Appalachian Trail Canoe Ferry at the Kennebec River, Maine

Friday, May 7, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff
Kennebec River AT Ferry Warning SignThe Appalachian Trail (AT) is the longest foot trail in the United States and runs 2,178 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine, passing through 14 states along the way.  In Maine, the trail comes out of New Hampshire's, White Mountains, through the Mahoosics, over the Height of Land, through the 100 Mile Wilderness, before reaching its Northern terminus in Baxter State Park.

There are numerous creek and river crossings along the way, some small enough to walk across, some spanned by sturdy bridges.  The Kennebec River Crossing is another adventure entirely.

At 70 yards wide and too deep to safely ford, the Kennebec River is the longest unbridged river crossing on the entire length of the AT.  The Maine Appalachian Trail Club has contracted with David P. Corrigan of Fletcher Mountain Outfitters to provide a scheduled  Ferry Service to AT Hikers. While not open to use by the general public, it is a site worth seeing.






The Ferry consists of a large, red canoe paddled expertly from one shore to the other carrying hikers and their gear.  It's quite exciting to watch the Ferry in action, and anyone visiting the area for Maine whitewater rafting, hiking or fishing while the Ferry is running, should stop and see it in action. 

The Ferry is located on the Kennebec River where the Appalachian Trail meets the river at Caratunk, below the part of the river known for Kennebec river rafting.   There is an area for cars to park off the road, allowing visitors to hike the short distance along the AT to see the Ferry.





The Kennebec River Appalachian Trail Ferry schedule for 2010 is as follows:

  • May 28 – July 15              9 a.m. to 11 a.m. only
  • July 16 – September 30    9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • October 1 – October 11    9 a.m. to 11 a.m. only
(Northern Outdoors provides a daily scheduled shuttle service back to the Ferry Crossing / Trail to AT Hikers who stop at our adventure resort for a bite to eat or a good night's sleep and hot showers.)


Footlogs & Footloose Maine Adventures

Thursday, April 22, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff
Footlogs on the Moxie Falls Trail, The Forks, ME - Northern Outdoors & PLCPhotoWhat's a footlog?  They come in a couple of varieties - logs that have been cut lengthwise and logs that have been chunked into 1-2 foot high pieces - but they have the same purpose, to keep feet above of muddy and damp sections of hiking trails.  The long versions are usually laid 2 at a time down the length of the trail over large distances, through boggy or low lying areas.  The stubby footlogs span shorts stretches such as where creeks cross the trail.

Footlogs can be found on even short hiking trails, like the Moxie Falls Trail.  Visitors planning Hut to Hut hiking trips as part of their Maine adventure vacations or those folks through-hiking the Appalachian Trail will encounter many of these gems of trail architecture. 

Hiking is a great way to spend time as part of your New England vacation, and with hiking trails, both short and long, all through the state there is a trail for every interest.  Whether visiting waterfalls, hiking the AT or climbing a mountain, visitors love getting footloose in Maine.



Maine - Land of No Billboards

Monday, April 19, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff
Old Canada Road Scenic ByWay Maine Route 201 - PLCPhotoAnyone who has ever travelled I-90 through South Dakota knows all they will ever need to about billboards, large and small.  Coming and going, I-90 sprouts billboards like weird rectangular shrubbery, and it can be a disconcerting journey for someone from Maine where billboards simply do not exist.

That's right, Maine has no billboards.  Not one.  Not since 1979 when they were banned in the state!

Traveling on I-95, informational signs are small and unobtrusive, leaving roadsides free for moose-looking instead of ad-gazing.  This means visitors have a different experience traveling in Maine from the instant they cross the state line.

For instance, traveling to The Forks for Maine whitewater rafting or Maine family vacations or simply driving for pleasure alongside Wyman Lake on the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway, takes travelers along I-95 and north on Route 201, aka "Moose Alley," offering unbroken wooded vistas, backroad glimpses of fishing holes and lake views that are not dotted with, or blocked by, giant advertisements.  Small signs in blues, greens or browns point the way to interesting attractions, locations and businesses.  Driving in Maine is an experience in paying attention in new ways, one a visitor won't soon forget.

Who Needs California When You Can Dream of Maine

Friday, April 16, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff
Birch Trees at Wyman Lake Maine - Credit PLCPhotoCalifornia dreaming?  Who needs it!  Maine is a state where visitors regularly state in awe "I had no idea this state is so beautiful!"  Often they turn to natives and say, "Do you realize how beautiful your state is?"  To which we reply, "Every day." 

