1. Camden Snow Bowl - Camden, ME
Among the many trails available at the Camden Snow Bowl, the Kuller Loop Trail is recommended for cross-country skiing! This large loop consists of two smaller ones, the upper loop trail and the lower loop trail. The Kuller Upper Loop is classified as 'Easier' by the Camden Snow Bowl. Take the Double Chair lift to the top and it will be off to your left! The Lower Kuller Loop is meant for more experienced skiers. The ascent is classified as 'Most Difficult' and the decent is 'More Difficult' by the Camden Snow Bowl. This trail starts to the left of the Tubing Hill and takes you right past the toboggan chute used in the U.S. National Toboggan Championship!
Map courtesy of the Camden Snow Bowl.
2. Camden Hills State Park - Camden & Lincolnville, ME
Just across town, Camden Hills State Park is a hub for winter activities! A great trail for cross-country skiing is the Multi-Use Trail or otherwise known as the Ski Shelter Trail! During the winter this trail is packed (not set) from the U.S. 1 entrance to the ski shelter! The ski shelter (now named the Megunticook Cabin) was originally built as a warming hut for skiers in the 1940s. It was rebuilt in 2005 by park staff and is an extremely popular camping rental destination! The Camden Hills State Park rates this two-mile portion of the trail as 'easy'.
Map courtesy of the Bureau of Parks and Lands
3. Hidden Valley Nature Center - Jefferson, ME
Located a few minutes off of Route 215, Hidden Valley Nature Center is a gem with over 25 miles of cross-country ski trails! With over a thousand acres to explore and a variety of trail difficulties, there is something for everyone. The Midcoast Conservancy hosts ski lessons and other events at Hidden Valley Nature Center. You can even join their ski club that meets every Sunday!
Map courtesy of Midcoast Conservancy.
4. Fernalds Neck - Lincolnville, ME.
Found in the middle of Megunticook Lake, Fernalds Neck Preserve is a few hundred acres of beautiful woodlands and scenic lake views. All the trails are skier-friendly. The Costal Mountains Land Trust does not groom the trails, but since Fernalds Neck is a popular location, there are bound to be tracks to follow! The Costal Mountains Land Trust categorizes the White Trail as 'easy' and the Blue and Orange Trails as 'Moderate'.
Map courtesy of Costal Mountains Land Trust.
5. Merryspring Nature Center - Camden, ME
Tucked away behind the Camden Hannaford, the Merryspring Nature Center is sixty-six acres of wonderful gardens, woods, and meadows. They have over four miles of trails that are open all year around from dawn to dusk. This is a perfect place to take in the beauty of nature and wildlife from your skis! While Merryspring Nature Center does not groom the trail themselves, there are bound to be tracks due to its popularity.
Map courtesy of Merrysprings Nature Center.
Maine Sport Outfitters encourages safety on all level of adventures. Stay warm out there!