A few more inches of fresh snow fell on Wednesday. There is now plenty of snow to work with, and groomer operators are reporting great conditions everywhere. We are on our regular mid-winter grooming schedule, and cold temps will help keep things in good shape.

•    ITS 86 east from Berry’s Store heading toward Greenville:  Intown trail is now in good shape. Boise Road, Shirley Road, Brochu Road sections are all flat and fast. The short ½ mile Power Line section near Lake Moxie is rough. Other than that, it’s great riding all the way to Greenville.
•    ITS 87 south heading toward Bingham:  Great riding on the Divide Road. A little rough for 1 mile around Pleasant Pond, and 1 mile around Moore’s Bog. Other than that, you’re on unplowed roads with very good riding. Check out the groomed spur trail up to the Moxie Mountain Lookout. Great views of Sugarloaf and the Bigelow Range.
•    Bald Mountain Trail from ITS 87 to ITS 86:  Great riding all the way through. There is a logging operation on the south end at Heald Stream, with a 1 mile section of shared, plowed road. Be careful through there.
•    Pleasant Pond Trail:  This club trail has been groomed, except for 2 miles on the west end. Many sleds have been going through.
•    Breakneck Ridge Trail:  This trail is closed for the 2012 season, due to logging and several miles of plowed roads. It is illegal to ride on unauthorized plowed roads. Please respect the landowners wishes on this.
•    Kennebec River Trail from Northern Outdoors to ITS 86/87:  Is groomed with good riding. Scenic trail along the Kennebec River.

A late start, but we finally have great riding in The Forks. For day riders, there is a FREE PARK & RIDE LOT at Northern Outdoors on Route 201. Food, trail maps and gas are available right at the Lodge.

Jim Yearwood
Northern Outdoors Snowmobile Club

Backpacked through Maine last weekend on the sleds and stayed in one your cabins on Friday night. Your staff was extremely accomadating. Had a fantastic meal, lobster Mac and chesse was out of this world...nice job Kevin, everyone made the experience fantastic.

Would definetely recommend Northern Outdoors to anyone looking for somewhere to stay or even dinner.

Looking forward to the next time we get over to Maine and staying with Northern Outdoors.

Your employee's are what make this place great and everyone one of them, down to the person who fueled our sleds were great.

Joe R
Broad Brook, CT

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Snowmobiling
Kennebec River Pub & Brewery

Last week's storm dropped 6+ inches of snow in The Forks. This really helped to improve conditions, and we are now on our regular grooming schedule. Sledders this weekend were happy with the riding. Generally speaking, trails on roads are in very good shape. Woods trails are rough, but passable. There can be ice on some of the corners, so ride with caution at all times.

• ITS 86 east from Berry's Store heading toward Greenville: First mile of in town trails out of the valley are rough, but passable. After this, things improve greatly. The vast majority of this trail section all the way to Greenville, is on roads. Boise Road, Shirley Road, Brochu Road all have great riding. Short ½ mile Power Line section along Moxie Pond is rough.
• ITS 87 south heading toward Bingham: Great riding on the Divide Road. Rough for 1 mile around Pleasant Pond, and 1 mile around Moore’s Bog. Other than that, you're on roads with good riding. Check out the spur trail up to the Moxie Mountain Lookout. Great views of Sugarloaf and the Bigelow Range.
• Bald Mountain Trail from ITS 87 to ITS 86: Very good all the way, except for a rough 1 mile stretch about half way.
• Pleasant Pond Trail: This club trail has not been groomed yet, but sleds have been going through.
• Kennebec River Trail from Northern Outdoors to ITS 86/87: Has not been groomed yet, but riders are going through. Scheduled to be groomed on Tuesday.

All in all, there is finally good riding to be had. Looks like a little more snow coming in on Tuesday!

