipping is customary and appreciated.

Camping is allowed*, but not near the huts. We require that campsites be:

• At least 1/4 mile from any of the Huts
• At least 250 feet from lakes or streams
• At least 250 feet off our trails

* Please no camping on Penobscot Land around Poplar Stream Hut.

Be mindful of Leave No Trace ethics. For more information please visit http://www.lnt.org/.

In winter, we offer nightly stays at our huts. Guests can stay at one hut or travel to all three, and always get a private bunkroom.

• Full service nights (Thursday to Sunday) provide meals and an optional gear shuttle.
• Self service nights (Monday to Wednesday) guests pack in provisions and utilize our kitchen.

Our spring, summer and fall stays are private full hut, self service stays. Great for schools, community groups, outdoor clubs and more. Rentals stay in one hut of their choosing, and prepare their meals in our kitchen. Gear shuttles are included. Our huts can sleep between 44 and 48 of your best mates!

We don’t rent gear, however here are some local businesses who do:

The Sugarloaf Outdoor Center rents backcountry cross-country ski equipment and snowshoes is a great resource for area trail information; ski tuning, waxing, supplies; lessons and more. Visit the Outdoor Center online or call (207) 237-6830.

Mainely Outdoors at University of Maine Farmington is on route for most folks traveling north to the huts. They rent winter fat bikes, cross-country skis and a huge fleet of snowshoes. Visit their webpage and scroll to the bottom for rental items and pricing. (207) 778-7495

Maine GearShare in Brunswick has snowshoes, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and much more.

You can book your winter stay through our website. Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media for updates on exact dates for the start of reservations each year. If your group is larger than six people or you have a gift card or trip credit, please email us at [email protected] for booking.

Groups and schools interested in a full-hut rental from May through October will need to contact our Youth and Community Manager Sam Shirley at [email protected] or call (207) 265-2400. Visit our Hut Rentals page for more details.

Our trip prices vary based on how many huts you visit and what days. Prices listed below are per person, per night.

Winter Full Service: Adults $139-$154, Youth under 12 $82-$97

Winter Self Service: Adults $87-$97, Youth under 12 $55-65

Additional gear shuttles for backpacks start at $135 per hut.

Up to 15 days prior to the start of your trip: We will issue a full refund for your booking.

Within 14 days prior to the start of your trip: All bookings are non-refundable.

Please consider getting trip insurance. Policies can often be purchased through your credit card company or secondary companies like AAA.

Snowy, cold weather is typical (and preferred!) during winter at the Huts. All guests should be prepared for their adventure to happen during what some may consider “more extreme” weather conditions.

We may cancel trips if the state issues a state of emergency, if there is a natural disaster, or if unseasonable weather makes our trail network unpassable. Should this happen, we will contact leaders of affected trips and handle the situation on a case by case basis.

We treat non-refunded cancellations as donations toward supporting school groups and community groups who may not be able to come without financial assistance.

Sooner is better, especially if you plan to stay for a weekend in February or March, as those are our busiest months. Most people book 3 months in advance.

Full service weekends begin to sell out typically in November.

Yes! But it’s definitely not for everyone.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Hut capacities vary between 44 and 48 guests. Great for an intimate woods wedding!
• Since the huts are off-the-grid, sound systems are not an option. Consider having a small acoustic band that can carry all their own equipment.
• Bathroom sinks and mirrors are minimalist, public, with eco-lighting. Simple may be best for your big day.
• The huts might not be accessible to everyone you want to invite. Guest cannot drive to the venue. Photographers, chefs, bands with equipment, and all guests must be able to hike at least 1.8 miles along uneven terrain.

If you love the idea of an off-the-grid celebration, we are here for you!

Operating a network of 80+ miles of multi-use recreational trails and waterways comes at a significant cost.

The Maintenance Fee helps us to maintain your access to safe backcountry adventures. We use this money for necessary repairs and upgrades to equipment, bridges, service roads, and structures.

We don’t offer human transportation between trailheads. Guests may stage cars at two trailheads, or arrange 3rd party transportation.

We recommend a local transport company based right out of Carrabassett Valley. All Points Transportation, lead by local Greg Roy, can transport your crew or your car between trailheads. Call (207) 329-3482 between one and two weeks in advance for booking and pricing. Transportation from Portland Jetport and trailheads may also be arraigned.

Of course!

During winter full-service season (when meals are included), we are happy to provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-free meals as long as this is entered in your guest registration no later than two weeks prior to your trip.

Allergies and/or dietary restrictions may not be able to be accommodated after you arrive at a Hut. We must know in advance.

For day visitors on winter weekends, we post our public lunch menus on social media. This usually includes a vegetarian or vegan option, and often gluten-free.

Yes, all our Huts are stocked with a selection of local Maine beer, cider, seltzer, and wine that you can purchase with cash, cards, or electronic payment methods.

Note: Alcohol not purchased at the hut may only be consumed in your bunkroom due to liquor license restrictions.

We sell public lunches on Saturday and Sundays during our winter season (Late December through late March). Menus get posted on social media a day or two in advance, and usually include a combination of soup, sandwiches, breads and desserts with vegan and vegetarian options.

No. Our spring through fall hut rentals are self service. Groups should plan on bringing their own food and beverages. Guests get full access to our commercial kitchen, which is stocked with pots, pans, dishes, spices, oils, plates, cutlery and more.

Groups are welcome to bring in caterers or private chefs, but be aware all guests are required to hike or bike in.