FLAGSTAFF TOWNSHIP – Maine Huts & Trails will officially open its second recreation facility tomorrow, during a four-hour open house event.
The Flagstaff Lake Hut is the second of a planned 12 huts in a trail system which its creator, Larry Warren, envisions stretching across western Maine. The first building, the Poplar Stream Falls Hut in Carrabassett Valley, opened Feb. 16, 2008.
Since then, a Maine Huts & Trails representative says, the facility has grown in popularity in leaps and bounds.
“We’re really, really pleased with the turnout,” Director of Communications Alexa Dayton said. “The phones are ringing off the hook.”
Dayton noted that more than 450 school kids had used the trail system so far this year. The company has also seen the number of people signing up to be part of the Maine Huts & Trails membership rise, which is important because they see those people as their core customers.
The two huts will be connected by 11.3 miles of trail, which Dayton described as “rolling, gentle terrain.” The Flagstaff Lake Hut will also add the opportunity for people in canoes, kayaks and other water enthusiasts to enjoy the hut and trail system.
The huts are bunk house type accommodations which provide a place for people using the trail system to spend the night. Hot meals, showers and other amenities are also provided. The huts themselves are designed to be as off-the-grid as possible, with solar power panels, limited vehicle access and an architecture style designed to blend into the surrounding forest.
Dayton said that Maine Huts & Trails were very happy to be able to provide a hut-to-hut experience, now that the system boasted two huts. The company plans to try and open a hut a year until all 12 are up and running.
The open house begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, running until 2 p.m. At noon there will be a few brief speeches by some of the major donors to the hut and trail system, as well as a press conference and lunch.
Those attending the event have three options for getting to the hut:
1) Most Adventurous – park at the Gauge Road Trailhead in Carrabassett Valley and ski or snowshoe 11.5 miles to Flagstaff Lake Hut.
2) Most Family-Oriented – Drive to the Long Falls Dam Rd. Trailhead and ski or snowshoe 1.8 miles to the hut.
3) Most Convenient – take the 9 a.m. shuttle to the Long Falls Dam Rd. Trailhead. Return trip is at 2:30 p.m.
Shuttle Schedule for Saturday’s Opening Events
8:30 a.m. Shuttle p/up at Gauge Rd. Trailhead in Carrabassett Valley
9:00 a.m. Shuttle p/up at Kingfield Office – 375 N. Main St.
10:00 a.m. Shuttle drop-off at Long Falls Dam Rd. Trailhead – from there it is a beautiful 1.8 mi. ski, hike or snowshoe to Flagstaff Lake Hut. An additional shuttle from the trailhead to the hut site for the Open House will be available for attendees requiring special assistance.
2:30 p.m. Shuttle departs Long Falls Dam Rd. Trailhead for return trip
3:30 p.m.Shuttle arrives at Kingfield Office for drop-off
3:50 p.m. Shuttle arrives at Gauge Rd Trailhead for drop-off
Reservations are not required for the shuttle for the Flagstaff Lake Hut opening events on Saturday, Jan.17th.
