Maine Huts and Trails
Maine Huts and Trails is a non-profit public service organization that aims to create a 180-mile network of cross-country ski trail stretching between the Mahoosuc Range in western Maine to Moosehead Lake, the state's largest water body.
Overview
According to plans, the southern gateway will be near Bethel, and it will terminate in Rockwood, on the western shore of Moosehead. Along the way, up to 12 wilderness huts will be constructed, each sleeping up to 45 guests. The distance between huts will average 14 miles. The huts are open year round for day visitors and overnight guests with opportunities for hiking, paddling, and biking in the summer and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
The proposed route very roughly parallels the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, but generally follows river valleys and utilizes many long-abandoned logging roads that criss-cross the region.
The organization has raised approximately $4.5 million to date and opened its first hut, at Poplar Stream Falls in Carrabassett Valley, on Feb. 16, 2008. It features several heated bunkhouses, which accommodate between four and 12 people apiece, plus a central lodge with kitchen, rest rooms, dining room and common area. Breakfast and dinner are served to guests.
Two additional huts have been opened including Flagstaff Lake hut in 2009, and Grand Falls Hut in 2010. The network now connects 45 miles of hiking/cross country skiing trails between route 27 in Carrabassett Valley and route 201 in the West Forks. A fourth hut, the Stratton Brook Hut, is scheduled to open for the winter season of 2012/2013.
A key component to the huts is the application of green energy systems reducing impact to the surrounding environment. Each hut utilizes a contained composting toilet system, solar power, and radiant floor heating powered by a wood boiler. In addition to these systems, Poplar Stream Falls hut has hydro-electric power and Grand Falls hut has a solar hot water heater. Overnight guests are welcome to join the hut staff on a "green energy tour" which describes these systems in detail and also explains the mission of the MH+T system.
The huts encourage guests to follow Leave No Trace principles while using the trail system. The huts are carry in/carry out. Visitors do have the option to buy lunch and snacks as well as beer and wine (must be 21+ with valid ID) during full service season.
Be aware that cell phone coverage is unavailable throughout most of the MH+T network. It is recommended to bring a trail map along for the journey. Maps can be purchased at the main office in Kingfield, at any of the huts, or printed off the MH+T website for free.
Much of the land for this project -- including Poplar Stream Falls Hut site -- is leased from the Penobscot Indian Nation.
Maine Huts and Trails founder and president is Larry Warren of Carrabassett Valley, who first envisioned the trail network in 1974 and borrowed the huts concept from the Appalachian Mountain Club. In terms of architecture, the hut designs reflect traditional Maine sporting camps.
Promoting winter tourism in the region is one of Warren's stated goals. He was formerly involved in developing Sugarloaf into the state's second busiest ski resort, and he envisions Maine Huts and Trails fitting into the official ecotourism campaign.
The Maine Huts and Trails Main Office is located at 496 Main Street in Kingfield, ME.