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If you’re looking for a winter wonderland, Maine has you covered. The state usually sees its first snow in late November or early December, and it can stick around until March or even April. If you’re a fan of being outdoors, there are tons of great opportunities to gather your gear and go exploring. Here’s a list of some of the best skiing and snowshoeing in Maine.
Hidden Valley Nature Center (Jefferson)
Nestled in the a beautiful region between Augusta and Rockland, the Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley Nature Center offers beautiful trails that pass through forests and alongside streams. The network offers a variety of experiences for all skill levels.
For more information, visit the Midcoast Conservancy.
Admission: $5 day-use donation for non-members
Dwight B. Demeritt University Forest (Orono)
Almost 1,500 acres of forest next to Maine’s flagship university are open for winter recreation. A network of well-maintained trails cover Orono and Old Town, and they provide a serene experience for those in the Bangor area. Maine Bound on the University of Maine campus also provides ski and snowshoe rentals.
To learn more, visit the University of Maine site.
Admission: Free
A Fierce Chase Cross-Country Ski Trails (Monson)
Whether you enjoy classic ski tracks, skate skiing, or snowshoeing, this network of almost 10 miles has something for you. The system is generally flat, and new trails continue to be added. The Friends page on Facebook provides trail updates as well as other information for visitors.
Visit Friends of A Fierce Chase Cross Country Ski Trails on Facebook for more information.
Admission: Free; donations encouraged
Camden Hills State Park (Camden)
Maine’s state parks provide an amazing way to enjoy the outdoors even when the temperature drops. The vast network of trails in Camden Hills State Park offer a huge range of options for snowshoers, and skiers will enjoy a trail from the main entrance of the park to a ski shelter. It’s not to be missed for those who want to enjoy the Penobscot Bay region!
For more information, visit the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
Admission: Camden Hills State Park entrance fees apply
AMC Lodge-to-Lodge Trails (western Maine)
For those who want a more remote, rugged experience, the Appalachian Mountain Club’s ski trails in western Maine are a great chance to see some of the most untouched parts of the state. (The region is aptly known as the 100-Mile Wilderness.) Looking for a complete cross-country ski trip experience? Their lodges provide meal service and other amenities.
For more information, visit the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Admission: Free to use trails; lodging rates vary
Aroostook Valley Trail (northern Maine)
A converted rail bed in northern Maine offers another option for those who want a remote experience. This multi-use 28-mile trail traverses fields, forests, and rivers throughout Maine’s potato region.
Find out more at the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
Admission: Free
Eastern Trail (southern Maine)
Skiing and snowshoeing aren’t limited to the more remote parts of Maine, though! The Eastern Trail runs from Bug Light in South Portland to the New Hampshire border. Many of the off-road sections are available for skiing and snowshoeing when there’s snow on the ground. The Eastern Trail Alliance publishes a detailed map of the route, and there are connections at many convenient points throughout southern Maine.
For more information, visit the Eastern Trail Alliance.
Admission: Free; donations encouraged
Carriage roads of Acadia (Bar Harbor / Mount Desert)
Acadia National Park’s scenic carriage roads are a great option for those who want to explore Mount Desert Island in the winter. Thanks to the incredible views and volunteer maintenance, Acadia offers some of the best skiing and snowshoeing in Maine. It’s one of the many ways to enjoy Acadia in winter!
To learn more, visit the National Park Service website.
Admission: Acadia National Park pass required
Photo from Russell Toris (CC BY 2.0)
