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Lodge-Lodge Skiing in the Maine Woods Itinerary

The Maine Woods Initiative (MWI) is AMC’s multi-use recreation and land conservation project in Maine’s famed 100-Mile Wilderness. It’s also one of the best lodge-to-lodge cross-country ski systems in the United States.

At MWI you’ll find 130 miles of trails, including 90 miles of groomed ski trails, connecting three unique backcountry lodges. The trail system is well-marked and includes a mix of groomed corduroy and untouched paths rambling deep into the forest. A shuttle transports your gear between destinations so you can ski, snowshoe, or fatbike with just a daypack.

At night, stay in private cabins and bunkhouses with showers, wood-fired saunas, and included dinner, breakfast, and trail lunches. Our three locations are Medawisla Lodge & Cabins, Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins, and Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins.
Whether you’re a Nordic newbie or a cross-country skiing pro, this is the place for you. Here’s a sample itinerary to inspire the journey.

Your Itinerary:

Cait Bourgault

Pre-trip: Medawisla Lodge & Cabins

While you'll spend the first night at Medawisla, park your car at the Winter Parking Lot. This way, your car will be there at the end of the journey, and you won’t need to backtrack.

Our partners at Northwoods Outfitters are available to shuttle you from the Winter Parking Lot to Medawisla Lodge. Reservations for this service are required and should be made through the AMC Contact Service Center at least two weeks prior. The meeting location for car shuttles is Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville. The shuttle will follow you to the Winter Parking Lot, then drive you to Medawisla.

Now it’s time to discover what AMC hospitality is all about. Once you’ve checked in, spend some time in the lodge and enjoy a delicious dinner cooked by our staff. You’ll be offered a form to fill out with your preferences for the next day’s trail lunch.

On the walk back to your cabin, take a moment to look at the sky. AMC’s Maine Woods are a certified International Dark Sky Park, the first in New England. That means the area has world-class stargazing, and AMC takes special efforts to protect the night sky from light pollution and educate the public.

Selections From Paula Champagne

Day 1: Medawisla to Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins (17 miles)

The main path for all your travels will be the Lodge-to-Lodge trail. Beginning near Medawisla this trail connects each AMC camp. You can access the trail from Medawisla parking lot along the Emmit Brook Trail or Smithtown Road. For the final miles of the trip, the Lodge-to-Lodge Trail changes names to the Pleasant River Trail. The East Side Road is also a common option.

Note that the final 1.4 miles to Little Lyford, whether you take the Pleasant River Trail or East Side Road, are rated as “intermediate.” For a slightly longer way that’s entirely on “easy,” you can loop around the Little Lyford Ponds on the Brook Trail and Upper Valley Road.

The big mileage total may seem intimidating, but the journey is almost entirely on flat, groomed trails. The miles will fly by. If you do want to break up the trip, you can the spend the night at West Branch Pond Camps. These cabins aren’t operated by AMC but offer convenient, on-trail lodging.

Nina Paus Weiler

Day 2: Little Lyford to Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins (6.5 miles)

After a big first day, you’ll have an opportunity to catch your breath and relax. Sleep in a little and enjoy breakfast at Little Lyford Lodge. When you’re ready, grab your trail lunch and strap on your skis! The most direct route from Little Lyford to Goman Chairback is via the Lodge-to-Lodge Trail. Portions of this trail are rated “Intermediate.”

Skiers in search of an additional adventure can detour to the head of Gulf Hagas, the “Grand Canyon of Maine.” In the summer, a series of waterfalls cut through this deep gorge. In the winter, frozen waters offer a whole new kind of beauty. You can see Gulf Hagas on the Head of the Gulf Trail, accessible from the Lodge-to-Lodge Trail. The Head of the Gulf Trail is ungroomed, so be sure to ask our staff about current conditions before attempting.

 

Cait Bourgault

Day 3: Gorman Chairback Lodge to the Winter Parking Lot (6.7 miles)

All great adventures must end. Luckily, your last day of skiing is as action-packed as the previous two. There are two options for getting to the Winter Parking Lot:
  • Direct route: Take the Lower Gorman Lodge Trail north and, after a short half mile on Long Pond Road, continue onto the Upper Gorman Lodge Trail. Turn left when you reach the KI Road and take that all the way to the Winter Parking Lot.
  • Scenic route: This trip is slightly longer (about 8 miles) but offers extended skiing next to Long Pond. Follow the Long Pond Trail along its namesake until you reach an intersection with Long Pond Road and Trout Brook Trail. Take Trout Brook Trail to the KI Road. From there it’s a short ski to the parking lot.
Once you’ve arrived at the Winter Parking Lot, it’s time to get in the car and return to reality. We hope to see you again soon!

Getting Here:

Medawisla Lodge is accessible by car in winter; Little Lyford and Gorman are not. Instead, you’ll park in the AMC 100 Mile Wilderness Winter Parking area and ski or snowshoe in. Be sure to arrive before 2pm, preferably earlier to make sure you’re skiing in daylight. This is the last call to have your gear taken to your destination for the night by snowmobile.

Both lots are a five- to six-hour drive from Boston. The town of Greenville is the last you’ll pass through driving from points south, and your final stop for gas, groceries, and other essentials.

After Greenville, you’ll drive on gravel logging roads. Call AMC’s Contact Service Center (603-466-2727) for up-to-date road conditions. Cell service is limited in the Maine Woods, and GPS can be unreliable. We recommend printing or downloading directions before your trip and tracking mileage on your odometer north of Greenville.


Resources:

Winter Trail Map – Gorman and Little Lyford

Winter Trail Map – Medawisla

Driving Directions – Winter Parking Lot

Driving Directions – Medawisla

Maine Mountain Guide, 12th Edition

Book Your Stay

Selections From Paula Champagne

Medawisla Lodge & Cabins

Cait Bourgault

Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins

Cait Bourgault

Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins

FAQs

How do I shuttle my car when I am skiing lodge to lodge?

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.

Do I ski lodge to lodge from south to north, or north to south?

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).

What kind of skis should I bring?

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 Winter Conditions and Trail Information page.

Are there gear rentals, including skis and snowshoes?

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.

 

What are the trails like?

Trails are groomed as conditions allow. Track is set as terrain allows. Please check our Winter 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.

Where can I fuel up/charge my car and grab last minute items before I reach my destination?

Indian Hill Trading Post, Greenville, Maine. These are your last opportunities to top off your fuel tank, charge your EV (Greenville only), and purchase food or other last-minute items.

Will my car be safe at the AMC Winter Parking Lot?

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.

What are driving conditions like?

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.

Does GPS work on the roads?

It is unreliable. We recommend downloading and printing driving directions prior to your departure.

What if I am late getting on the trail to Lyford or Gorman?

If you are not leaving Greenville by 12 p.m., call the lodge manager and inform them of your timeline.

Can my gear be shuttled at a custom time?

With advance planning, custom gear or people shuttles may be possible. Extras fees and reservations are required.

Is there cell phone reception at the lodges?

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.

Can I charge my phone or camera?

The main lodges have standard outlets where guests can charge devices. Medawisla’s cabins all have electricity.

Is there a retail store at the lodge?

Each lodge offers a small selection of items including tee shirts and sweatshirts, books and maps, and toiletries.

How far are the showers and bathrooms from my cabin?

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.

Are the cabins warm?

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.

Can I bring my dog?

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.

 

From the AMC Store

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Maine Mountain Guide

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Essential Guide to Winter Recreation

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100-Mile Wilderness Map & Guide

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