This network of cross-country ski trails is located just 3 miles southwest of the town of Millinocket, off the eastern shoreline of Elbow Lake. The trails consists of both single and double track and extra room to the side for snowshoeing. The trails are well-groomed, wide, and can be skied when there is minimal snow. The area offers some nice views of Mt. Katahdin and the lake. The main trail is just over 3 miles long but there are additional shortcut trails or side trails that can be used to customize trips of varying distances.

The Birches Resort provides some of the best ski touring in the New England area, offering a network of over 40 miles of groomed trails for all skill levels. This trip follows some beginner trails through the wooded terrain to the more challenging Poplar Hill Loop. Setting out for a shorter distance or following additional connecting trails can be done for an easier outing if desired. The resort offers lodging as well as ski and snowshoe rental. Be sure to reference a complete trail map if exploring additional areas in the resort. Trail passes can be purchased for a small fee.

This loop trail is just one of many available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Sugarloaf/USA Outdoor Center in Maine. Sugarloaf is the second highest mountain in Maine and offers great scenery and winter recreation. The trail travels through rolling and flat terrain that is great for beginners. The center also offers rentals, guided tours, and a lodge where the trail passes and trail maps are available.

Carter's X-C Center offers miles of connecting groomed ski trails through the scenic wooded countryside of both Oxford and Bethel Maine. This trip follows a series of trails through Wiley Farm to a scenic overlook in the Bethel location. There are multiple connecting trails along the way to customize shorter or longer trips of varying difficulties. The ski center also offers sales, rentals, and lodging.

This is the first section of the classic multi-day lodge-to-lodge tour through Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness. Begin from Medawisla Wilderness Lodge and ski up a wide snowmobile trail that soon begins to ascend up the shoulder of Shaw Mountain. From the high point you will then enjoy a easy glide down as you merge onto the narrower Shaw Mountain Trail. Make your way through multiple little valleys before the trail spits you out onto a road. Look for blazes or signs pointing left and make your way to First West Branch Pond and finish at the West Branch Pond Camps. The west Branch Camps are the only privately owned lodges on the multi-day lodge-to-lodge tour. Reserving cabins/lodges is a must if you plan on doing any or all stages of this tour. Contact Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) to schedule reservations and figure out logistics.

This is the second section of the classic multi-day lodge-to-lodge tour through Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness. Begin from West Branch Camps and follow the Pleasant River trail as it weaves along the riverside. The trail descends down to a meadow which offers great views of Baker Mountain. Continue south heading towards the Little Lyford Ponds where the next lodge and cabins await. Reserving cabins/lodges is a must if you plan on doing any or all stages of this tour. Contact Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) to schedule reservations and figure out logistics.

This is the third and final section of the classic multi-day lodge-to-lodge tour through Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness. Begin from the Little Lyford Pond camp and connect to the Hedgehog Gate Trail. This will lead you to the winter parking lot. You need to plan ahead and have a vehicle waiting for you here or figure out other logistics with the AMC. Reserving cabins/lodges is a must if you plan on doing any or all stages of this tour. Contact Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) to schedule reservations and figure out logistics.

This is the ski outing for midwinter when there is plenty of snow and temperatures are low. The trails at Odiorne State park offer the unique experience of skiing or snowshoeing with seaside views. Should you arrive at Odiorne when there isn’t enough snow for skiing the trail system at the park can still offer a good hike and the visitors center an educational experience.

This short out-and-back ride follows a carriage road in Acadia National Park along the scenic wooded shores of Bubble Pond. The dirt road is fairly flat but does start to climb on the south side of the lake. The roadways are open to bikes and foot traffic and no motor vehicles are allowed. This ride can easily be extended by riding further along the ride and following other connecting carriage roads in the national park.

The Four Seasons Adventure trails (also known as the Newport/Dover-Foxcroft Rail Trail) is a scenic gravel trail that travels through scenic natural and rural landscape, connecting multiple towns along the way. This segment of the trail covers the area between Dover-Foxcroft and the community of Dexter. The multi-use trail has lots of small ups and downs but no major climbs or descents. The trail is popular for many uses including ATVs, biking, horseback riding, and hiking so pay attention and be respectful of other users on the trail. The trail does continue on for many more miles to the south providing the option for an even longer ride.