Snowmobile Maine
The Maine Highlands
Snowmobiling in The Maine Highlands is a popular winter activity. There are over 350 miles of groomed trails where the region's beauty is especially striking during winter. Renowned for its breathtaking winter landscapes and abundant snowfall, you'll experience panoramic views of snow-covered forests, waterfalls, and picturesque mountains such as Mt. Katahdin.
REGION HIGHLIGHTS
Baxter State Park:
Pockwockamus Rock (Pock Rock) & Abol Bridge
Trail System: From Millinocket. Directions from the East Branch Sno Rovers Clubhouse (6 Clubhouse Drive, Medway): Head North on ITS 83 to 112W, ITS 85/86N to 112W, and ITS 85/86.
After stopping at Pock Rock for a photo shoot, continue over Abol Bridge along the West Branch of the Penobscot River, where you are bound to see some spectacular views of Mt. Katahdin.
The tail of Pockwockamus Rock: In the late 1970s, the rock located before the entrance to Baxter State Park became a target for distasteful graffiti. Furthermore, the boulder became an unpleasant eye-sore to employees and visitors alongside the beautiful landscape. In 1979, a young teenage girl and her Youth Conservation Corps friends painted the rock with the inspiring scene and compelling message "Keep Maine Beautiful," which has become a popular destination stop and photoshoot at the entrance of the park.
The Wadleigh Pond Trail
Trail System: Directions from the Northern Timber Cruisers Clubhouse (Millinocket Lake Rd – One mile from Katahdin General Store). ITS 85/86 head west. After a large dip in the trail with a small bridge at the bottom, you will find yourself back up on the powerline. The intersection on the left is not very far down the power line.
A hidden gem of the Katahdin Region. A scenic trail to Deep Cove Bay on Ambajejus Lake.
Webcam link: http://deepcovecam.com
The Northern Timber Cruisers Antique Snowmobile Museum
Trail System: ITS 85/86. Next door to the Northern Timber Cruisers Clubhouse (Millinocket Lake Rd).
The only snowmobile museum in Maine, the two-story building currently houses 36 antique snowmobiles.
The Abandoned Locomotives (a.k.a. Ghost Trains) Northern Piscataquis County
Trail System:
Shin Pond Village (Mount Chase) to Libby Camps: ITS85 South. Follow the signs to Libby Camps (fuel stop). The Allagash Headwaters Snowmobile Club grooms the trail system to the arm of Chamberlain Lake. There is a 13-mile ride along frozen Chamberlain Lake. Once back on the wooded trail, you will see the Tramway. Further ahead, you will encounter the two abandoned trains and fuel cars.
From Millinocket: ITS 85/86 towards Kokadjo. Head East on Ragged Lake Trail to the Chesuncook Lake Trail. Be sure to stop at the Chesuncook Lake House for fuel and up-to-date directions depending on current logging operations in the area.Important tip: Double-check with Chesuncook Lake House before your excursion to see if they will be open for fuel.
NOTE: This remote destination requires fuel stops and/or extra fuel on board your sled. Have a map of a pre-planned route, and be aware of your round-trip time frame. For example, from Shin Pond, your mileage is 65 miles one way.
The Abandoned Trains make a fascinating destination for snowmobilers in Northern Piscataquis County. In the winter, the trains are only accessible by sled and make for a solid day trip from surrounding areas such as Shin Pond Village, Libby Camps, and Millinocket.
B-52 Crash Site
Trail System:
From Greenville – head north on ITS85. The B-52 Memorial sign is about 15 miles from town.
This significant event occurred on January 24, 1963, when a United States Air Force Boeing B-52C Stratofortress bomber crashed near Elephant Mountain in Piscataquis County. This crash is commonly known as the "Elephant Mountain B-52 crash."
The aircraft was part of the Strategic Air Command and was on a training mission. Unfortunately, during the task, the B-52 encountered severe turbulence and crashed into Elephant Mountain. Two crewmen survived, and seven perished in the crash.
The Elephant Mountain B-52 crash is considered a significant historical event. A memorial at the crash site honors the crew's sacrifice. The site also serves as a reminder of the risks associated with military aviation and the sacrifices made by servicemen and women in the line of duty.
Moosehead Trail
The Moosehead Trail is a must-visit destination for snowmobilers, offering a well-maintained, picturesque trail system that connects to a more extensive network of Maine ITS trails. It provides 160 miles of thrilling and scenic winter adventures in the heart of Maine's wilderness, with amenities and warm hospitality in nearby towns to enhance the overall experience. The trail loops around Moosehead Lake and is well-marked, providing cut-off routes to shorten the trip. Be sure to acquire a Katahdin Snowmobile trail map to assist in this region's trail system. https://www.katahdinmaine.com
UNDERSTANDING THE REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE MAINE HIGHLANDS
Penobscot County: Penobscot County is in central Maine and includes cities like Bangor and communities such as Millinocket, Lincoln, and Dover-Foxcroft.
Piscataquis County: Piscataquis County is northeast of Penobscot County and includes towns like Greenville, Milo, and Brownville. It is known for its access to Moosehead Lake and Baxter State Park.
Aroostook County: While the majority of Aroostook County is further north in Maine, the southern part of the county, which includes towns like Patten, is sometimes considered part of The Maine Highlands.
CLUBS & TRAILS
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER INFORMATION
Click the links below for more information about area chambers of commerce and visitor centers:
- Greater Bangor Convention & Visitors Guide
- Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce
- Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce
- Lincoln Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce
- Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce
- Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce
- Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce
- The Maine Highlands
- Bangor International Airport
TRAIL CONDITIONS
Click the links below for a complete regional snow conditions report.
LODGING INFORMATION
Exploring the snowmobile trails of The Maine Highlands is a thrilling adventure, and finding suitable lodging can enhance your overall experience by providing comfort, convenience, and access to the beautiful winter landscapes that northern Maine offers.
When it comes to lodging options, The Maine Highlands offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. For information on types of lodging see selections below. Feel free to
contact GONE Snowmobiling for more information.
Tip #1: When planning your snowmobile lodging in The Maine Highlands, it's essential to consider the location and proximity to snowmobile trails. Many lodging options are situated near significant trail systems, allowing easy access to the extensive network of groomed trails for which The Maine Highlands is known.
Tip #2: Contact specific lodging establishments directly or visit their websites for the most accurate and up-to-date availability, amenities, and pricing information.
Below are some popular choices for winter snowmobile lodging in the area.
MISCELLANEOUS
