Maine Takes First Step Toward 180-Mile Trail

One shovel of dirt and a 180-mile journey has begun.

The Maine Huts and Trails Association has broken ground on a wilderness lodge that will anchor a 180-mile system of huts and trails for cross-country skiers and hikers in rugged northern Maine. The system will eventually include 12 huts in a corridor that stretches from Bethel, about 120 miles north of Portland, northeast to Moosehead Lake, near northern Maine’s Baxter State Park.

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The groundbreaking took place at Poplar Stream Falls in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. The first facility includes a 5,200 square foot lodge that will serve as the headquarters for the trail system, and three small bunkhouses in the adjacent area.

The main building includes a kitchen, bathrooms and lodging for up to four full-time staff. Staff will provide dinner and breakfast to overnight guests and conduct interpretive displays and educational program.

The site is leased from the Penobscot Indian Nation and the building construction is sponsored by the New Balance Foundation. To date, the Maine Huts & Trails Association has raised more than $5 million for the trail system and backcountry huts.

The Carrabassett Valley buildings are scheduled to open in February 2008, along with 40 miles of groomed cross-country trails. In the summer, the trails will be used for hiking.

Larry Warren, president and founder of Maine Huts and Trails, proposed the trail to aid the regional economy, hit hard by mill closings.

"Western Maine has to transform itself from the industries of the past to the industries of the future," said Warren. "We believe that nature-based tourism, experiential education and quality destination resort facilities will create significant opportunities."

Maine Governor John Baldacci praised Warren for his vision and efforts to line up the support needed to transform his plan to reality.

"What's not to like in this project?" asked Baldacci. "You have people working together to take advantage of economic development and tourism done in a responsible manner."

For more information, visit www.mainehuts.org.