Community Corner
Winter Vacation Destination Spotlight: The Mountains Of Maine
Maine's mountain country offers many vacation opportunities. Take a break from holiday stress and plan your winter break.
New England is a popular vacation destination for winter sports and outdoor enthusiasts this time of year. With the convenience of the at Orient Point, North Forkers can arrive in Connecticut within a few hours and within a day trip of their favorite New England winter playground.
Snowmobiling in the mountains of northwest Maine offers some of the finest riding trails in the country. Maine's Interconnected Trail System has many hundreds of miles of trails that connect the state's small towns and cities, enabling riders to see the Maine wilderness close up and first hand. Trails are always well-groomed and marked, and local snowmobile clubs offer trail maps and local business brochures.
The Arnold Snowmobile Club in Stratton, Maine offers some of the best riding trails on the east coast. Just 10 miles from Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resort, the "Black Fly Loop" circles the heart of Franklin County, connecting a network of more than 300 miles of well-groomed mountain trails. These trails reach north through Eustis, Jackman and The Forks, west to Rangeley, Oquossoc, and New Hampshire, east to Carabasset Valley, Kingfield, and North New Portland, and south to Farmington and Wilton.
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The Black Fly Loop is Maine's premier mountain snowmobile trail and has the widest variety of trails in the east. These lesser known trails are not crowded. Climb majestic mountains and wander through vast stands of pine.
There are many spectacular lookouts, from glacier valleys to mountaintops, and from ponds to lakes. Local towns and villages in Maine provide services and amenities for all tastes. It is not uncommon to spot local deer, black bear and moose, so be sure to bring your camera.
Find out what's happening in North Forkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Highlights of the Black Fly Loop trail include:
-Rangeley Lake, where the Snodeo Winter Carnival is held Jan. 23 and 24.
-Bigelow Lodge, owned by the State of Maine and operated by volunteers on weekends to provide a great trail-side place to stop and warm by the fire with coffee and donuts.
-Stratton/Eustis, where the Polarblast Festival is held Feb. 7 and 8.
-Kennebago Mountain, where you can ride to the top and enjoy breathtaking views.
Located just off ITS 89 (Interconnected Trail System 89), the Spillover Motel in Stratton, Maine is a favorite place to stay with snowmobilers visiting the area. All trails and local businesses are accessible by snowmobile, so park your vehicle and take a few days to explore Maine's wilderness by sled.
Looking for a hearty Maine breakfast before heading out on the trails? Mainely Yours in Stratton is a favorite stop along the trail. Don't have a snowmobile? No problem. Flagstaff Rentals in Stratton rents both single and double sleds, and guide service is available.
