When Does Maine Snowmobiling Season Begin?
Snowmobiling season in Maine usually starts by the end of December and lasts through the end of March. Over 14,000 miles of trails on mostly private land makes Maine one of the best places to ride. Northern Outdoors is in The Forks – the hub of Maine’s snowmobiling system- with top destinations like Grand Falls, Coburn Mountain, Moosehead Lake, Jackman, Rangeley, and beyond all within a day’s ride.
Friday, December 30th, 2024 at 2pm — that’s when our brewpub and resort open for Maine snowmobiling season! In the meantime, The Forks Area Trails Club will be busy in the woods – cutting trees, setting up signage, and getting the groomers into tip top shape. What else? Well, we’ll be waiting for the snow to fall, of course! We will keep you updated every inch (or foot) of the way on Facebook and as we await our first good groom. There’s nothing we can do but wait — and do snow dances, of course!
So, even though people are stoked to ride as soon as the snow starts flying, please be mindful. Our trails, in addition to most local trails, are not open yet and will not be until at least mid/end of December! The land owners for the majority of our trail system in The Forks are logging companies, and they have not switched to their winter logging operations yet. There may be plowed roads where the snowmobile trail will be located, but are not ready for our access yet. Please be aware and respectful of logging operations AT ALL TIMES. Logging companies allow us on their lands and that is a privilege that we do NOT want to lose. We will keep you updated on everything snowmobiling on our Facebook page — including when our groomers go out for the first time, with continued trail conditions updates. Another great resource is The Forks Area Trails Club Facebook page, where trailmaster Ben and others post updates on snowmobile conditions around our area.
Here’s What You Can Do While You Wait for Snowmobiling Season to Begin!
Get excited — but hang tight. Get your favorite trailside cabin booked and keep your eye on our webcam. Support your local club, including The Forks Area Trails Club. Register your sled. Sign up for The Forks trailmaster’s trail report below, coming to you weekly with no fluff – just straight snowmobile conditions – starting on our opening day. We’ll keep you posted with trail photos and ride videos right here, and on our recommended rides page.
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Maine snowmobiling season is coming…we’ll see you on the trails!
Recommended Rides
The Forks Area Trails
Forks Area Trails Club Facebook Group
Coburn Summit Riders Page
8 Responses
Are you still planning for trails to open December 26?
Hi T.O. — unfortunately we do not have the snow to open on the 26th 🙁 Like most of the state, the rain on the 14th really put a damper on the trails. We received 6″ Tues/Weds though, and are looking at a 30th opening!
When can we expect a trail report from you guys……….and are you still expecting to open the trails by December 30th?
Just curious to know as it sounds like things have opened in the Rangeley area!
Hi Bill! Yep- I just checked out Rangeley’s Facebook page. Pretty humorous trail report! Like Rangeley, we are low on snow and totally at the mercy of the weather. We are tracking two potentials for snow, one tomorrow and one Sunday/Monday, to see if we’ll be able to groom for the 30th. As of right now, we do not have enough snow to groom and there is no riding out of the lodge. You could get a little riding in on unplowed roads near Lake Moxie, but not for long. It will snow eventually though, and as soon as we get groomers out, we will post an update on the trail conditions page as well as on our Facebook page. Our lodge and restaurant open the 30th regardless, and we’ll be celebrating the New Year here on the 31st. If you have a reservation here and need more info regarding that, give our team a call at (207) 663-4466. And THINK SNOW!! 😀
Any update on trails opening up or conditions. Thank you!
Hi Darcey! Yes- trailmaster Jim just went out for a ride and spoke with some others on the trails. Check out the update here: https://www.northernoutdoors.com/snowmobile-trail-conditions-report-forks-maine-january2020/
Hi! My husband and I are coming up to Maine from 2/28-3/6 and we were wondering if the trails will be open? And will they be open to our-of-town guests (quarantine challenges)?
Hi Tammy! We definitely plan to be open and grooming still that time of year – generally we’re grooming through mid March. That being said, it all depends on snow! We’re anxiously awaiting our first big storm, hopefully comin’ at us on Tuesday! There are some restrictions for traveling in Maine- check out our COVID response page (link at top right corner) or give us a call at (207) 663-4466 to chat with someone on our team. Hope you can make it for a visit!