6 Things to Do in The Forks, Maine in the Winter
Some winter days are just made for being outside. Brilliant sunshine, crisp air, mid 20s. Other days dip below 0 and are perfect for curling up with a good book and a beverage. Whatever the day, and whatever your interests, there’s something for everyone at Northern Outdoors. Read on for our top things to do in The Forks in the winter months…
1. Snowmobiling, duh.
With 14,000 miles of interconnected trails, riding on the Maine snowmobile trail system is a no brainer. What’s more? The Forks is at the center of it all. With popular destinations such as Rangeley, Greenville, Grand Falls, Jackman, Eustis, and Kingfield all between 35 and 90 miles away, you CAN get there from here…
2. Snowshoeing for days.
If non-motorized activities are more your style, we’ve got you covered. All of the incredible hikes we blog about are beautiful options for winter. There’s nothing quite as spectacular as a massive iced-over waterfall, such as the sight at Moxie Falls or Houston Brook Falls. Or, snowshoe/cross country ski the Maine Huts and Trails network, with an access point in the West Forks. Looking to get in some cardio? Pleasant Pond Mountain, on the Appalachian Trail, is a 1.4 mile up-hill climb that is well worth the energy. Check out the Forks Maine Recreation map, give us a call at (207) 663-4466, or stop by the Front Desk for directions to these trailheads.
3. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding.
Northern Outdoors is only 1.5 hours from our friends at Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine’s highest elevation ski resort. Or, drive a short 20 minutes to ski under the lights at Baker Mountain! Baker Mountain, located in Moscow, ME, is one of the last few remaining locally-run (and very affordable) Maine ski hills, AND they have night skiing! Open weekends only, weather dependent: check Facebook to confirm. For more on this history of ski hills in Maine, see 1000 Feet and Below.
Baker Mountain, just 20 minutes south of Northern Outdoors, is one of the last remaining ski hills with night skiing!
4. Sledding.
Go out the back gate of Northern Outdoors’ deck to a prime sledding hill. BYOS! The days of using dinner serving trays as sleds are over, even if you’re the pres of the Maine Snowmobile Association. Now, it’s tandem plastic sleds only…
Zach and Trevor: raft guides by summer, sledding enthusiasts by winter…
Who are we kidding- bring a cardboard box and give it a try…
5. Craft Beer and board games.
With Kennebec River Brewery located on-site at Northern Outdoors, we can’t help but recommend a micro-brewed beer as a special thing to do, especially after one of the outdoor adventures listed above! So what’ll it be? A smooth, dark, smokey Porter? A hoppy and bright IPA? Or maybe a light pale ale with subtle hints of blueberry? Why not grab a sampler to try all three, plus two more? Mmmm…
Beer + Jenga = Good Times…
6. Hot toddy and a book by the fireplace.
Who doesn’t love a delicious hot beverage on a cold winter day? Especially when said beverage can be consumed in a giant outdoor hot tub (adequately named the Big Dipper) or in front of a beautiful stone fireplace with a book…#nevergonnaleave
