Maine has a lot of beautiful snowmobile trails to explore. We have prepared a list of these amazing Maine snowmobile trails to save you time in your search.
12 of the best Main snowmobile trails are as follows:
- Coburn Mountain
- Jackman
- Grand Falls
- Kennebec Valley Trail
- The Pittston Farm Trail
- White Mountain National Forest
- The Forks to Bingham Wind Farm Trail/Loop
- Big Moose Mountain
- Greenville Loop
- Aroostook Valley Trail
- St. John Valley Heritage Trail
- Pleasant Pond/Bald Mountain Loop
Read on to learn more about these best places to snowmobile in Maine including the details of each.
Maine Snowmobile Trails – The 12 Best Trails
1. Coburn Mountain
Coburn Mountain is one of the best places to snowmobile in Maine; however, the trail might be tough for beginner riders. The peak of Coburn Mountain is at 3,717 feet above sea level and it’s the highest properly maintained snowmobiling trail in Maine.
For new riders, the first section of the trail is ideal as it’s not as steep as the rest of the trail and is groomed properly. This is the trail that leads to the radio repeater tower.
However, from the radio repeater tower, the trail could prove difficult as it is steep and not often maintained due to bad weather. It’s also narrow and snaking to the top; so, only snowmobilers with advanced skills should maneuver it.
Coburn Mountain is the dream destination of many snowmobile buffs, as the 360-degree angle view up there is spectacular and uplifting.
2. Jackman
Jackman is one of the best places to snowmobile in Maine. It’s known as the “Switzerland of Maine”. The snowmobile trails are one of the most groomed and well-maintained trails in the area.
The trails of Jackman and the Moose River provide easy access to safe lodgings and quick access to dining outlets as well. So, you can conveniently stop in eateries near a lake and satiate your hunger and thirst, whenever necessary.
Furthermore, you can ride into Greenville, Quebec and beyond the Jackman-Moose River area should snow conditions favor your travel. Because of the elevation of Jackman, the area is notable as the “Snowbelt of Maine” with its copious snow than most of the nearby areas. The lengths of the trails vary and the trail is recommended according to your riding skills.
Most probably, you would opt for a leisurely ride, so you can appreciate your picturesque surroundings, such as the white-capped mountains, the streams and the incredible flora and fauna around you. You may want to stop and capture these awesome scenes as you pass by.
You could also choose to go on a speedy ride to feel the burst of outdoor elements refreshing your stressed-out body and mind. Either way, you would treasure this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
3. Grand Falls
Next on our list of the best Main snowmobile trail is Grand Falls. The snowmobile trail of the Grand Falls on the Dead River is one of the most challenging rides that snowmobilers would want to conquer. For an awesome snowmobile challenge, you can plunge the 40-foot drop from the Grand Falls across the dead river for about a hundred feet or more.
The crystalline river is an awesome sight to behold, as the solid water appears like a staircase to heaven. The trail could proceed upstream of the Dead River and go back to the Grand Falls. There are trails that competent guides could recommend, based on your experience.
You could choose the Kennebec River Trail upstream and go on to ITS 86. From ITS 86, you can head west by crossing the Kennebec River and then proceed to follow the Dead River upstream. This route will provide 70 miles of round trip trail.
4. Kennebec Valley Trail
The Kennebec Valley Trail is one of the snowmobile trails Maine is proud of. It spans only 8 miles, and is short compared to other trails; however, the ride offers superb and remarkable places along the Kennebec River from Embden to Bingham. This is because it also goes through the historic Arnold Trail and Solon.
From the Kennebec Valley Trail, you may want to explore the Wind Mill Trail from Bingham for a fabulous view of the western mountains and the Austin Stream Falls. The Bald Mountain Trail can be your next destination from the falls, so you can tour The Forks and Moxie Pond through ITS 86. If you don’t want to snowmobile further, you can get back to ITS 87.
You can use the trail for various events too, such as cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, ATV riding, and horseback riding. You could take your family and friends with you any time of the year and explore the outdoors in Maine through Kennebec Valley.
5. The Pittston Farm Trail
Pittston Farm is one of the best Maine snowmobile trails that you could choose during your vacation. You can ride from Chesuncook Lake House, Jackman, or Rockwood and enjoy the 100-mile leisurely ride to the farm. The magnificent scenic spots along the way are worthy of a Van Gogh. You can capture all the pictures you want and bask in the pristine air of your natural surroundings.
The flora and fauna you may encounter are not ordinarily seen in other trails; such as the lush vegetation and some wildlife. Also, the trails are excellently groomed and properly maintained that you can take your family and children with you without any qualms.
When you want to rest from snowmobiling, you can go fishing, camping, and hunting for moose or deer within the 329,000 acres of sprawling conservation easement lands. Lodgings and food are, likewise, available for those who want to stay longer.
6. White Mountain National Forest
Next on our list of the best Main snowmobile trail is White Mountain National Forest. There are 35 miles of snowmobiling trail in this Southwestern part of Maine.
You could experience the exciting ride to the snowy peak of the mountain as you immerse yourself in the incredible beauty of the areas around you. You may want to capture the view of Mount Washington and the alpine forest as you enjoy your ride.
The White Mountain National Forest trail is groomed regularly and is connected to other popular snowmobile trails in Maine, so you can explore them safely – if you want to. You may also want to go ice climbing, snowshoeing, or go cross-country skiing, after your snowmobile ride.
If you’re new to snowmobiling, you could employ the help of reliable guides. They are highly competent and they would ensure that you ride the appropriate trail as per your riding skills.
7. The Forks to Bingham Wind Farm Trail/Loop
Another of our favorite snowmobile trails in Maine is the Bingham Loop. You can ride from The Forks to the Kingsbury’s Bingham Wind Farm through ITS 87.
That would be around 30 miles of trail. You could also make a loop of your trail by riding between Moxie and Pleasant Pond Mountains and delight in the adventure as these mountains offer spectacular scenic views on their own.
The details of this 55-mile snowmobile loop are as follows: start from the trail behind Northern Outdoors, you can then proceed to ITS 87 south. From there continue to the Pleasant Pond Trail found between Moxie Mountain and Pleasant Pond Mountain.
If you follow the Pleasant Pond Trail it will lead to the Bald Mountain Trail. You can then ride to the Breakneck Ridge Trail to the north. This will take you to the Wind Mill Trail intersection. Continue following the Wind Mill Trail going south until you’re back at ITS 87.
8. Big Moose Mountain
Big Moose Mountain offers 37 miles of well-maintained snowmobiling trails. The trails are located high at Moosehead Lake near Greenville, where snowmobilers can continue to other interconnected trails leading to Greenville, Jackman, and ITS 86.
Moosehead Lake near Greenville is the largest lake in Maine; thus, you can join other adventurers in exploring the water events that it offers. From Big Moose Mountain you can view the famous cliffs of Mount Kineo, the fascinating terrain, and the Little and Big Spencer Mountains.
In case you want to stay for the night, you can drop by the Big Squaw Mountain Resort and take advantage of its thrilling downhill skiing trails, while you rest from snowmobiling.
9. Greenville Loop
There are 70 to 100 miles of snowmobiling Greenville trails available to enthusiasts. You can start from the Northern Outdoors trail to ITS 87. Ride north to ITS 86 going east to Greenville. You may want to explore Greenville and do some shopping and sight-seeing while you’re there. You could also eat lunch or order some snacks at the diners in Moosehead Lake.
Complete the loop by going back the same trail you have traversed to the place: ITS 86 and ITS 87, and Northern Outdoors. Nevertheless, if you want to ride more, you can proceed to other connecting snowmobile trails and appreciate the scenic mountain trails.
At Moosehead Lake, there are various water activities that you can participate in – as previously mentioned. Take advantage of the opportunity to fully enjoy your extraordinary trip by joining in the fun.
10. Aroostook Valley Trail
Aroostook County boasts of an abundance of snow that snowmobiles and sleds were often used as a means of transportation by locals and visitors. Hence, it’s not surprising that there are a number of trails in the area.
The trail spans 28 miles and connects Caribou, Presque Isle, Woodland, New Sweden, and Washburn. Aside from snowmobiling, the trail is used for multiple recreational activities, such as bicycling, skiing, and other outdoor sports.
You can ride through different types of terrain; from woodlands to streams, to open areas and to the Aroostook River. The exposure would be a novel encounter as some parts of the trail are graveled and not constantly attended to. So, if you’re new, you can ask for the assistance of an efficient guide.
11. St. John Valley Heritage Trail
The St. John Valley Heritage Trail is a multi-purpose trail used for bicycling, ATV riding, and snowmobiling. The 17-mile trail traverses Fort Kent to the Fish River Railroad, where it crosses and follows north of the St John River through wetlands and forest land. The end of the trail is at St. Francis.
The gravel trail may be rough as it’s not constantly groomed, but the historical spots are magnificent sights to behold, such as the historic site at Fort Kent, where the Aroostook border dispute took place between Canada and the U.S. Also, you may encounter remnants of the old Fish River Railroad. The railroad edifice has been turned into a museum for summer visitors.
The extraordinary view of the farms and tranquil villages in New Brunswick is something from a story book that you will remember forever. It’s a genuine back country experience that you may not encounter in other trails.
12. Pleasant Pond/Bald Mountain Loop
This snowmobile trail loop is around 45 miles through mountains, lakes, and open areas. It starts from the Northern Outdoors trail to ITS 87 and to ITS 86 junction. You can continue to the Bald Mountain Trail junction, and then to Pleasant Pond Trail, ITS 87 and back to Northern Outdoors.
You can capture pictures of the nearby wonderful places, such as the Moxie Lake, the Bald Mountain, Pleasant Pond, and other similar areas. The Interconnected Trail System of Maine (ITS) would allow you to venture farther outside of the loop, to connect and explore other snowmobiling areas in Maine.
Bald Mountain alone can provide the fun and pleasure you could derive from the beauty of Mother Nature and the tranquility of spirit that snowmobiling in a rural area could grant you. So, make the most out of it.
Conclusion – Maine Snowmobile Trails – 12 Best Trails
So to recap, what are the best trails to snowmobile in Maine? Our top 12 picks for Maine snowmobile trails are as follows:
- Coburn Mountain
- Jackman
- Grand Falls
- Kennebec Valley Trail
- The Pittston Farm Trail
- White Mountain National Forest
- The Forks to Bingham Wind Farm Trail/Loop
- Big Moose Mountain
- Greenville Loop
- Aroostook Valley Trail
- St. John Valley Heritage Trail
- Pleasant Pond/Bald Mountain Loop
These Maine snowmobile trails have their own perks to offer; so, we cannot recommend only one.
If you are traveling from out of state to Maine, or perhaps even out of the country, I highly recommend taking a trip to more than one of these places. There are so many beautiful snowmobile trails in Maine that it would be a shame to limit yourself to only one.