The beauty of coming to Maine, whether it's for Maine family vacations, maine whitewater rafting,  a wedding, a romantic weekend getaway or to explore some of the best fishing and hiking in the north east, is that visitors get to experience the joy and awe that those of us who live here get to appreciate year round. 

We're more than quaint coastal villages and lobster.  We're mountain vistas, cold deep lakes, winding backroads, moose and birds and wildflowers.  We're great camp sites with loons crying in the night and we're luxury cabins in cool woods.  Not everyone gets to live here and say, "Every day."  But everyone deserves the opportunity to ask "Do you realize...?"

Outdoor Leadership Course Open for Public Registration - Earn College Credit

Thursday, April 15, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff
We're fortunate to be involved in a lot of cool things here at Northern Outdoors, and we're super excited to announce this great course now open to for public registration!

Date: May 16-22, 2010 (Must Register in Advance)
Outdoor Leadership Course through Keene State College
This hands-on seven day course delivers 4 undergraduate credits as participants explore the rivers, trails and landscape of Western Maine. You will be staying in comfortable lodge accommodations every night (except one night where you will be camping).

Led by long-time Northern Outdoors guide and experienced educator Sandra Howard, Ph. D. this week long interdisciplinary course is open to continuing education students who wish to explore outdoor recreational leadership qualities, styles, and group dynamics from multiple perspectives (physical education/environmental science/sociology/communication).

Additional focus on experiential learning and examinations of selected program activities/guidelines; developing, leading, and evaluating activities based on varying participant requirements; you will additionally earn a Leave No Trace certification.

Required texts and materials.




Maine's More Than Mud Season

Sunday, April 11, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff
IMaine Waterfalls - Image PLC Photon some states, it's said, there are two seasons, construction and winter.  Maine is lucky enough to have four definitive seasons - though sometimes spring is known as Mud Season.

But those who spend winter in this part of New England know spring is much more than melting snow and mud.  Spring is short sleeves instead of turtle necks, sitting on the porch on the lee side of the house in the sun for the first time in months.  Spring is fiddlehead ferns poking through last falls leaves and geese flying north and the return of loons to the ponds.  Spring is getting outside to explore waterfalls and rivers made full by snow melt, smelling the apple trees in blossom, crisp mornings and warm, welcoming days.

Breaking out the hiking boots and fly rods, setting off for  Maine fishing adventures and resort settings with great access to hut to hut hiking trails and waiting in expectation of the first day of Kennebec River rafting are all part of letting go of winter in Maine.  We're in that process now and it's one we enjoy every year.  Those who have never  adventured during a Maine spring should add it to their 'to do' list - it's so much more fun than spring cleaning!



Recycle Your Ski Season's Pass

Thursday, April 8, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff
Ski Pass Deals on Maine RaftingIf you're not one of those people with a 3 inch thick clump of lift tickets bouncing from your jacket, but rather a season's pass holder at one of the many New Englnd ski areas, you can do more than just put the pass in your recycling bin, you can use it help veterans and save money rafting!

New England Ski Area season pass holders will save $15 off all Northern Outdoors May & June Maine whitewater rafting trips with their current Season Pass. For every season pass rafter, Northern Outdoors will donate $5 to the Maine Handicapped Skiing's Veterans / No Boundaries Program.
 
Maine Handicapped Skiing's Veterans/No Boundaries, provides veterans and active duty personnel with disabilities summer and winter adaptive sports activities, free of charge.

Veterans/No Boundaries is funded by Bath Iron Works, Disabled Sports USA, veterans groups, local businesses and individuals who are passionate about supporting Maine’s service men and women.

Kennebec River rafting season opens May 8, 2010 and there's a ton of water in the rivers.  Snowmelt becomes whitewater, so taking adventure from the slopes to the rivers is a natural transition.  Pass it on!

Maine Rafting Company Announces Spring Whitewater Special for New England Ski Pass Holders to Benefit Maine Handicapped Skiing Programs

Monday, March 1, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff
Spring Raftinf on the Dead River, MaineAs spring turns to summer and snow turns to runoff it's time to put away your skis and boards and get out on Maine's whitewater rivers and benefit a good cause.
 
