Headline News
Maine Huts & Trails Opens First Remote Hut
at Poplar Stream Falls in Carrabassett Valley
After years of planning and fundraising, Maine Huts & Trails has opened its first remote hut, the Poplar Stream Falls Hut, in Carrabassett Valley near Sugarloaf Resort. Reservations for overnight stays are available for the rest of Winter 2008 as well as for Spring, Summer and Fall 2008.
The Poplar Stream Falls Hut is open year round and also provides a day-trip destination for visitors seeking a single-day backcountry experience. Upon completion, the Maine Huts & Trails hut-to-hut network will consist of a 180-mile recreation corridor from Bethel to Moosehead Lake and up to 12 huts, each designed to accommodate up to 40 guests.
"The support for this project has been tremendous. By building a nationally respected ecotourism destination, we hope that we can contribute to the economy in western Maine and be good to the environment at the same time," said Bob Peixotto, chairman of Maine Huts & Trails. "The trail, which is free and open to the public, is already becoming an outdoor recreation and environmental education resource for camps and other youth organizations, school groups and even a nordic ski team. The hut will add a wonderful dimension for overnighters looking for a multiday backcountry experience."
The remote hut site, 2.5 miles from the trailhead, was secured with a long-term lease through a partnership with the Penobscot Indian Nation. It's 1,500 feet from the south branch of Poplar Stream Falls and includes a main building and three small bunkhouses. The main building features a kitchen, group meeting space, lavatory facilities and lodging for up to four full-time staff. This facility hosts dinner and breakfast for overnight guests in addition to providing an educational experience through interpretive displays and educational programming. Three separate cabins provide a combination of private and semi-private sleeping quarters for up to 40 guests. The Poplar Stream Falls Hut site has a mini-hydro power system that generates nearly all of the power needed to operate the hut and bunkhouses, which all have radiant heat. The site has a wood boiler, solar panels, composting toilets and a drilled well.
Winter trails are groomed eight feet wide and are ideal for snowshoeing and nordic skiing. A classic track is set on one side of the trail. Snowshoers are asked to stay on one side of the trail and off the classic track. Several ungroomed loops are available from the hut as well. Due to wildlife habitat concerns, dogs are not permitted on MH&T trails from December–April. You should note that these trails are remote and are not patrolled. Backcountry travelers need to use caution, since you are traveling at your own risk.
Rates for overnight guests includes dinner and breakfast (bag lunch is extra), bunk with foam mattress, pillow, fleece blanket, lighting, potable water, showers with soap dispenser, and composting toilets with toilet paper. Rates are available for members and non-members.
Day visitors to the hut can use the toilet facilities and potable water and are welcome to enjoy relaxing and touring the new hut. Trail mix, soup, baked goods, hot beverages and souvenirs are available for purchase.
Maine Huts & Trails was founded by Maine people with a vision for preserving Maine's naturally beautiful remote areas while providing outdoor access to the public. This network of huts, trails and waterway corridors will provide an unparalleled opportunity for present and future generations to enjoy the natural wonders of western Maine. Maine Huts & Trails is expected to be a significant economic engine in western Maine by attracting families, individuals, travel groups and schoolchildren to the area for outdoor recreation opportunities that are consistent with a conservation ethic.
For more information about Maine Huts & Trails, trail maps, updated trail conditions, photos, and hut reservations, visit www.mainehuts.org. You also can call (877) 634-8824, open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About the New Balance Foundation
The Poplar Stream Falls Hut is sponsored by the New Balance Foundation. The New Balance Foundation's mission is to support charitable organizations whose humanitarian efforts work for the betterment of our children and communities with a principal focus on the prevention of childhood obesity. In service of this mission, the Foundation is committed to supporting grassroots children's initiatives in the communities in which New Balance operates facilities. For information, visit www.newbalancefoundation.org.