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Maine Has Many Ways to Go Deep into Winter

February 02, 2010 - Load up your sled or backpack with cold-weather gear, then clip into your skis or strap on your snowshoes and go deep into the quiet beauty of the winter woods. Maine has an amazing array of backcountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities for the hardy adventurer, from state parks and lands to private preserves. Travel into a traditional sporting camp and treat yourself to comfortable lodging and home-cooked meals, trek into a remote yurt and overnight with just the basics, or test your mettle by tent camping out in the snow. Here are some options to consider for your winter enjoyment:

STATE PARKS AND PUBLIC LANDS

Maine has 47 state park units representing more than 97,000 acres. That's a lot of elbow room for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and, at some locations, winter camping. Sebago Lake, Camden Hills, Aroostook, Cobscook Bay, Lily Bay and Mount Blue state parks offer miles of groomed ski trails. Winter camping (tenting only) is available at Bradbury Mountain, Camden Hills, Cobscook Bay, Lake St. George, Mount Blue and Sebago Lake. In addition, more than 1 million acres of public reserve lands in 28 units are open for winter use. Check ahead for access and camping regulations. More info: www.parksandlands.com or 287-3821.

THE BIRCHES RESORT

The Birches Resort encompasses 11,000 acres of multiple-use forestland in Tomhegan Township (northwest of Greenville), from the shore of Moosehead Lake west to Brassua Lake. The preserve has a true north woods wilderness feel to it, and is criss-crossed by a 40-mile network of marked and groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. Three yurts are located in the backcountry; each is stocked with the basics and accommodate four to six persons. More info: (800) 825-WILD (9453) or www.birches.com.

AMC MAINE WOODS PROPERTY

The Appalachian Mountain Club operates two lodges on its 67,000-acre Maine Woods Property in the heart of the 100-Mile Wilderness. Medawisla Lodge and Little Lyford Lodge are traditional sporting camps providing rustic accommodations and meals. Seventy miles of trails are maintained for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Try the unique 24-mile, four-day ski trip connecting Medawisla to Little Lyford, stopping at the privately-owned West Branch Pond Camps en route. More info: www.outdoors.org or (603) 466-2727.

CARTER'S X-C SKI CENTER

The 55 kilometers of trails at Carter's in Bethel offer plenty of scenic terrain for skiers and snowshoers from beginner to expert. Some trails wind along the Androscoggin River, while others meander up the hills with distant views of the Mahoosuc Mountains and the Presidential Range. Two remote cabins located on Farwell Mountain sleep eight persons each. Bunks, woodstove and gas lights are provided. More info: www.cartersxcski.com or 824-3880.

BAXTER STATE PARK

Baxter State Park offers more than 200,000 acres of wild country for winter recreating. Access to the interior of the park is via skis or snowshoes on the unmaintained park roads. Trout Brook Farm and South Branch Pond in the northern section are popular destinations; in the south it's Kidney, Daicey and Chimney ponds. Bunkhouses are available, or pitch your tent in the snow. The winter permit and reservation system has been simplified, but no matter, it's a serious trip requiring careful advance preparation. More info: www.baxterstateparkauthority.com or 723-5140.

MAINE HUTS AND TRAILS

Ski or snowshoe into two remote huts in the Carrabassett Valley region near Bigelow Mountain. The huts at Poplar Stream Falls and at Flagstaff Lake each offer cozy rooms, hearty meals and hot showers. All are possible through the use of green energy sources: wood, water, wind and solar. A 20-mile trail system connects several trailheads with the huts. A third hut is planned for 2011, as well as 20 additional miles of trail. More info: www.mainehuts.org or 877-634-8824.

FROST MOUNTAIN YURTS

Four remote yurts are located on 60 acres of private land in Brownfield. Each yurt sleeps up to 10 persons and is equipped with the basics for an overnight stay. Trails lead from the yurts throughout the wooded property and connect with many more miles of trails. Grand views of the White Mountains are possible from the summit of Frost Mountain. For added fun, try sledding down through the fields of the old apple orchard. More info: www.frostmountainyurts.com or 935-3243.

CAREY KISH, Portland Press Herald, January 31, 2010


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