CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING IN THE KATAHDIN REGION
Maine’s Katahdin Region is a winter paradise for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. It offers diverse trails that wind through breathtaking landscapes, from towering pine forests to scenic riverbanks with stunning views of Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak!
Whether you are a beginner skier looking for groomed tracks or a seasoned skier eager to explore the quiet beauty of the backcountry, this region provides exceptional cross-country skiing experiences. The Katahdin region ensures an unforgettable winter adventure for all skill levels with well-maintained trail systems, gear rental, and cozy lodges.
Below is a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your trip. It includes details on where to ski, rent gear, book a guided tour, and find the best accommodations for a perfect cross-country skiing getaway. (Photo: Penobscot River Trails)
TRAVEL GUIDE
TOP CROSS-COUNTRY SKI DESTINATIONS / PROVIDERS
Cross-Country Skiing Trails:
- New England Outdoor Center (NEOC): Located in Millinocket, NEOC boasts nearly 14.5 miles of groomed trails on Hammond Ridge, suitable for both classic and skate skiing without a set track. The trails offer panoramic views of Katahdin, Millinocket Lake, and Jo-Mary Mountain. The trails are free and open to the public. The terrain consists of easy, moderate, and challenging trails. Come and explore the excellent trail system starting right from the Knife Edge Brewing parking lot at 200 Katahdin View Dr, Millinocket, ME 04462. (SKI INFO);
- Penobscot River Trails: Situated in Grindstone, this network provides 16 miles of groomed trails along the Penobscot River, featuring scenic riverside views and warming huts equipped with vault toilets. Snowshoeing is permitted along the edges of the entire trails system. Hiking is welcome in spring, summer, and fall months. (SKI INFO);
- Mt Chase Lodge: In addition to being close to the National Monument Trails and the Penobscot River Trails, Mt Chase Lodge has developed and maintains about 2 miles of trails, including a wonderful 1.3 mile loop (The Lodge Loop) and a new .5 mile machine-built single track trail named Lower Stump Dump, both ideal for cross-country skiers. The Lodge Loop circles the pond and wanders through softwood and mixed wood stands. Stump Dump connects to Shin Pond Village. Come enjoy these and other trails that are free and open to the public at Mt. Chase lodge. (SKI INFO);
- Bait Hole Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe trails: This 6.9-mile trail network with set track near Millinocket offers groomed paths with vistas of Mount Katahdin, Elbow Lake, and diverse hardwood forests. (SKI INFO);
- Northern Timber Cruiser Trails: The Northern Timber Cruisers, located in Millinocket, Maine, maintain an extensive network of cross-country ski trails suitable for various skill levels. The trail system encompasses approximately 7 miles of groomed paths, offering classic skiing opportunities. These trails meander through serene forests and picturesque wetlands, providing skiers with scenic views of the surrounding landscape. (SKI INFO);
- Mountain Heights Outpost: Located 4.5 miles from Patten town center, Mountain Heights Outpost maintains 2.5 miles of groomed and pet-friendly trails open to the public for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking. Trails run through peaceful open fields and evergreen forests with only minor elevation changes across the trail system. Snowshoes are available free of charge for use on the property. (SKI INFO);
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument: Accessed via the north entrance, visitors can explore groomed trails ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with opportunities for winter hiking and fat tire biking (SKI INFO);
- Baxter State Park offers miles and miles of ungroomed skiing and snowshoeing. Advanced planning is highly recommended due to unique winter access, changing conditions, and backcountry safety concerns. Visit their “Winter Basics” website linked in this listing, and contact 207-723-5140 to plan your cross country skiing outing at BSP. (SKI INFO);
- In addition, there are other ungroomed skiable trails such as River Pond Nature Trails, Seboeis Riverside Trail, Bowlin Lodge and Cabins (to access the KW&W National Monument trails).
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI EQUIPMENT RENTAL
- New England Outdoor Center: Offers ski rentals, including skis, poles, and boots. Rentals are available at the main building’s front desk.
- Penobscot River Trails: Provides equipment rentals for visitors. They offer classic and backcountry rentals with boots and poles – by donation only at their Visitor’s Center. It’s advisable to check trail conditions and other important seasonal information before visiting.
- Katahdin Gear Library: Located in downtown Millinocket, they offer cross-country ski rentals. Contact them at 207.200.4767 for details.
QUICK LINKS:
LODGING / ACCOMMODATIONS NEAR CROSS-COUNTRY TRAILS
Lodging / Accommodations that are particularly well-located near cross-country trails:
- New England Outdoor Center: Provides lodging options close to their trail system, making it convenient for skiing enthusiasts.
- Mt. Chase Lodge: Located near Katahdin Woods and Waters, this lodge offers access to nearby groomed ski trails and provides a cozy retreat after a day on the snow. They offer suites, cabins, and a lakeside cottage, with the cabins being pet friendly, along with their full-service dining by reservation. Mt Chase Lodge has developed and maintains about 2 miles of trails, including a wonderful 1.3 mile loop on the lodge property that circles Upper Shin Pond and wanders through softwood and mixed wood stands.
- Additional lodging options nearby / suggestions HERE >
QUICK LINKS:
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAILS & MAPS
LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS REPORTS
PHOTO GALLERY
Photographs courtesy of New England Outdoor Center and Penobscot River Trails.
CURRENT WEATHER
HOW TO GET THERE
To get to the Katahdin Region in Maine, follow these directions:
From the South (e.g., Portland, Boston):
- Take I-95 North: Head north on Interstate 95.
- Continue on I-95: Pass through Bangor, Maine.
- Take Exit 244 for Medway/Millinocket: This is the primary exit for accessing the Katahdin Region.
- Follow ME-157 West: After exiting, take Maine State Route 157 west toward Millinocket and Baxter State Park.
- Arrive in the Katahdin Region: You’ll pass through Medway, East Millinocket, and Millinocket, which are gateway towns to the region.
From the North (e.g., Houlton, Canada):
- Take I-95 South: Head south on Interstate 95.
- Take Exit 244 for Medway/Millinocket: Same exit as from the south.
- Follow ME-157 West to enter the region.
From Bar Harbor or Downeast Maine:
- Take Route 1A to Bangor: Follow signs to connect to I-95 North.
- Take I-95 North: Continue to Exit 244 for Medway/Millinocket.
- Follow ME-157 West into the Katahdin Region.
Travel Tips:
- For Baxter State Park: Continue through Millinocket and follow signs for Baxter State Park (approximately 20 miles from Millinocket).
- For the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument: Depending on your specific destination, there are several entry points, often through the town of Stacyville (Exit 264 on I-95) or through Millinocket.
BEFORE YOUR GO (SAFETY INFORMATION)
IMPORTANT NOTES: You are entering Maine’s vast wilderness! Some areas do not have good (or no) cellphone coverage. Weather can change quickly, and emergency services can be an hour away or more. You should always bring a First Aid Kit and ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear & supplies. Always let someone know about your travel/outing plans.
Before you head out, ensure you have a detailed trail map and check the latest trail conditions and weather forecasts. If needed, visit the official websites of the resources mentioned on this page. These often provide downloadable maps and current trail conditions to help you plan your route.
Please follow the “Leave No Trace” principles, respect nature by minimizing your human impact, ensure that all waste is carried out, preserve natural habitats, and leave the environment as pristine as it was found for future generations to enjoy.
Enjoy the serene beauty of the Katahdin region’s cross-country ski trails.
Enjoy the Trails!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This guide is produced by the Katahdin Tourism Partnership (katahdintourismpartnership.org), a core advocacy group for the economic and tourism development of the Katahdin region.
This Cross-Country Skiing in the Katahdin Region Travel Guide was made possible in part by a generous grant from the Maine Office of Tourism (VisitMaine.org) and by information and assets provided by our wonderful local supporters and byway partners – THANK YOU!
HELP US IMPROVE THIS GUIDE!
If you have additional information or updates, or you think we are missing entries for our cross-country skiing guide in the Katahdin Region, we would love to hear from you—help us make this important regional resource even better by sharing details on trails, rentals, and guided tours, or accommodations! Please send us an e-mail at info@destinationkatahdin.org