Jim Yearwood
Trailmaster, Northern Outdoors Snowmobile Club
Food, gas and trail maps are available at the Northern Outdoors Lodge. Call 888-770-SLED for details.
Northern Outdoors Snowmobile Trail Report
Northern Outdoors Snowmobiling
Northern Outdoors Cabin Rentals

The Forks Trail Report 1/26/2012
 
Weather Service is calling for 4” to 8” on Thursday night and Friday.  This would be a big help and would improve riding greatly.

Here's the latest update: We have finally begun grooming some sections of The Forks Trail System. The warm temperatures on Tuesday, followed by the subsequent freeze up, means that there is ice in spots. Also keep in mind that although it is mid-winter, it is early season conditions. Ride with caution at all times. Generally speaking, trail sections on roads have pretty good riding. Woods trails are very poor, but passable.

• ITS 86 heading east from Berry’s Store toward Greenville has been groomed. Intown is very rough, but passable. Once out of town, things improve somewhat. Road sections (Boise Road, Shirley Road, Brochu Road) have good riding.
• Bald Mountain Trail heading south from ITS 86, has been groomed for the first 8 miles or so. Has not been groomed further south toward ITS 87.
• ITS 87 south to Northern Outdoors has been groomed. This is mostly on the Divide Road with decent riding. Last mile into NO is rough.
• ITS 87 south toward Bingham has not been groomed. Need more snow.
• Kennebec River Trail has not been groomed. Need more snow.
• Pleasant Pond Trail has not been groomed. Need more snow.

Jim Yearwood
Trailmaster,
Northern Outdoors Snowmobile Club

Food, gas and trail maps are available at the Northern Outdoors Lodge. Call 888-770-SLED for details.

The weekend of January 28th, brings top class cross country snowmobile racing to the Upper Kennebec Valley with the inaugral USSC Lake Parlin 100.

The USCC Racing circuit is the largest cross country snowmobile racing circuit in the United States and Lake Parlin will be the destination for the first East Coast race on the tour this season.

Registrations will begin at the USCC Trailer,  Friday January 27th from 7-9am at Lake Parlin Lodge just off of U.S. Route 201 and again on Saturday morning from 7-8am.

Gates open at 9am and races begin at 10am
Admission: $10 Adults and $5 Children

You do not need to be a professional to enter these races. There are daily memberships available as well as seasonal memberships which allow you to race just for the day! 

Northern Outdoors is offering a 50% lodging discount during the weekend of January 27th through the 29th for all racing teams, staff and supporters. Come on up to join in the races or watch the action and then kick back and relax by the fire at the lodge and enjoy a handcrafted beer from the Kennebec River Pub and Brewery.

Bringing my grandchildren, ages twelve and ten, along, I kept saying to myself: "Are you out of your mind?" But the trip leader Chad, and our guide Seamus, were very professional, very well-trained, and after Magic Falls, I stopped worrying about the kids.

The whole trip was idyllic; the weather perfect, the shore lunch superb. At the finish, I felt that, just as every American should see the Grand Canyon, every Mainer should experience the Kennebec River this way, and I will strongly recommend your company for doing so.

Thank you!

Michael L
Augusta, ME

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Family Rafting Adventure

Our first River Rafting trip with the family at Northern Outdoors was a blast! Went with my 3 kids (20,18,16) my 2 brothers and nephew (18). Rented two 4 person tents in the campground which was ideal - within 10 minutes of arrival we were set up and hangin' by a fire! Restaurant on sight was ideal as it minimized the trip planning and packing and the food was great. The rafting was enjoyed by all - daughter (20) was a little apprehensive but our guide Brandi set her mind at ease. Brandi was awesome - true professional, knew her stuff and had a great personality which added to the entire positive experience. Lunch on the river was a quality meal and plenty for everyone.

We plan on hitting the rapids again with Northern Outdoors next year on the Dead River!

Greg C
Methuen, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Family White Water Rafting Adventure

Back again this past wknd with the boys. Decided to run the Dead w/high water and the Kennebec - what a great weekend. Not even the cold and rain could "dampen" our trip.

