Introduction to Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
Date: Saturday, December 14
This is an early winter opportunity to learn (or re-learn) and practice winter hiking and snowshoeing skills. We'll go over safe methods for traveling, hydrating, eating, watching the weather and - most of all-enjoying winter walks. If there is snow, we'll practice snowshoeing. There is usually ice to be found at Bradbury Mountain State Park so bring micro-spikes or other ice traction equipment. An easy hike to the top of the mountain yields great views. The total distance will be around 2 miles including a climb of approximately 400 feet. Please indicate your level of experience when you contact us. We will provide you with details about the hike including a recommended gear list and are happy to answer any questions. There is a $3/per adult entrance fee to the park.
Location: Bradbury Mountain State Park
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Leader: Jeanne Christie 207-310-8708 (before 9pm)
Co-Leader: Steven Profaizer
Registration is required for this activity.
Trip Difficulty: Easy
Round Top Mountain Hike or Snowshoe
Date: Saturday, December 28
This winding trail ascends to 1,133' with an elevation gain of about 650' to the top of Round Top Mountain meandering through hardwood and conifer forests before opening up to views of Long Pond, Belgrade Lakes Village and Great Pond. Plan on hiking or snowshoeing based on conditions. Great small mountain hike for those who want to add a bit of work to their outing and new members to meet fellow AMC members. Total length about four miles; about 3 hours with stops. Some steep sections, narrow trails with rock and roots. Microspikes will be required if not enough snow for snowshoes. Morning start - correct times will be emailed with full details upon registration.
Please email Michelle (meamc@micstan.us) with info on gear, level of experience and a phone contact.
Location: Round Top Trail, Rome, Maine
Region: Maine, Western
Leader: Michelle Moody 207-406-5221 (before 9pm) , Susan Surabian , Stan Moody
Registration is required for this activity.
Trip Difficulty: Easy/moderate
FMI: Round Top - Maine Trail Finder
New Year's Day on Pleasant Mtn (20's, 30's & Young at Heart)
Date: Wednesday, January 1
Celebrate the New Year with a snowshoe or spike hike up Pleasant Mountain. 4.8 miles rt and 1,900 ft elevation gain. This will either be a snowshoe or a microspike hike depending on conditions. This is one of the steeper routes up Pleasant Mtn. Participants should have recent hiking experience and be in good cardiovascular shape. Those new to winter hiking are welcome. Must have appropriate winter gear for conditions.
Location: Pleasant Mountain, Maine
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Leader: Nick Montecalvo 207-747-9084, Denise Fredette
Registration is required for this activity.
Nordic Ski Mere Creek Trails
Date: Friday, January 3
Enjoy a morning of Nordic skiing on the trails surrounding Mere Creek Golf Course. This is a terrific area for beginners to practice Nordic skiing as well as for those who just want to enjoy a nice easy outing. The trails in the woods are mostly flat and are often groomed and tracked. There are some gentle slopes on the golf course for those who want a bit more challenge.
Please contact the leader for details about meeting time and location.
Location: Brunswick, ME
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Leader: Michelle Moody , Sarah Hunter
Registration is required for this activity.
Registrar: Sarah Hunter
Woodward Point Hike or Snowshoe
Date: Saturday, January 4
Let's explore this new preserve on the coast in Brunswick which was a joint venture of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Brunswick Topsham Land Trust. There are several trails to check out on this 87.5 acre parcel. The east section of trails is about 1.4 miles round trip and the west section is 1.6 miles total. We will be joined by staff from the Brunswick Topsham Land Trust to learn more about this wonderful new preserve. The terrain is mostly flat and good for families with children.
Woodward Point is one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land in northern Casco Bay - a designated estuary of national significance. The preserve cradles all or part of two commercially important shellfish beds and is surrounded by critical habitat for waterfowl and wading birds. Woodward Point's vast fields are also home to a healthy population of bobolinks estimated to be around eighty birds in the summer. See web links for trail map and more info.
After the hike, we could go out for a bite to eat.
To register, please email Michelle - meamc@micstan.us and include a phone contact, who is coming and winter gear info. A pdf with full details will be emailed after registration. Should conditions become icy, we will require good traction (good grippers or microspikes). If plenty of snow we can use snowshoes.
Location: Woodward Point, Brunswick, ME
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Leader: Michelle Moody 207-406-5221 (before 9pm) , Stan Moody
Registration is required for this activity.