Northern Outdoors, based in The Forks, Maine is offering all New England skiers and riders a chance to directly support disabled veterans and active service personnel via spring rafting vacations. New England Ski Area season pass holders will save $15 off all Northern Outdoors May & June rafting trips with their current Season Pass. For every season pass rafter, Northern Outdoors will donate $5 to the Maine Handicapped Skiing's Veterans / No Boundaries Program.
 
Maine Handicapped Skiing's Veterans/No Boundaries, provides veterans and active duty personnel with disabilities summer and winter adaptive sports activities, free of charge.  Veterans/No Boundaries is funded by Bath Iron Works, Disabled Sports USA, veterans groups, local businesses and individuals who are passionate about supporting Maine’s service men and women.
 
Spring white water rafting typically has higher water flows thanks to winter snow melt and offers exciting early season adventure. The Ski Pass Special is valid on all three of Maine’s whitewater rivers- the Kennebec, the Penobscot, and the Dead River. Each unique river offers a vacation experience of thrilling fun and adventure for first-time rafters, families, and high adventure enthusiasts.
 
For more information on the New England Ski Resort Season Pass Holders Special call 800-765-7238 or visit www.NorthernOutdoors.com.

An Update on Snowmobile Trail Conditions in The Forks

Thursday, February 4, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff
Snowmobiler on ITS 87 in The Forks, MaineHaven't seen any significant snow since the rain and subsequent freeze up last week. All 100 miles of The Forks Trail System are passable, but there are some tough sections. You can get through everywhere . . . just have to "bob & weave" to stay on snow and get around obstacles, on some parts.

Theres' enjoyable riding north of Berry's Store in West Forks on ITS 89 towards Jackman and ITS 86 towards Rockwood and up to Pittston Farm. There's good riding on ITS 86 from Moxie Lake heading east towards Greenville. We are recommending riders trailer 5 - 8 miles north to The Forks or Moxie Lake and ride the higher elevations where there is still decent snow cover.  (see photo above taken yesterday on ITS 87) 

•    ITS 86 from Berry's Store in West Forks, heading east toward Greenville  is poor until you get past Moxie Lake. You can get through, but there's ice and a few washouts to work around. From Moxie Lake toward Greenville is good riding and is being groomed.
 
•    Bald Mountain Trail  connecting ITS 86 and ITS 87 has good riding is being groomed. There is an active logging operation on this section, for 1 mile. One snowbank has been winged down, so sleds can stay on snow.
 
•    ITS 87 heading south toward Bingham  has several poor spots. There is an active logging operation for 2 miles along the Divide Road. One snowbank has been pulled down for a majority of this stretch, so sleds can stay on snow most of the way. There are still a couple short stretches where you're grinding on dirt. The rest of the Divide Road to Northern Outdoors is decent with plenty of snow, and is being groomed. Heading further south on ITS 87 to Pleasant Pond is fair. Continuing south on toward Bingham is poor and icy in several places, but passable.
 
•    Pleasant Pond Trail connecting ITS 87 with the Bald Mountain Trail has good snow and good riding, and is being groomed.
 
•    Kennebec River Trail  from Northern Outdoors to Berry's Store in West Forks, is ok in some places and poor in others. It is passable all the way through. The last 1 mile before getting into town is the worst part.
 
In summary, all trails in The Forks system are passable. Parts (described above) have good to very good riding and are being groomed. Other parts are in poor shape. Ride with caution at all times.  Open water bars, rocks, shelf ice and hard packed ice can be anywhere.
 
Jim Yearwood
Northern Outdoors Snowmobile Club

The Forks, Maine - Snowmobile Trail Conditions Report

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff
Well, The Forks Snowmobile Trail System really took a beating on Monday with all the wind and rain. We have been out the last 2 days trying to fix problem areas and clearing the trails of blowdowns. All 100 miles of the trail system are passable, but there are some pretty ugly sections. I've detailed them below as best as possible. You can get through everywhere, but you will have to "bob & weave" to stay on snow on some sections, and to get around washouts/waterholes. There is still decent riding on ITS 86 from Moxie Lake heading east toward Greenville, and on the Bald Mountain Trail.  There's some good riding on the West Forks Trail System from Berry's Store, heading north toward Jackman on ITS 87 and ITS 89. All other sections are marginal.

•    ITS 86 from Berry's Store heading east toward Greenville is poor until you get to Moxie Lake. Washouts and bare spots. You can get through, but it's not pretty. From Moxie Lake to Greenville is pretty good with decent snow and we will be grooming this section on Thursday night.
 