Friday night started, like many other trips, a little Blueberry from the brewery.

Saturday morning wake-up wasn't early at all and we were on the Dead by 10ish. Great high water and constant paddling for the 14 miles - good stuff. Day ended with a little lunch, Blueberry, music by Suzy and the Smelts and fire by the cabin.

Sunday morning wake up was early for another trip, this time on the Kennebec. What a great ride. We must've hit every hit square on because we were all suffering with whiplash (jk) later in the day. We have had Victor for a few trips and he was amazing again - taking us to the edge and back again.

Already stoked for next year's trip. Heading back to the Penobscot with a couple of class V newbies for a little class V action. Will be a blast again!

Thanks to everyone at NO, the brewery, guides and of course, Victor, for another great experience. Btw - the ride does have some cool nuances when it is cooler and rainy. Awesome!

Kevin
Pelham, NH

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting
Dead River Whiewater Rafting

My son and I had a terrific time. Our guide, Elyse, was very personable, the lunch was great. Everything was better than expected. Even the campsites were outstanding.

We went tandem skydiving the week before, and I can tell you that your program is a far greater value for the money, and more memorable.

Thank you

louis s
shrewsbury, ma

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting

On my third trip to N.O. I brought 4 first timers with me. We all had a blast, and they all want to plan another trip ASAP. Camping was great. Nice sites with great access. The bath house was clean with plenty of hot water. The Lodge never comes up short with the comforts of fresh beer, a pool table, and WIFI. Took a dip in the hot tub, which was much needed after a long day paddling and hiking up to Moxie Falls. Rafted the Kennebec with Mike M. for our guide. I highly recommend you request him. He's not only a great river guide, but he's also the brewmaster. We we're rained out from Hurricane Irene on our last morning. So, instead of cooking in the rain, we hit the breakfast buffet at the Lodge. Clutch move.

Keep the Blueberry Ale flowing, Mike! Thanks!

Stephen M
Red Bank, NJ

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Camping Getaway
Kennebec River Brewery

From the very first time we spoke to Northern Outdoors until the moment we left the premises this past Monday we were extremely impressed. We arrive VERY late on Sunday night in a downpour of rain. Your staff was waiting for us and helped us get to our cabin. When we woke up we ate a great breakfast, got the details of the trip and we were off. On the trip we felt both thrilled and safe all at the same time. We even recommended it to a couple we met on a later leg of our journey.

Well done Northern Outdoors. Thanks for a great trip.

Dana P
BUFFALO GROVE,IL

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting

Well, I never thought I would do such a thing, since I don't get along with water much. Until last Friday, Sept 2, 2011. There we were, my husband, a friend and myself all rafting together on the Kennebec River. There was excitement, fun, fear, food and peacefulness all wrapped into one event. Our guide, Chris, kept us safe and showed us the ways of the raft and water with great ease, while giving us the ride of a lifetime :-). Now the antics he presented to us may have been to his mothers presence on the raft with her crew, but we were so glad to have met them all. Night before accomodations were super, too. To sum it all up, it was an experience that I can't wait to do again. Thank you.

Sheila
Gray, ME

Rating: 5 *****

First Time Maine Rafter

I booked our trip as a birthday present for my best friend. We could not have asked for a better weekend! The campsite was great, the people at the lodge were great, and the adventure blew our minds! Our guide, Scotty, was great! All the guides were so much fun. We had never been rafting before and after just one trip down the Kennebec we are planning to raft all three rivers, every summer from now until who knows when. I have been recommending this to anyone I come in contact with and will continue to do so :)

Cora P
Greenland, NH

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Getaway Weekend

...why not make it a little more interesting?

Hurricane Irene. We knew it was coming, we were prepared. After the 4th day with no power, cooking on the camp stove in the kitchen, I decided it was time to bring the boys to The Forks and at least have some *fun* while living "rough."