Trip Difficulty: Easy
FMI: Trail Map
FMI: Article on the preserve
Introduction to Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing at Douglas Mountain
Date: Sunday, January 5
This is an early winter opportunity to learn (or re-learn) and practice winter hiking and snowshoeing skills. We'll go over safe methods for traveling, hydrating, eating, watching the weather and - most of all-enjoying winter walks. We'll practice snowshoeing. This is a loop trail. From the parking lot terrain will be gently rolling changing to some steep climbs near the top. On the summit there is a small stone tower and spectacular 360° views of the Lakes Region. The trip back starts out steep and is often icy so bring micro-spikes or other ice traction equipment whether or not there is snow, The total distance will be around 2.0 miles including a climb of just under 500 feet. There is a suggested donation of $3/per vehicle at the parking lot kiosk to support maintaining the trails. Please indicate your level of experience when you contact us. We will provide you with details about the hike including a recommended gear list and are happy to answer any questions.
Location: Douglas Mountain Trailhead (Parking Lot at the end of Spring Ledge Road)
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Leader: Jeanne Christie 207-310-8708 (before 9pm)
Co-Leader: Steven Profaizer
Registration is required for this activity.
Trip Difficulty: Easy with a couple steep climbs
FMI: Douglas Mountain on Maine Trail Finderinder
Winter Hike - Speck Mtn. in Grafton Notch
Date: Saturday, January 11
Hike/snowshoe to the summit of Speck Mtn. (4170 ft.) in Grafton Notch State Park via the AT for a round trip distance of 7.6 miles and elevation gain of 2720 feet. This is a strenuous hike suitable for experienced advanced and intermediate winter hikers. Full winter gear including snowshoes with crampons and crampons/micro spikes are required.
Contact the leader to register or for more information.
Bill Brooke, bill@mesoft.org
Location: Grafton Notch, Maine
Region: Maine, Western
Leader: Bill Brooke 207-549-5100 (before 9pm)
Registration is required for this activity.
Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
Cross Country Ski at Roberts Farm Preserve
Date: Saturday, January 18
The wonderful folks at Roberts Farm Preserve in Norway have groomed trails, poles and skiis and it's all free whenever their warming hut is open - usually 10-4 on weekends. There are seven miles of groomed trails from easy to difficult. The majority of the trails are intermediate to difficult. We'll meet in the morning for a half-day of classic cross country skiing and then plan to enjoy a late lunch in nearby Norway. If the conditions are not conducive to skiing, we can snowshoe instead. There is a full schedule of activities at Roberts Farm you may also want to check out by visiting their Facebook page.
Location: Roberts Farm Preserve, Norway, Maine
Region: Maine, Western
Leader: Jeanne Christie 207-310-8708 (before 9pm)
Registration is required for this activity.
Trip Difficulty: Advanced beginner to intermediate x-c skiiers
FMI: Roberts Farm Preserve
FMI: Roberts Farm Preserve Facebook
Little Bigelow Snowshoe/Hike
Date: Saturday, January 18
Snowshoe to the 3,040 ft summit of Little Bigelow. This is a moderate 7 mile out and back hike with 1,920 ft of elevation gain. We will have beautiful, panoramic views of Sugarloaf, the Bigelow Range, and Flagstaff Lake. This is an excellent introduction to snowshoeing in the mountains. Winter gear required.
Region: Maine, Western
Leader: Cindy Caverly 207-530-2446 (Before 8pm) , Peter Roderick
Registration is required for this activity.
Registrar: Cindy Caverly 207-530-2446 (Before 8 PM)
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
X-C Skiing in the woods on snowmobile trails
Date: Friday, January 31
Join us for a morning outing cross-country skiing on trails that are used by snowmobiles and are usually groomed. These are mostly old woods roads and some side trails that make for 2 loops with a straight stretch in between. The trails are mostly flat with a couple easy slopes. We can also ski by a couple ponds at the old Topsham land fill. This area makes for a scenic ski outing where we can watch for animal tracks and enjoy being surrounded by woods. We'll set a moderate pace. I'd call this an easy outing if you are used to skiing for2-3 hours.
Be sure to email Michelle to register and include a bit of info on your x-c skiing experience and include a phone contact. A fully detailed description will be emailed to you after registration. Call if you have any questions.
Location: Lovers Lane, Topsham, ME
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Leader: Michelle Moody 207-406-5221 (before 9pm) , Sarah Hunter
Registration is required for this activity.