•    Bald Mountain Trail connecting ITS 86 and ITS 87 has good riding. There is an active logging operation on this section, for 1 mile. One snowbank has been winged down so sleds can stay on snow most of the way. This trail will be groomed on Thursday night.
 
•    ITS 87 heading south toward Bingham is poor most of the way. There is an active logging operation for 2 miles on the Divide Road that is down to dirt. The groomer went out to that section on Wednesday to pull one of the snowbanks down, so sleds can get on snow. The rest of the Divide Road to Northern Outdoors is decent and will be groomed on Thursday night. Heading further south on ITS 87 to Pleasant Pond and toward Bingham is not recommended. It is passable, but numerous bare spots and washouts.
 
•     Kennebec River Trail from Northern Outdoors to Berrys Store in West Forks, is ok in some spots and poor in others. It is passable all the way through. The last 1 mile before getting into town is the worst part.
 
•    Pleasant Pond Trail (club trail). Conditions are unknown at this time, as we haven't had a chance to check it out. I would guess that it's all ok (it's mostly on unplowed road), except for the 1 mile around the south end of Pleasant Pond.
 
•    Breakneck Ridge Trail to Blanchard. Conditions are unknown. This section is maintained by the 4 Winds Club out of Guilford.
 
Again, all trails in The Forks are passable, but some sections are in bad shape. Ride with caution at all times!  Open water bars, rocks, shelf ice, and hard packed ice can be anywhere. Other than parts of ITS 86 and the Bald Mountain Trail described above, recommended riding is from Berrys Store in West Forks heading north on ITS 87 and ITS 89. Still decent snow cover there, and the FAR club will be grooming these sections.
 
Jim Yearwood
Northern Outdoors Snowmobile Club

The Forks, Maine - Snowmobile Trail Conditions Reprt

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff
The 8" of snow we received last week helped the groomers fill in most of the remaining trouble spots, especially on woods trails. All 100 miles of The Forks Trail System are open and being groomed regularly. Generally speaking, trail sections on unplowed roads are very good and woods trails are fair. Our trail system is about 85% roads and 15% woods trails. There may still be a few hazards out there especially on the woods trails, such as wet spots and rocks poking through, so be careful.  Not sure what the weather will do to the trails . . . . it's raining right now. The following conditions are as of Monday morning.   
 
• ITS 86 from Berry's Store heading east toward Greenville is scheduled to be groomed Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights. The 1 mile of Intown trail is roughed up and hard to maintain because of heavy traffic. Once out of town, things improve greatly. The 1 mile Power Line section near Moxie Lake is rough, with some wet spots. Brochu Road section is flat and fast!
 
• ITS 87 heading south toward Bingham will be groomed Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights. There is an active logging operation for 2 miles along the Divide Road section, but there is a solid hard packed base on the road. Go slow and yield to equipment. The 3 mile spur trail up to the Moxie Mountain Overlook is open and groomed . . . . outstanding views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Bigelow Range!  
 
• Kennebec River Trail from Northern Outdoors to Berrys Store will be groomed on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights. The last 1 mile section as you approach town rough. Nice views of the Kennebec River.
 
• Bald Mountain Trail connecting ITS 86 and ITS 87 will be groomed on Tuesday, Thursday , Friday, Saturday nights. There is an active logging operation along this route and the road is shared for 1 mile. Go easy through there and yield to equipment. Everywhere else is flat and fast!
 
• Breakneck Ridge Trail to Blanchard is now open and groomed with good riding.
 
• Pleasant Pond Trail  (club trail) will be groomed on Thursday. There is a  1/4  mile stretch along the back side of Pleasant Pond that is rough. Other than that, it's clear sailing.  This trail and ITS 87 make a nice loop around Moxie Mountain.
 
All told, the trails are in good shape and there is very enjoyable riding to be had. Although there is plenty of snow in most places, remember that there are still a few hazards out there . . . . . . . ride with caution at all times. 
 
For day trippers, there's a FREE PARK & RIDE LOT at Northern Outdoors Resort on Route 201. Gas, trail maps, food, restrooms and trail info are available right at the Lodge. Call 888-770-SLED for details.
 
Jim Yearwood
Northern Outdoors Snowmobile Club

The Forks, Maine - Snowmobile Trail Conditions Report

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff

Many, many riders out enjoying the trails this past holiday weekend. All 100 miles of The Forks Trail System are open and being groomed regularly. Drivers report that overall conditions are good with fine riding. Generally speaking, trail sections on unplowed roads are very good and woods trails are fair, with a couple of poor spots. Our trail system is about 85% roads and 15% woods trails. Plenty of snow on the ground to groom out the road sections, but we need more snow to smooth out the woods trails.  It's snowing right now . . . . about 3" on the ground and a little more expected the next couple of days. Every little bit will help. There are still a few hazards out there especially on the woods trails, such as wet spots and rocks poking through, so be careful.
 
• ITS 86 from Berry's Store heading east toward Greenville is scheduled to be groomed Tuesday, Friday, Saturday nights of this week. The 1 mile of Intown trail is roughed up and tough to smooth out until we get some new snow. The 1 mile Power Line section near Moxie Lake is rough, with some wet spots. Brochu Road section is flat and fast!
 
• ITS 87 heading south toward Bingham will be groomed Tuesday, Friday, Saturday nights of this week. There is an active logging operation for 2 miles along the Divide Road section, but there is a solid hard packed base on the road. Go slow and yield to equipment. The 3 mile spur trail up to the Moxie Mountain Overlook is open and groomed . . . . outstanding views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Bigelow Range!
 
• Kennebec River Trail from Northern Outdoors to Berry's Store will be groomed on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday nights of this week. The last 1 mile section as you approach town is rough and needs more snow. Otherwise, it's decent riding through there with nice views of the Kennebec River.
 
• Bald Mountain Trail connecting ITS 86 and ITS 87 will be groomed on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday nights of this week. There is an active logging operation along this route and the road is shared for 1 mile. Go easy through there and yield to equipment. Everywhere else is flat and fast!
 
• Breakneck Ridge Trail to Blanchard is now open and groomed with good riding.
 
• Pleasant Pond Trail  (club trail) will be groomed on Wednesday. There is a  1/4  mile stretch along the back side of Pleasant Pond that is rough. Other than that, it's clear sailing.
 
All told, the trails are in good shape and there is very enjoyable riding to be had. Although there is plenty of snow in most places, remember that there are still a few hazards out there . . . . . . . ride with caution at all times.
 
For day trippers, there is a FREE PARK AND RIDE LOT at Northern Outdoors Resort on Route 201. Gas, trail maps, food, restrooms and trail info are available right at the Lodge. Call 888-770-SLED for details.

Jim Yearwood
Northern Outdoors Snowmobile Club

The Forks, Maine - Snowmobile Trail Conditions Report

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff

Many, many riders out enjoying the trails this past weekend. All 100 miles of The Forks Trail System are open and being groomed regularly. Drivers report that overall conditions are good with fine riding. Generally speaking, trail sections on unplowed roads are very good and woods trails are fair, with a couple of poor spots. Our trail system is about 85% roads and 15% woods trails. Plenty of snow on the ground to groom out the road sections, but we need more snow to smooth out the woods trails. There are still a few hazards out there especially on the woods trails, such as wet spots and rocks poking through, so be careful.
 
•    ITS 86 from Berry's Store heading east toward Greenville is scheduled to be groomed Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights of this week. The 1 mile of Intown trail is roughed up and tough to smooth out until we get some new snow. The 1 mile Power Line section near Moxie Lake is rough, with some wet spots. Brochu Road section is flat and fast!
 
•    ITS 87 heading south toward Bingham will be groomed Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights of this week. There is an active logging operation for 2 miles along the Divide Road section, but there is a solid hard packed base on the road. Go slow and yield to equipment. The 3 mile spur trail up to the Moxie Mountain Overlook is open and groomed . . . . outstanding views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Bigelow Range!
 
•    Kennebec River Trail from Northern Outdoors to Berry's Store will be groomed on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights of this week. The last 1 mile section as you approach town is rough and needs more snow. Otherwise, it's decent riding through there with nice views of the Kennebec River.
 
•    Bald Mountain Trail connecting ITS 86 and ITS 87 will be groomed on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights of this week. There is an active logging operation along this route and the road is shared for 1 mile. Go easy through there and yield to equipment. Everywhere else is flat and fast!
 
•    Breakneck Ridge Trail to Blanchard is now open and groomed with good riding.
 
