Lodge-to-Lodge Skiing:
Lyford & Gorman
A 4-Day Winter Adventure in the Maine Woods
Glide deep into Maine's 100 Mile Wilderness on AMC's most popular lodge-to-lodge winter adventure. Surrounded by the snowy evergreens and mountain views of AMC's vast conservation land in the Maine Woods, you'll ski, snowshoe, and fatbike to your heart's content and then arrive to a cozy cabin, hearty meal, and hot sauna at Little Lyford and Gorman Chairback.
Itinerary Overview
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Difficulty: Moderate – ideal for intermediate skiers
Season: January–March
Lodging: Rustic cabins at Little Lyford and Gorman Chairback Lodges
Book Your Adventure
Trip Highlights
- Explore AMC's Maine Woods conservation land by ski, snowshoe, or fatbike on a well-marked trail system that spans 130 miles (200 km), 98 miles (150 km) of which are groomed daily by PistenBully®, tractor, & snowmobile
- Eat hearty home-cooked meals at AMC lodges with all-inclusive, family-style dining
- Relax after your day of adventure in a wood-fired sauna
- Sleep in a heated private cabin or shared bunkhouse (dog friendly lodging is available!)
- Stargaze in the Northeast's only International Dark Sky Park
- A complimentary gear shuttle transports your luggage between lodges so you can explore with just a daypack
Click the map above to expand or download a copy by clicking here.
Lyford & Gorman Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Ski to Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins (6-8 miles)
Your adventure begins at AMC’s Winter Parking Lot, the jumping-off point for all winter access to Little Lyford and Gorman Chairback. After dropping your gear for shuttle transport, strap on your skis or snowshoes and set out for Little Lyford Lodge. A 6–8 mile (9.7–12.9 km) trip depending on your chosen route, the way in is the perfect introduction to the Maine Woods—groomed trails wind through dense spruce and fir, following frozen waterways.
As the forest opens, you’ll arrive at the historic Little Lyford Lodge, where a warm fire, friendly staff, and a cozy cabin await. After settling in, spend the late afternoon unwinding—explore the property, enjoy the quiet of your woodstove-heated cabin, or sip a hot drink in the lodge. Come evening, gather with fellow travelers for a hearty, home-cooked family-style dinner. Don't forget to check out the sky before you head to bed—AMC’s Maine Woods are a certified International Dark Sky Park and offer world-class stargazing.
Day 2: Ski from Little Lyford to Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins (6.5 miles)
A hot breakfast fuels you for the next stretch of your journey. After selecting your custom trail lunch and dropping your overnight gear for shuttle service, you’ll make your way toward Gorman Chairback Lodge, approximately 6.5 miles (10.5 km) away along the well-marked Lodge-to-Lodge Trail. The route is a quintessential Maine Woods ski—rolling terrain that varies between easy and intermediate, soft corduroy grooming, and quiet pockets of wilderness where tracks crisscross the snow.
Midday, stop at a trailside vista and enjoy your lunch. As you near Gorman Chairback, the terrain opens to reveal Long Pond, often frozen solid and rimmed with cliffs and snow-covered pines. The lodge sits tucked into the shoreline. After check-in, settle into your cabin or warm up in the wood-fired sauna, fired daily throughout the winter. Dinner is shared family-style in the main lodge—fresh bread, seasonal entrées, and homemade dessert to round out a perfect winter day.
Day 3: Exploring the Trails Around Gorman Chairback
Check the map over breakfast to decide how you want to spend your day. With over 56 km (35 mi) of groomed ski and snowshoe trails surrounding Gorman Chairback, you’ll have endless options to choose from. Ski along Long Pond for sweeping views, dip into forest loops to look for wildlife, or strap on snowshoes to climb toward nearby overlooks. No matter your route, you’ll enjoy the freedom of traveling with only a daypack, and your packed lunch makes it easy to follow wherever the landscape takes you.
Return to the lodge in the late afternoon and settle in—head to the sauna, retreat to your cabin for a quiet rest, or warm up with friends and board games by the lodge fire. Evening brings another generous family-style dinner and the chance to swap stories with other visitors who are also discovering the magic of the Maine Woods.
Day 4: Gorman Chairback Lodge to the Winter Parking Lot (6.7 miles)
Your final day of skiing begins with breakfast in the lodge, and then you have two route options back to your car:
- Direct Route (6.7 mi/10.8 km): Lower Gorman Lodge Trail → Long Pond Road → Upper Gorman Lodge Trail → KI Road to the Winter Parking Lot.
- Scenic Route (8 mi/12.8 km): Long Pond Trail → Trout Brook Trail → KI Road. This option traces the shoreline of Long Pond and offers breathtaking winter views.
Both routes are groomed and well-marked. Once you reach the Winter Parking Lot, take a moment to reflect on your journey — and maybe plan your return trip next season.