Good call.

We arrived and I realized I had forgotten to print our tickets to Water Country on our way home. Epic fail. Brandi to the rescue! She printed them out for me from an email I forwarded from the lodge, and she delivered them to our campsite. Too awesome.

Campfires and s'mores abounded in front of our cabin tent that evening as the kids and their dad excitedly discussed what the next day's adventures would bring. Good times.

We headed up to the lodge, paperwork in hand... only to find that our 9 year-old and I would have to sit out the rapids. **FAIL** Please, please, PLEASE... spare kids the disappoinment and make *very* clear the age restrictions on the website. We would have waited until next year, true, but then you'd only be getting a glowing review instead of one tainted by grumpiness. I was *very* unhappy, as I love rafting, and we still paid full price for my trip even though I missed the fun.

OK, enough grumpy - Zach could *not* have been a cooler guide. He was fantastic with the kids, very capable with the raft, laid back, great sense of humor, but very confident and in control.

Rachel P
Foxboro, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River White Water Rafting

My husband and I just returned from a fabulous experience with Northern Outdoors! We came expecting a great rafting trip and we got that plus so much more.
Our rafting trip on 9.11.11 with high water from the previous days' Turbine Release was out of this world. Beautiful day, fast, warm water and an experienced guide (Greg) made for an unforgettable time. We also enjoyed the Video put together by Zach and the photo slideshow expertly narrated with hilarious comments (Brian narrated, I think).

We loved the atmosphere in the lodge and the Beer...yum! You must try the Sampler! Who knew you could like both a smokey Porter AND a sweet blueberry Ale?

Greg recommended we take a "hike" (really an easy walk in the woods on a nicely groomed path) to Moxie Falls. The views were gorgeous!
Oh and did we mention the hot tub? Clean, clear and hot! No sketchy "foam" on top.
Schedule your trip with Northern Outdoors...NOW...you will not be disappointed!

Betzi & Andy
Essex Jct, VT

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Turbine Test Release
Kennebec RIver Pub & Brewery

First off I'd like to say, THANK YOU! This is how your resort became a part of our lives.....

I had always wanted to experience white water rafting. That being said, it seemed a big ordeal to plan. I run my own business as a pet care provider and finding time to vacation along with finding people to go with and accomadating everyone's schedules seemed a heavy load. Then, at a friends birthday party four years ago, a friend showed us his video from rafting on the Kennebec with his family. It was love at first sight. I said, "that's it! I'm going! Even if I have to go by myself!" I was obsessed and determined to plan this trip. My friend had said he stayed and rafted with Northen Outdoors. He said such great things about his time there, lodging, staff, pub and atmosphere....i just knew I had to call you guys! So, the next day, I Did! Let me just tell you....Debbie is a SAINT! I don't know how i would have survived planning that first trip. I swear I had a zillion question, changes in reservations from switching dates and number of people. I think one day i even called her like 5 or 6 different times! She was more than helpful, accomadating, professional, sweet and patient with my never ending questions! At the end of the day, I got nine people to venture out down the kennebec with me in 2009. Our group consisted of friends and family, ALL rafting VIRGINS! It blew our mind! I had no idea this would turn out to be a love affair with both white water and YOUR resort!

Last weekend we completed our third annual trip on the Kennebec Turbine release. Our group consensus-----best trip yet! At this point its no suprise to us that we are in for a great time. We always ask for the same cabin and luckily have always got it :) Great lodging, pub brews/food are great! Staff is always so wonderful. Feels drama free, inviting, safe and relaxing. In a nut shell----the BEST! We booked our trip for next year before leaving last weekend. It will be our first time down the DEAD river and I am already counting the days!!!! I think you do a fantastic job with the BBQ, photos and video presentation. Fun, FUNNY raft guides who know their stuff and make our trip a blast! Our group in particular is a fun and funny group. We really enjoy a guide who can keep up with the banter and inside jokes and at the same time lead us down the river in a safe yet adventurous manner. This year especially we hit the jackpot! Our guide was Mark Schaub. He is our FAVORITE! What a blast! We told him when we'd be back and he put us in his schedule as well as the girls in reservations put a note in for us requesting him to bring us down the DEAD in May 2012!!!! We miss him already!

