This cross-country ski loop is a part of AMC's Maine Woods Inititaive winter trail network. The trails are groomed for the public and connect from the Winter Parking Lot to AMC's Maine Wilderness Lodges: Gorman Chairback Lodge and Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins. While many lodge guests use the trails for multi-day lodge to lodge trips, there is a combination of loops ideal for day skiers from the Winter Parking Lot. The trails are groomed but not tracked for skiing. Some sections of trail are shared with snowmobilers, but are well-signed. Please follow instructions of signs when skiing on shared trails. The initial stretch of trail traverses Plum Creek conservation land while the majority of the loop is on AMC conservation lands. Trail maps can be obtained at AMC's Greenville office (15 Moosehead Lake Road) or at the Winter Parking Lot.
From the Winter Parking Lot (WPL) the trail is initially only shared only with AMC management snowmobiles and is located on the KI road. The trail immediately descends a long hill with an up-sloping run-out. The trails bears left and at 1.3 miles from the WPL you will see a large AMC property sign at an intersection with the Hedgehog Gate Trail and the Trout Brook Trail. For this loop, turn left onto the Hedgehog Gate Trail, which is a ski-only trail.
The Hedgehog Gate Trail winds its way through gently-rolling forests, crossing a groomed snowmobile trail at 1.3 miles. The Hedgehog Gate Trail continues straight across the snowmobile trail, and becomes one of the more beautiful ski trails in AMC's network. After another 1.9 miles is an intersection with Callie's Trail. Turn right off the Hedgehog Trail, proceeding 1.6 miles to an intersection with the Upper Valley Road - shared with AMC management snowmobiles. At the Upper Valley Road turn right, and in 0.6 miles bear right onto the KI Road, a publicly shared snowmobile trail (ITS 110). Please obey signs directing skiers to one side of the trail.
From the intersection of the Upper Valley and KI Roads it is an easy 3.5 miles back to the Winter Parking Lot, but be sure to bear left at the Hedgehog Gate House.
Some sections of trail are shared with either AMC management snowmobiles or with designated snowmobile trails open to the public. We ask that snowmobilers and skiers obey signs indicating which side of the trail to stay to. The Hedgehog Gate House is not open in the winter and is not available for shelter or any services.
This trail passes through a property that was acquired in part with funds from the Land for Maine’s Future program. For more information about the LMF program and the places it has helped to protect, please visit the LMF webpage.
Visit Appalachian Mountain Club online for more information or contact:
Appalachian Mountain Club, Greenville OfficeUpon arriving in the center of Greenville via Me-15 North, proceed north one block. Turn right onto Pleasant Street after about a mile the road's name changes to East Road. After 2 miles the road becomes gravel and its name changes again to the KI Road. Proceed for 8 miles to the Winter Parking Lot.
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