Trip Difficulty: Easy
FMI: Topsham Trails
Puzzle Mtn - Grafton Notch
Date: Saturday, February 1
Snowshoe/hike to the summit of Puzzle Mtn. (3,133 ft.) in on the Grafton Notch Loop Trail for a round trip distance of 5.7 miles and elevation gain of 1200 feet. This is a moderate hike suitable for advanced beginner and intermediate winter hikers. Full winter gear including snowshoes with crampons and crampons/micro spikes are required. Contact the leader to register or for more information. Bill Brooke, bill@mesoft.org
Location: Graton Notch, Maine
Region: Maine, Western
Leader: Bill Brooke 207-549-5100 (before 9pm)
Registration is required for this activity.
Trip Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult
X-Country Ski Tour of AMC Maine Woods Initiative Lodges
Date: Sunday, February 2 - Saturday, February 8
Join the Maine Chapter for a ski and snowshoe tour of the Maine North Woods with stays in AMC Lodges at Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins, Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins as well as independently owned West Branch Pond Camps. X-country skiers with advanced beginner/intermediate skills will find this trip enjoyable.
We start from the winter parking lot on the KI Road near Greenville where AMC staff takes our baggage to our first stop, Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins about 8 miles by ski trail. We will spend the first two nights of our trip there in either the bunkhouse or a cabin.
Possible activities include, skiing and snowshoeing on nearby groomed trails along shore of Long Pond, snowshoe to summit of 3rd Mountain on the AT, snowshoe to AT and the Hermitage, an old growth stand of large trees and snowshoeing on either the Henderson Brook Trail or the Gorman Loop Trail.
On Day 3, we leave Gorman Chairback skiing to Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins our next stop with a 2 night stay there.
Possible activities there include a snowshoe hike to summit of nearby Indian Mountain, ski Indian Mountain circuit trail or Baker Pond Loop Trail, ski/snowshoe to Gulf Hagas, explore nearby trails that surround the Little Lyford Ponds.
Then it is on via the scenic River Trail to West Branch Pond Camps. The camps are privately owned by the Sterling family who been provding first rate hospitality for over 100 years. Open concept kitchen/dining room allows for hearing North Woods tales from host Eric Sterling as he puts finishing touches on breakfast or dinner.
Possible activities nearby include a variety of groomed ski trails to explore with wildlife sightings not uncommon, for the truly ambitious nearby Whitecap Mountain on the AT beckons and the several West Branch Ponds closer by and on more level terrain could be explored as we pass by on groomed trails. West Branch Pond may allow skating if the weather gods have allowed. BYOS.
Contact leader for further details and for details on booking reservations.
Adult Member Fee: $493.82
Region: Maine, Inland
Leader: Peter Roderick 207-293-2704 (before 9pm)
Registration is required for this activity.
Cross Country Ski Bethel Village Trails at Bethel Inn (with optional swim/sauna package)
Date: Sunday, February 9
Bethel Inn Resort X-C Ski and Snowshoe Center has it all: Groomed trails, ski rentals, heated indoor areas to get organized and even a ski/swim/sauna package! We'll meet in the morning for a ski, enjoy lunch and go out again in the afternoon. Those interested (like myself) can linger to swim in a heated outdoor pool and finish up with a sauna. These trails are suitable for experienced- beginners i.e., not the first time on X-C skis. There are extensive relatively level areas, but also a few hills to navigate. Day passes are $18, with the ski/swim/sauna $27. Ski rentals are available for $18 for adults and $15 for seniors.
Location: Bethel Inn, Bethel Maine
Region: Maine, Western
Leader: Jeanne Christie 207-310-8708 (before 9pm)
Registration is required for this activity.