Where You'll Stay
Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins
A beloved historic wilderness destination for more than 140 years, Little Lyford offers rustic cabins, a central bathhouse with hot showers, and access to an extensive groomed trail network. With direct access to destinations like Gulf Hagas and Indian Mountain’s Laurie’s Ledge, Little Lyford is a favorite base for winter exploration. Cabins are woodstove heated, and guests supply their own sleeping bags or linens and towels.
Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins
Gorman Chairback Lodge, Est. 1867, sits lakeside in the heart of the 100-Mile Wilderness and provides cozy cabins heated by woodstoves, a central lodge for meals and gathering, and access to groomed trails. Winter stays include nightly sauna sessions and gear shuttle service. Cabins do not have electricity; charging is available in the lodge. Guests must bring their own linens and towels for winter visits.
Getting Here
Little Lyford and Gorman Chairback are ski-in only in winter. All guests park at the Winter Parking Lot off Katahdin Iron Works Road, accessible from Greenville.
Travel Tips
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Plan for a 5–6 hour drive from Boston.
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Greenville is your last stop for gas, groceries, and gear rentals.
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Arrive before 2:00 p.m. to ensure your luggage can be shuttled in by snowmobile.
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Download directions in advance — cell coverage is limited.
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Contact AMC at (603) 466-2727 for up-to-date road conditions
Resources & FAQs
Explore our trip planning resources, watch the video to learn more about our winter trail system, and expand accordions below to find answers to common questions about a winter trip to the Maine Woods.
AMC works with a local outfitter to shuttle you to the trailhead, allowing you to leave your car at the end of your lodge-to-lodge trip. Reservations for this service are required and should be made through the AMC Contact Service Center at least two weeks prior to arrival. The meeting location for car shuttles is at Northwoods Outfitters, and the shuttle will follow you to the location where you will leave your car and then drive you to the trailhead to start your adventure.
Either way is ok. We offer a car shuttle that allows you ski in either direction, so you can leave your car at the last stop on your trip and shuttle to the start. AMC’s Contact Service Center will help coordinate timing when you make a shuttle reservation (reservations are required for this service).
Our groomed trails are ideal for Nordic skis and snowshoes. If you are planning to ski lodge to lodge, you can travel on groomed trails the whole way on Nordic skis. Track is set where terrain allows. Please check our Weather Conditions and Trail Information page.
Northwoods Outfitters, in Greenville, Maine, offers skis, snowshoes, and more for rent, plus any last-minute gear items, clothing, or gifts. Reserve equipment by calling 1-866-223-1380.
Trails are groomed as conditions allow. Track is set as terrain allows. Please check our Weather Conditions and Trail Information page for up-to-date trail information. During your stay, lodges will post updated trail information. Please be sure to take a paper copy of a map. Cell reception is unreliable in the North Maine Woods.
Greenville, Maine is your last chance to top off your fuel tank, charge your EV, and purchase food or other last-minute items.
Break-ins at the lot are rare. We do not have any lights or surveillance in the lot, and it is remote. We recommend following standard protocols: remove or hide any valuables in your car and always be sure to lock your car. Store car keys in your day pack.
Variable. We advise you stay on the main roads. Once you depart Greenville, all-wheel drive or a vehicle with studded winter tires and clearance are highly recommended. Lodge access roads are remote with few cars traveling along them. Be sure you have a full tank of gas/charge, a snow shovel, and jumper cables. After a snow storm the parking areas will be plowed as conditions allow, but be prepared to shovel your car out.
It is unreliable. We recommend downloading and printing driving directions prior to your departure.
If you are not leaving Greenville by 12 p.m., call the lodge manager and inform them of your timeline.
With advance planning, custom gear or people shuttles may be possible. Extras fees and reservations are required.
Generally speaking, no. There are some areas where there is limited reception. However, guests should not plan on being able to make or receive calls. Guests can use the lodge phones to make or receive emergency calls.
The main lodges have standard outlets where guests can charge devices. Medawisla’s cabins all have electricity.
Each lodge offers a small selection of items including t-shirts and sweatshirts, books and maps, and toiletries.
For cabins that do not have a private bath, the shower/bath houses are centrally located and are a very short walk from your cabin. Bring a headlamp or flashlight for nighttime visits as paths are unlit.
Guests are welcome to enjoy a fire in the woodstove when temperatures are cool. Cabins have woodstoves and wall-mounted propane lights (electric at Medawisla). Staff can provide instruction on how to light and load the stoves. There is plenty of dry wood to keep you comfortable.
Yes! Reservations are required for dogs, and you must be booked at a dog-friendly cabin. Rates are determined per dog, per night. Be sure to clean up after your dog throughout your stay, and dogs should always be under voice command or leashed. Be sure your dog can handle the mileage required in various conditions while out on the trails. Dogs should be up to date on vaccinations.