Escape to the tranquility of pristine ponds, flowing rivers, and spectacular waterfalls in the heart of an untouched wilderness. Wake up to the echoing calls of native loons and spot an elusive moose as you paddle across Long Pond. Discover dramatic vistas along miles of interconnected trails, or try your hand at landing one of the bountiful brook trout and landlocked salmon that inhabit the nearby ponds and streams.
Built as a private camp in 1867, Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins offers a spectacular location off-the-grid in the heart of Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness, renovated to feature a beautiful, central “green” lodge for meals and relaxing. Hearty, homemade meals, friendly staff, and cozy private cabins prepare you for hikes to Gulf Hagas and Third Mountain, a lodge-to-lodge cross-country ski, or simply a day of shoreside relaxation miles away from life’s concerns.
View summer trail map >>
View winter trail map >>
View lodge site map >>
View Gulf Hagas map >>
Season Dates
Please see specific COVID-19 related information on policies and operating procedures.
Winter Season
December 26, 2021 – January 1, 2022
Spring/Summer/Fall Seasons
June 19 – October 16, 2021
Accommodations
Rooms
Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins offers a spectacular location “off the grid” by the shore of Long Pond, on 66,000 acres of forestland permanently conserved by AMC. The lodge is drive-in during summer and fall, and is accessible by ski, snowshoe, or dogsled in winter.
Accommodations include four private, “Deluxe” cabins (one ADA accessible) with private bathrooms with showers. Each includes a combination of queen-size bed, bunk beds or double beds, and a futon in the living room.
Eight private shoreline cabins sleep one to five guests, with a combination of queen-size, full, bunk beds, or futon. Each cabin is a single room cabin and has a woodstove and gas lamps. There is no running water in the shoreline cabins, but water jugs are provided for guest use.
A separate bunkhouse can accommodate 10 guests. Bunkhouse guests bring their own sleeping bag, or linens, and towel. Pillows and wool blankets are provided.
The central bathhouse, conveniently located in the main lodge, has composting toilets and hot showers as well as a wood-heated sauna.
Linens, comforters, and bath towels are provided to cabin guests. Guests may charge their cameras and phones in the main lodge.
Accessibility
Gorman Chairback offers an ADA accessible cabin with electricity, private bathroom with shower and propane heat.
The main lodge is ADA accessible.
Hardened gravel paths run throughout camp.
Check In/Out
Check In: 3:00PM
Check Out: 11:00AM
Meal Service
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in your nightly rate. Coffee, tea and cocoa are available throughout the day.
You may wish to bring your own snack items.
Beer and wine are available for purchase at dinnertime.
Breakfast: Served family-style at 8:00 AM sharp
Lunch: Made-to-order trail lunches are served after breakfast
Dinner: Served family-style at 6:00 PM sharp; includes soup, salad, entrée, and dessert
Please notify AMC Reservations if you have food allergies or any other dietary needs.
Other Features
Jump off the dock into the clear water of Long Pond and swim out to the float to relax in the sun.
Getting There
The lodge is located in the KI Jo-Mary Forest which is a multi-use forest which owned by a consortium of landowners. The roads are gated and from May through October. Access is managed and fees collected by North Maine Woods. Access through the checkpoints (Hedgehog and Katahdin Ironworks) is limited to hours of operation (6 AM to 9 PM) and is strictly enforced. Please check the North Maine Woods website additional information.
Access fees are included in Gorman Chairback and Little Lyford lodging rates. Please bring a copy of your AMC reservation confirmation letter to show at the gatehouse.
Vehicle types (RV sizes and types, motorcycles, etc.) are restricted or prohibited. Click here for KI Jo-Mary Rules and Regulations.
Roads are gravel and are active logging roads. Logging vehicles have the right of way. Conditions can be rough and low clearance vehicles are not recommended. All wheel drive is recommended during wet, snowy or icy conditions.
Pets
Dogs are welcome in Cabins 6 and 7 during the winter only at Gorman Chairback. There is an additional fee per dog per night and a maximum of 2 dogs per cabin.
Please notify the Contact Service Center if you plan to bring your dog.
Quiet Hours
Please be respectful of other guests and observe quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are permitted, and should be consumed in a responsible manner. Beer and wine are available for purchase at Gorman Chairback.
Smoking
Smoking or open flame are not allowed in or near any structure.
ACCOLADES
Trip Advisor
Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins rewarded 2017 Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor
Top things to Do
Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins offers a central location for a myriad of outdoor activities. Whether you’re seeking a calm day on the lake or an exhilarating mountaintop hike, you will not be disappointed.
Paddle on Long Pond
Grab a canoe and head out for a sunrise or sunset paddle on the pond. Listen to the loons and maybe even spot a moose.
Fly Fish on Long Pond
Hop in a canoe or walk to a pristine pond and try your luck at landing a wild brook trout or landlocked salmon. New to fishing? Try one of our Beginner Fly Fishing Weekends!
Appalachian Trail traverse
Hike or snowshoe to spectacular views from Third Mountain’s Monument Cliff, then continue along the Appalachian Trail and bag three summits via the Chairback Mountain Loop.
Katahdin Cruises
Enjoy the natural beauty and history of Moosehead Lake aboard a 1914 steamboat! The steamboat Katahdin offers a spacious decks with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Beverages, sandwiches and snacks are available from the working galley. Enjoy a discount on ticket purchases when you stay at one of our Maine Lodges!
What to Bring
The right clothing and gear are essential in the unpredictable weather of the Maine Woods. Even if it feels like summer during the day, it can be cold and winter-like once the sun goes down. Use our gear guides to make sure you’re packing everything you need for comfort and safety. And don’t forget your swimsuit if you’d like to use the sauna!
CONTACT US
Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins
1 Chairback Road T7 R9
Greenville, ME 04441
Reservations
- Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- amclodging@outdoors.org
- (207) 358-5187
Contact Information
Emergency Contact, Road Conditions, Transportation
AMC Greenville Maine Office: 207-695-3085
Meetings & Group Reservations
Book a reservation for a group of 10 or more:
603-466-8059
amcgroups@outdoors.org