•    Pleasant Pond Trail  (club trail) will be groomed on Wednesday. There is a 1/2 mile stretch along the back side of Pleasant Pond that is rough. Other than that, it's clear sailing.
 
All told, the trails are in good shape and there is very enjoyable riding to be had. Although there is plenty of snow in most places, remember that there are still a few hazards out there . . . . . . . ride with caution at all times.

For day trippers, there is a FREE PARK AND RIDE LOT  at Northern Outdoors Resort on Route 201. Gas, trail maps, food, restrooms and trail info are available right at the Lodge. Call 888-770-SLED for details.

Jim Yearwood
Northern Outdoors Snowmobile Club
 

The Forks, Maine - Snowmobile Trail Conditions Report

Thursday, January 7, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff

The New Years Weekend storm dumped 12" - 18" of snow on our area, depending on the exact location. All 100 miles of The Forks Trail System are open and groomed. Groomers have been busy and report that the trails are generally in great shape with excellent riding. Since it is early season, there are still a few hazards out there such as wet spots and rocks poking through, but overall conditions are very good. Cold temperatures coming in should help to freeze over any wet areas.
 
•    ITS 86 from Berry's Store heading east toward Greenville  will be groomed again on Friday and Saturday nights. The 1 mile Power Line section along Moxie Lake is rough, with some wet spots. Brochu Road section is flat and fast!
•    ITS 87 heading south toward Bingham  will be groomed again on Friday and Saturday nights. There is an active logging operation for 2 miles along the Divide Road section, but there is a solid hard packed base on the road. Go slow and yield to any equipment. The 3 mile spur trail to the Moxie Mtn. Overlook is open and groomed . . . . outstanding views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Bigelow Range!
•    Kennebec River Trail  from Northern Outdoors to Berry' s Store will be groomed again on Friday and Saturday nights. Other than a couple of wet spots, there's good riding through there.
•    Bald Mountain Trail  connecting ITS 86 and ITS 87 will be groomed again on Friday and Saturday nights, and has great riding. There is an active logging operation along this route and the road is shared for 1 mile. Go easy through there and yield to equipment.
•    Pleasant Pond Trail  was opened and groomed on Wednesday. There is a 1/4 mile stretch along the back side of Pleasant Pond that is rough. Other than that, it's clear sailing.
All in all, the riding season is off to a great start! Although there is plenty of snow, remember that it's early season and there are still a few hazards out there . . . . . Ride with caution at all times.
 
For day trippers, there is a FREE PARK AND RIDE LOT  at Northern Outdoors Resort on Route 201. Gas, trail maps, food, restrooms and trail info are available right at the Lodge. Call 888-770-SLED for details.

Jim Yearwood
Northern Outdoors Snowmobile Club
 

The Forks, Maine - Snowmobile Trail Conditions Report

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff
We received 12" - 18" of snow from the New Years Weekend storm, depending on the exact location. Groomers have been out and report that the trails are in great shape and the riding is fine. There are still a few wet spots, but overall conditions are very good to excellent. Cold temperatures later this week should help freeze over any wet areas.
 
• ITS 86 from Berry's Store heading east toward Greenville was groomed on Monday. The 1 mile Power Line section along Moxie Lake is still a bit rough, with some wet spots. Brochu Road section is flat and fast.
• ITS 87 heading south toward Bingham was groomed on Monday and has great riding. The 3 mile spur up Moxie Mountain to the lookout is groomed . . . . outstanding views of Sugarloaf and Bigelow Mountains!
• Bald Mountain Trail connecting ITS 86 to ITS 87 was groomed on Monday and is in very good to excellent shape. There is an active logging operation along this route and the road is shared for 1 mile . . . go easy through there.
• Kennebec River Trail from Northern Outdoors to Berry's Store was groomed on Tuesday and has good riding. Scenic trail along the river.
• Pleasant Pond Trail has not been groomed. Plan to have it open for the weekend.

Gas, food, restrooms and trail info are available at Northern Outdoors on Route 201. Call 888-770-SLED for details.

All in all, we are in great shape and the snowmobile season is off and running!  Although there is plenty of snow, it is early season and there are still a few obstacles out there . . . . ride with caution.
 
Jim Yearwood
Northern Outdoors Snowmobile Club

The Forks, Maine - Snowmobile Trail Conditions Report

Monday, January 4, 2010 by Northern Outdoors Staff

The 2010 Maine Snowmobile season is underway. This past weekend The Forks area received around a foot of snow.  We now have plenty of snow to work with, and our groomers will get the trails packed and in great shape for riding.

