With 350 miles of trails, the Katahdin Region (encompassing Millinocket, East Millinocket, Medway, Sherman, Patten, Shin Pond, and Matagamon) is a winter playground with beautiful mountain views, helpful snowmobiliing clubs, and amenities spaced just right for day loops. Expect well-marked ITS corridors, well-groomed trails, scenic lakes and overlooks, and ample parking at trailheads near towns.
SNOWMOBILING GUIDE - KATAHDIN REGION
Welcome to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Scenic Byway, which provides access to many of Maine’s top wilderness areas.
SNOWMOBILING TRAVEL INFORMATION
This guide offers a great starting point! For more detailed insights, we highly recommend that snowmobilers explore the maps and local resources provided below and/or connect with one of the local snowmobiling clubs. Happy Snowmobiling!
TOP SNOWMOBILIING TRAILS & DAY LOOPS
- ITS 85/86 Main Corridor (Millinocket–Medway–East Millinocket): Wide, well-traveled miles that connect towns for food, fuel, and lodging—perfect for mixed-ability groups.
- Jo-Mary & 5 Lakes Loop (west of Millinocket): Rolling forest roads, lakeside stretches, and postcard views of Katahdin on clear days.
- Shin Pond & Patten Scenic Run (From Sherman/Patten into Shin Pond and up toward Matagamon)—quiet woods, mountain vistas, and access to remote camp stops.
- Seboeis–Upper West Branch Spurs: Fun side trips off the corridor to frozen lakes and lesser-traveled hardwood ridges.
- Katahdin Viewpoints: Look for signed club spurs to safe overlooks; time your visit for a clear afternoon for the best mountain glow. There is snowmobiling at the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument with approximately 22 miles of designated trails, including parts of Interconnected Trail System (ITS) 83, 85, and 114, offering scenic views of Mount Katahdin and surrounding wilderness areas. Riders can access trails on the monument’s eastern tracts, near Shin Pond, and can enjoy panoramic vistas from areas like Ash Hill.
IMPORTANT: Trail access, conditions, and grooming vary—check day-of updates before you commit to a long loop. K.A.S.T. TRAILS REPORT > | TPSC GROOMING REPORT >
SNOWMOBILE CLUBS (KATAHDIN AREA)
- The Bowlin Matagamon Shin Pond Snowmobile Club (Mount Chase) grooms and maintains the northern Katahdin-region trails, linking Bowlin, Matagamon, and Shin Pond. The club shares conditions/maps and hosts events that keep riders connected and the system running smoothly.
- Northern Timber Cruisers (Millinocket) – extensive grooming, museum/clubhouse.
- East Branch Sno-Rovers (Medway) – connectors east of Millinocket and toward Sherman.
- Rockabema Snow Rangers (Patten/Shin Pond) – northern links toward Matagamon.
- Jo-Mary Riders (Jo-Mary/5-Lakes area) – west-side loops and scenic spurs.
- Twin Pines Snowmobile Club at New England Outdoor Center (Millinocket)
- Molunkus Valley Sno-Drifters (Sherman)
- Big Valley Sno Club (Island Falls)
TIPS: Follow club pages for grooming reports, detours, events, and map sales.
IMPORTANT: Trail access, conditions, and grooming vary—check day-of updates before you commit to a long loop. K.A.S.T. This RAILS REPORT > | TPSC GROOMING REPORT >
RENTALS, GUIDES & SERVICES
New England Outdoor Center (NEOC) – Twin Pines Snowmobile Rentals
Trailside at Millinocket Lake with a large Ski-Doo rental fleet, guided tours, packages, and easy access to ITS 85/86.
Address: 200 Katahdin View Drive, Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: (207) 723-5438
URL: https://www.neoc.com/snowmobile-rentals-in-maine/
Shin Pond Village (Polaris Outfitter)
Mount Chase base with direct trail access; seasonal snowmobile rentals and packages (Polaris), plus lodging and dining.
Address: 1489 Shin Pond Road, Mount Chase, ME 04765
Phone: (207) 528-2900
URL: https://shinpond.com/polaris-rentals/snowmobile-rental.html
Katahdin Valley Adventures (Millinocket & Shin Pond)
Polaris Adventures Outfitter partnering at Shin Pond Village; contact to confirm winter snowmobile availability and pickup location.
Address: Locations in Millinocket & Shin Pond (confirm when booking)
Phone: (207) 528-2900
URL: https://www.katahdinvalleyadventures.com
In-Town Essentials:
Fuel, food, and warm-up stops clustered in Millinocket, East Millinocket, Medway, Sherman, and Patten—plan fuel windows on colder, remote loops.
TIPS: Book sleds and lodging early for weekends and holidays.
MAP & TRIP PLANNING
- KAST MAP: The Katahdin Area Snowmobile Trails Map showcases the trails of local snowmobile clubs. (MAP >) . See also UPDATED TRAIL REPORT >
- MSA (Maine Snowmobile Association) Map: The statewide base for ITS numbers and town links; carry a paper copy. (MAP >)
- Local Club Maps: Check the local snowmobile clubs’ website (see list in above tab “Snowmobile Clubs”) for spurs, scenic pull-offs, and current reroutes. Get printed maps at clubhouses, Katahdin Chamber of Commerce, trail stops, and gas stations.
- Offline Navigation: Save PDFs to your phone or use an offline-capable app (Avenza/GPX). Cell service can be spotty or unavailable!
- Daily Checks: Club grooming reports, weather/wind chill, ice conditions, and Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument access notices.
SAFETY & RIDER ETIQUETTE: Ride right, control speed on corners, yield to groomers, pack extra layers and a headlamp, and never cross unsafe ice. Leave no trace—this network exists thanks to landowner permission.
CONVENIENT LODGING
Millinocket Area (Millinocket Lake & In-Town)
- New England Outdoor Center (Twin Pines Camps) — Lakeside cabins/lodges, on-site dining, guided rides/rentals, trailer parking, direct trail access.
- Big Moose Inn, Cabins & Campground — Rooms and cabins near Millinocket Lake; two restaurants; convenient to ITS corridors.
- 5 Lakes Lodge (South Twin Lake) — B&B with Katahdin views; easy access to Jo-Mary/5-Lakes network.
- Baxter Park Inn (In-Town) — Reliable motel with trail access from the property; close to fuel and food.
- Pamola Motor Lodge (In-Town) — Budget-friendly, direct trail access, ample trailer parking; walk/short drive to restaurants.
Shin Pond / Mount Chase / Matagamon Area (Northern Loops)
- Shin Pond Village — Cabins, suites, waterfront homes; rentals/guided options available; excellent staging hub with direct trail access.
- Mt. Chase Lodge — Lodge rooms, cabins, and townhouses; easy parking and quick access to northern spurs.
- Bowlin Camps Lodge (East Branch) — Classic North Woods sporting lodge/cabins; remote feel with winter rider support.
- Matagamon Wilderness Campground & Lodging — Rustic cabins near Matagamon; good base for far-north loops (check winter availability).
Sherman / Medway / East Millinocket Corridor
The best option here is to stay at nearby hubs with strong trailside lodging:
- From the north: Shin Pond Village or Mt. Chase Lodge (short drive from Sherman; direct trail systems).
- From the west: Millinocket-area stays (New England Outdoor Center, Big Moose Inn, Baxter Park Inn, Pamola Motor Lodge) for quick access to ITS 85/86 and connectors.
- In this corridor, you’ll find fuel, food, and trailer-friendly parking in Medway and East Millinocket; many riders base in Millinocket or Shin Pond and ride in via the connectors.
Tips for sledders: Book weekends/holidays early, confirm grooming reports and reroutes with local clubs day-of, ask about trailer parking, and verify on-site rentals/guide availability if needed.
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR VISITORS
- Follow club pages for UPDATED TRAIL REPORT, latest grooming reports, ice conditions, detours, trail closures, events, and maps.
- Always let someone know where you are going. Avoid going on the trails alone, in case something happens to you.
- Ride right, control speed on corners, yield to groomers, pack extra layers and a headlamp, and never cross unsafe ice. Leave no trace—our network of trails exists thanks to the generous permission of landowners.
- Book sleds and lodging early for weekends and holidays.
- Use an offline-capable app (e.g., Avenza/GPX), as cellphone service is limited and in some places, non-existent.
- Respect land stewardship—carry out trash, follow all regulations and signs, use designated parking, etc.
PHOTO GALLERY
Twin Pines Snowmobile Club Millinocket Maine -00
Twin Pines Snowmobile Club Millinocket Maine -01
Twin Pines Snowmobile Club Millinocket Maine -02
Twin Pine Snowmobile Club in Millinocket, Maine
Twin Pines Snowmobile Club Millinocket Maine -04
Twin Pines Snowmobile Club Millinocket Maine -04
Twin Pines Snowmobile Club Millinocket Maine -06
Twin Pines Snowmobile Club Millinocket Maine -07
Photographs courtesy of NEOC, Great Mountain Guide Service, Katahdin Gear Library, and Wilderness Edge Campground
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.
Enjoy our snowmobiling 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 Snowmobiliing Guide for the Katahdin Region 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 believe we are missing entries for our Kayaking & Canoeing Guide for 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, guided tours, or accommodations. Please send us an email at info@destinationkatahdin.org