Trip Difficulty: easy to intermediate
FMI: Bethel Village Trails at Bethel Inn
Claybrook Mountain Lodge Ski Trip
Date: Monday, February 17, 4:00 pm - Friday, February, 21, 12:00 pm
Join us for a week of great cross country skiing on the Maine Huts and Trails system of well-maintained trails. We'll have the opportunity, weather permitting, to visit each of the 4 huts without the burden of large backpacks. Enjoy the luxury of skiing with just a small daypack while enjoying the magnificent trails and scenery in the Bigelow area.Our accommodations will be in shared twin or triple rooms at the Claybrook Mountain Lodge in Highland Plantation. The lodge is owned by Greg, a certified EMT and Maine Guide, and his wife Pat. Pat is a fantastic cook who will spoil us with her homemade bread, muffins, cookies and multi course meals. Made to order breakfast, trail lunches and dinner are included in the trip fee. All meals from supper on Monday February 17th (day of arrival) through and including lunch on Friday the 21st (day of departure). We will eat our trail lunch at one of the MHT huts whenever possible, so we can purchase hot food items as well. The Claybrook Lodge has twin and triple rooms located on 2 levels; with shared bathrooms on each floor. There is also a living room area on each floor and a large wood stove on the 1st floor. The facility is clean, cozy and rustic surrounded by an array of mountain peaks.
Greg will act as our naturalist guide each day and will give us information on tracking, wildlife identification, tree identification and historical perspectives of the area. As a certified Maine Guide and EMT, his skills will increase our enjoyment of the area while maintaining a good level of safety. There will also be two AMC trip leaders on the excursion, both of whom are trained in Wilderness first Aid and CPR.
Adult Member Fee: $708
Adult Non-Member Fee: $708
Region: Maine, Western
Leader: Ginette Beaudoin 207-294-6302 (before 9pm)
Registration is required for this activity.
Pineland Farms Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced Cross Country Ski Trip
Date: Friday, February 28
Join us on a cross country ski trip at Pineland Farms, where we plan to have a beginner ski group and an intermediate/advanced ski group depending on participant abilities. You can rent skis if you need them from Pineland. This is a great ski area close to Portland with rolling hills and some easier areas for beginners as well as challenging terrain for more advanced skiers. We will pick trails that work well for the group. Beginners and more advanced skiers are welcome to join us. We can also stop at the cafe to rest for a bite to eat and a view of Mount Washington if the sky is clear enough. See link below for more info on Pineland.
Day pass: $18
Adult Member Fee: $18
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Leader: Cindy Caverly 207-530-2446 (Before 8 pm) , Sarah Hunter
Registration is required for this activity.
Trip Difficulty: Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced
FMI: Pineland Farms Information
Rumford White Cap Mountain
Date: Sunday, March 1Rumford White Cap Mountain is located in located in Rumford Whitecap Preserve. It is a moderate 5 mile round trip hike which offers panoramic views at the summit. Elevation gain is 1600ft in 2.3 miles one way
Activity Categories: Hiking, SnowshoeingLocation: Rumford, Maine
Region: Maine, Downeast and Acadia
Leader: Susan Surabian 207-474-6100 (Call anytime before 9pm) , Denise Fredette
Registration is required for this activity.
Easy Snowshoe Hike at Libby Trails Forest
Date: Sunday, March 8
Libby Hills Forest is a wonderful place for a half-day snowshoe hike with some hilly terrain and a couple easy stream crossings. We plan to do some bushwhacking to explore along the edge of a beaver pond that houses a large heron rookery in the summer. There are often tracks and other animal sign to examine and perhaps we'll pause to learn a little about how wildlife survives the cold winter months. The total length of the hike is estimated at around three miles.
Location: Libby Hills Forest, Gray Maine
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Leader: Jeanne Christie 207-310-8708 (before 9pm) , Peg Nation
Registration is required for this activity.
Trip Difficulty: easy
FMI: Libby Hills Forest
FMI: Libby Hills Forest Facebook
Wilderness First Aid
Date: Saturday, April 18 - Sunday, April 19Wilderness First Aid training goes beyond standard Red Cross first aid , providing you with the skills needed when you are more than one hour from medical care. Learn to assess & treat injuries in outdoor situations. This course is two full days, and will be taught at Maine Audubon in Falmouth, Maine by Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA). The fee covers instruction and materials, and does not include lodging or meals. The class includes patient assessment, immediate life threats, disabling injuries, hypothermia & other environmental hazards, fractures, sprains and more. Upon successful completion students will receive certification in Wilderness First Aid and Adult CPR which are valid for three years Course costs are $175 for AMC Maine chapter members, $200 for AMC members (non-Maine chapter), and $250 if you are not an AMC member. To register for this course email Kim Sanders at kimberlyannsanders@gmail.com
Activity Categories: First Aid, Instruction (Skills)Location: Maine Audubon, Falmouth, ME 04105
Region: Maine, Southern and Mid-Coast
Leader: Kim Sanders
Registration is required for this activity.
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