In the future, We hope to visit at least twice a year. We look forward to also planning a winter trip and hitting the snowmobile trails! We have all taken away fun and everlasting memories over the years that shine on in our minds, hearts and endless candid photographs! Thank you for giving our friends and family special memories that no amount of money could buy......

We love you Northrn Outdoors,
Till next year, Lots of love,
Jeannine and family

Jeannine S
Allenstown, NH

Activity: Kennebec Turbine Test High Release Rafting

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Whitewater Rafting

Yes we both had a very nice cruise on the trails as this was our 1st time in this area. We drove 94 miles in 2 days, and would have driven more on Thursday--but it rained--These trails are different than in NH as many are dirt roads used by logging trucks.

We did both have a beer and food and both were great. The 1 beer I had was enough-WHOA--felt like 3 beers---what was in that Porter???

We stayed in a Cozy Cabin and the accomodations were excellent--though more shelving would be great in the kitchen area to the left of the stove/frig, as well as some hooks to hang towels as well as in the bathroom. And the outside light facing the parking spot needs to be replaced...Looking forward to returning in 2012, when the weather is warmer for us. For more ATVing and rafting next time.

We were the only ones there for 4 nights and enjoyed the quiet sounds of the darkness, along with using the fire ring....it was eerie but also serene.

Thanks for the relaxation.

Richard W
Nashua, NH

Rating: 5 *****

Maine ATV Trails
Kennebec River Pub & Brewery

Dear Northern Outdoors Team,
When we were looking online for a raftig trip in the States we quickly found you and immediately booked us on a Dead River Tour. After that trip we added the Kennebec right away and stayed a little longer than we had originally planned to do. We had an awesome time! That was 2 years ago. Recently, we could finally make it back to you guys for another Kennebec rafting. This time we brought some friends from Germany with us. We all just loved the rafting, the hot tub afterwards, the Cosy Cabins and your beer in general. And we'll be back again, that's for sure!

Kevin T
Troisdorf, Germany


Rating: 5 *****

Whitewater Rafting in Maine

First we won the trip as a give away on a radio station that was broadcasting at L-A Harley in Lewiston Maine. White water rafting is not something we had ever thought of doing but excited we did. We arrived on Aug 24 Loris b-day and was greated by some wonderful staff. We then checked in and had a look around at all the amenitiers that was offered. Next we had supper in the dining area and had the most charming waitress, had a great meal. The waitres even got the staff and everyone in the lodge to sing happy birthday it was great.

The next day aug 25 we had a saftey meeting then we headed to the Kennebec river with all in the party for that day. Meet a great bunch of people and the friendliest and knowledgeable river guides that you would want to be with. Enjoyed out first rafting trip and hope to do it again some day. Then came the best part eating lol. We did this back at the lodge because of the threat of a thunder storm. Then the slide show and video of the trip we liked it so much we even bought it. Yea I know the whole point!

We would like to thank everyone envolved in makeing it a wonderful birthday for my wife and me and hope that everyone gets to experiance white water rafting at least once.

Sincerely,
Paul & Lori W

Paul W
Concord, NH

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River White Water Rafting
Northern Outdoors Lodge

Hello Russell

It was another successfull weekend.

We had a fabulous time. We are already talking about next year. We had a few new rafters and they enjoyed the whole experience.

The guides were awesome and the staff at the lodge was great. Debbie from the office was awesome in helping make the reservations and the weekend go very smoothly

These are some of the reasons we are back year after year

Thanks again
Margaret & Steve McCarthy

Margaret McCarthy
Walpole, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting