Maine Hut Trail - Poplar Hut

Description

The trails to Poplar Hut are part of the larger trail network managed by Maine Huts & Trails. At the Airport Trailhead in Carrabassett Valley, follow the trail into the woods at the end of the airport runway. Continue to the multi-use footbridge that crosses the Carrabassett River. After the bridge, you’ll encounter a five-way intersection. Be sure to read all trail signs closely and refer to your map as needed; this intersection can be tricky. There are two trails on the right; the Huston Brook Road (sharp right along the river) and the Maine Hut Trail (slight right into the woods above and to the left of Huston Brook Road). Follow the Maine Hut Trail into the woods. The trail starts out flat and then increases to rolling terrain with a small uphill climb. After a quick downhill, the trail crosses the Carriage Road (watch for traffic) and continues to a large bridge over Poplar Stream. You now have three options for getting to Poplar Hut (see below). Distance from the Airport Trailhead to the footbridge is 1.1 miles; about 1 hour on foot.

• Poplar Hut via the Maine Hut Trail (easternmost trail): Continue across the large bridge over Poplar Stream. The trail bends sharply left, starts out flat and begins to gain elevation as you traverse the base of Little Poplar Mountain. In the winter, be on the watch for descending skiers. The trail levels off for the last mile, exposing nice views of Little Bigelow. Continue over a foot bridge and you’ll come to a Maine Huts & Trails sign. Take a right to the hut. Distance is about 3.2 miles.
• Poplar Hut via Warren’s Trail (westernmost trail): Just before the large bridge after crossing the Carriage Road, take an uphill left onto Warren’s Trail, following the west side of Poplar Stream. This trail winds up and down through old growth forest and makes for a great loop to see waterfalls and wildlife. Continue on Warren’s Trail until you pop out onto the Hut Service Road; take a right onto the service road and over Poplar Stream Bridge. Turn right shortly after the bridge back into the woods. Continue along the trail to the intersection of Larry's Trail. To continue to Poplar Hut, take a left, uphill, following blue diamond blazes to an intersection with the Maine Hut Trail; turn right. You'll pass a hydro pump house and climb one last steep pitch before taking the next left at a t-intersection and finding Poplar Hut nestled among the trees.
• Poplar Hut via Larry’s Trail (central trail): Continue across the large bridge after crossing Carriage Road over Poplar Stream. The trail bends sharply left and starts out flat with an uphill rise to the intersection with Larry’s Trail. Take a left onto Larry’s Trail, following the east bank of Poplar Stream. Continue up Larry’s Trail as it winds through the forest, where you’ll encounter rolling hills until you come to a native cedar bridge crossing the South Branch of Poplar Stream. Approximately 100 yards after crossing the bridge, a spur trail on the right leads to the pool of one of Poplar Stream's two waterfalls. A stone staircase ascends the terrain next to the waterfall; at the top is the intersection with Warren's Trail. Stay straight on Larry’s trail; it will continue uphill. Turn right at the next intersection, onto the Maine Hut Trail, just 0.03 miles to Poplar Hut.

Other Information

Maine Huts & Trails is comprised of four ‘huts’ connected by about 80 miles of trail. Each hut is open to the public year-round, offering potable water and bathrooms at no charge. There are overnight accommodations for up to 40 people, but reservations must be made in advance. During full-service season, meals are included with overnight lodging, Beer, wine, and retail is available for purchase, and lunch is open to the public on Saturdays & Sundays. During self-service season, reservations are still made in advance, but guests pack in their own food and lodging is at a discounted rate. Check their website below for season dates.

The groomed primary Maine Hut Trail is marked with white diamond-shaped markers and ungroomed side trails are marked with blue blazes and/or blue diamond-shaped markers. Grooming information can be found online at the Maine Huts & Trails trail conditions page. Information on hut services and lodging as well as printed maps are available at the Maine Huts & Trails office in Kingfield. Check out their website below for more detailed information.

Dogs are allowed on the trails from April 15th to November 30th. Dogs are not allowed inside the huts.

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.

Trail Manager

Visit Maine Huts & Trails online for more information or contact: