100 Mile Wilderness XC Ski Trip
A winter XC Ski trip through Maine’s 100 Mile Wilderness.
Day One:
We skied from the AMC Winter Parking Lot to Little Lyford Lodge. We started our ski along the KI Road, took the Hedgehog Gate Trail to Callie’s Trail to the Lodge to Lodge Trail. The Hedgehog Gate Trail is a wooded trail with some hills whereas the other trails are more like roads and are mostly tracked for XC skiing. Our total milage for day one was a little over 7.5 miles.
Once we arrived at Little Lyford we swapped our skies for winter boots and walked out to the ponds that surround the property. After a great dinner served by the AMC crew, we went back out to the ponds to check out the stars. Due to the limited light pollution, this area is home to some of the best stargazing in New England and is the only International Dark Sky Park in New England.
Day Two:
After a great breakfast, we started our ski out to the Gorman Chairback Lodge. We spent most of the day on the Lodge to Lodge trail which is a great trail through the woods, along a river with some decent climbs throughout the trail. Our total milage for day two was just shy of 6.5 miles.
Gorman Chairback is located on Long Pond which was frozen enough to venture out on. When we arrived, there was an airplane on the lake which we eventually got to witness taking off around sunset. We enjoyed the sauna at the lodge and some relaxation.
Day Three:
On our last day, we skied out across Long Pond then took Trout Brook Trail back to the KI Road. This was my first time skiing across the lake and it was a neat experience! Our total milage for day three was about 6.5 miles. Our gear was waiting for us at the gear shed in the winter parking lot and we started the trek back home!
Other Notes:
If you’re not a skier, these trails are also snowshoe friendly
The AMC Lodges offer a variety of lodging options. We stayed in cabins at each but there are also bunkhouses on each property which are more affordable options. Each cabin has beds, a wood stove and small table. Breakfast and dinner are served family style in the main cabins at shared tables with the other guests. Lunches are made by the crew and provided to-go to be enjoyed on the trails.
Gear can be dropped off to be carried to your destination via snowmobile. There are marked shacks in the winter parking lot to place your bag in. Be sure to check out the timing cut offs to ensure your gear gets to your destination on time!
Resources:
Winter Trail Map of Area:
https://outdoors.my.site.com/amcknowledge/s/article/Lyford-Gorman-Winter-Trails-Map
Little Lyford Information:
https://www.outdoors.org/destinations/maine/little-lyford-lodge-cabins/
Gorman Chairback Information:
https://www.outdoors.org/destinations/maine/gorman-chairback/
AMC DarkSky Park Information:
https://www.outdoors.org/amc-maine-woods-international-dark-sky-park/
Cobscook Bay Camping
Camping at Cobscook Bay Campground, hiking trails and other local recommendations
Campground Information
Cobscook Bay State Park, located in the Downeast region of Maine, is a picturesque and versatile campground offering something for every type of camper. With approximately 80 campsites, visitors can choose from a variety of options, ranging from wooded walk-in sites to those with panoramic views of the stunning Cobscook Bay. Some campsites are tent-only, while others can accommodate RVs, ensuring a comfortable experience for all campers.
Each site is equipped with essential amenities, including a picnic table, fire ring, and easy access to water. The campground also features several restrooms conveniently scattered throughout the area, with a central building offering showers for added convenience.
Beyond the campground, the state park is home to some of the highest tides in the world. Cobscook Bay’s tides can vary by as much as 24 feet between low and high tide, creating dramatic shifts in the landscape. The park’s scenic beauty is complemented by a handful of easy hiking trails, perfect for taking in the views and exploring the area on foot. For families, the park also includes a playground, making it an ideal destination for kids. Whether you're an avid camper, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, this state park is one of Maine's hidden gems.
Trail Recommendations:
Bog Brook Cove Preserve- 2.3 miles
Western Head Preserve- 3.2 miles
Boot Head Preserve- 2.4 miles
Quoddy Head Lighthouse: varying length trails, a lookout and lighthouse
Other Notes
Bold Coast Trail is a longer trail but a great option. The ~10 mile look takes you along the coastline and offers great views. There are some camping spots in this area as well that are first-come-first-serve sites. It can be a bit crowded as it has grown in popularity and buggy so we opted to explore other trails during this trip
Lubec Brewing Company is a local favorite spot in the downtown area of Lubec (www.lubecbrewing.com)
Eastport is another popular coastal town to visit. There are shops, dining options, etc. along their working waterfront downtown (www.eastportchamber.net)
Bring you passport! A quick drive over the bridge onto Campobello Island will take you into Canada. There are many areas to explore here like The Roosevelt’s Summer home (www.rooseveltcampobello.org), Head Harbour Lighthouse and more.