On Saturday night we groomed ITS 86 east toward Greenville, ITS 87 north to Berry's Store and south toward Bingham, and the Bald Mountain Trail. We will groom the entire Forks Area Trail system, including the Kennebec River Trail, on Monday.  We will plan to open the Pleasant Pond Trail later in the week.

Gas, food, restrooms and trail info are available at Northern Outdoors on Route 201. Call 888-770-SLED for details.
 
Jim Yearwood, Trailmaster
Northern Outdoors Snowmobile Club
 

Northern Outdoors profiled in ATVSource.com

Friday, December 18, 2009 by Northern Outdoors Staff

ATVSource.com recently carried a profile of Northern Outdoors including a  brief history and background on the company and its decision earlier this year to cater to ATV's and UTV's looking for a convenient base-camp from which to explore Maine's extensive network of ATV Trails.

Northern Outdoors is long established as one of Maine's most popular one-stop Snowmobile Resorts and is now aiming to appeal to powersports enthusiasts year-round with the addition of a spring / summer / fall spur trail which connects to Maine's extensive network of over 6,000 miles of dedicated ATV trails. 

For more information on Northern Outdoors visit www.NorthernOutdoors.com or call 800-765-7238

Maine Inn-to-Inn Snowmobile Package

Monday, December 7, 2009 by Northern Outdoors Staff

Snowmobiler in Kingfield, MaineNorthern Outdoors and The Herbert Grand Hotel have teamed up to offer a new Inn-to-Inn snowmobile package for the 2010 season.

 

This three night, two day package includes one night lodging at the historic Herbert Hotel, Kingfield with breakfast and two nights lodging in a cozy cabin at Northern Outdoors, in The Forks. and optional snowmobile rental for two days.

 

Riders will enjoy a variety of trails as they explore a 200+ mile loop originating in The Forks and incorporating ITS 86/89 to Eustis, ITS 115 south to Stratton, Carrabassett Valley and Kingfield, before returning to The Forks, via ITS 84 to North Anson and ITS 87 north, past Solon & Bingham. The base package can be extended to allow for addition riding at either lodging location.

 

Package prices start at $189 per person for lodging. Snowmobile rentals and equipment are available at Northern Outdoors.

 

For full details or additional information contact Northern Outdoors at  800-765-7238.

Snowy Trails to Maine Adventures

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 by Northern Outdoors Staff
Maine SnowmobileSnowmobile adventures make for great Maine family vacations, and for folks who don't have their own sled, we rent them. We even have guides available to show you all the best trails and most spectacular winter, northwoods views. 

At the end of a long day on the trail, there's nothing like a great meal and a steaming hot tub.  The only thing to make it better is good friends to share the evening with.  So we're looking forward to a super snowy winter, with lots of roaring fires in the lodge and fresh beer in the bar taps to welcome all our winter buddies back for the season.  And in anticipation of a great snowmobling season, our new Northern Outdoors Maine snowmobile information is ready to download or if you'd prefer you can follow the link to request a copy in the mail. 



Maine Kennebec River - Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway

Saturday, October 17, 2009 by Northern Outdoors Staff
Maine Kennebec River Old Canada Road National Scenic BywayCruising north out of Skowhegan on U.S. Route 201, you top a hill and a view opens up before you - mountains roll to the horizon and the sky doubles in size.  On your left, in a grassy area, is a sign announcing you are now driving on the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway.  A few hundred feet past the sign is an unmarked turn onto a gravel road that twists up to a picnic pavilion and another spectacular view.  Everything is new and this is obviously the beginnings of a larger project -  below the picnic area you can see signs of work in the woods. where walking trails are in the process of being cut.  Hmmm...a place to return to and explore some more on future trips.  Informational plaques on stands offer information about the mountains before you and the history of the area, it's clear they are the first of many you can stop and read along 201 north.

Breath in the view for a while, then continue north, into history, into wilderness and into adventure.  A National Scenic ByWay has to be more that a pretty drive - it has to be a route with history significant to the region and offer much to see and do.  The Old Canada Road is a prime example, with historical markers, spectacular scenery, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure from Kennebec River rafting, ATV trails and resorts, and Hut to Hut Hiking trips to wintertime Maine snowmobile vacations.  The houses and towns along the way are small and hardy, the people tough and friendly, the journey worth taking!