Sugarloaf region | Maine’s western mountains
Things to do
CARRABASSETT VALLEY
“…from here on your life will never be the same.”
Carrabassett Valley, nestled in the western mountains of Maine, is a beloved vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is home to the 4,000-foot Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine’s largest skiing destination, with nearby hiking and biking trails for summer visitors. Residents of Carrabassett Valley are always happy to greet tourists and offer guidance on the best spots to explore. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and camping in Carrabassett Valley’s pristine lakes and forests. And when winter arrives, the town transforms into a snowy paradise for skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and fat tire biking. No matter what time of year you visit Carrabassett Valley, you’re sure to find plenty of exciting recreational opportunities in this idyllic mountain town.
Mountain biking
If you’re looking for a cycling adventure, look no further than the scenic roads of western Maine. With well-paved surfaces and low traffic levels, cyclists can enjoy endless miles of riding amidst stunning natural beauty. The crowning jewel of this area is the trek to the Canadian border, with distances under 30 miles from towns like Eustis and Carrabassett Valley. It’s a challenging yet incredibly rewarding ride that allows you to truly experience the best of what western Maine has to offer. So grab your bike and hit the road to the best biking destination in New England – western Maine awaits!
winter in the valley
Skiing | Sugarloaf mountain resort
At 4,237 feet, Sugarloaf is the second tallest mountain in the state of Maine. Our signature Snowfields are the only lift-serviced above-treeline terrain in the East.
snowmobiling
Ride The BLACK FLY LOOP, the largest Loop Trail in Maine! Enjoy and explore over 300 miles of some of the best-groomed trails in the state.
Maine Huts & Trails
Whether winter or summer, Maine Huts & Trails has the perfect adventure for you. They have over 50 miles of trails for all-season activities, including eco-lodges that are sustainable and gorgeous places to stay on your next adventure.
snowshoeing
Sugarloaf may be best known as an alpine skiing resort, but tucked away in the woods just minutes from the base area is Maine’s largest Nordic center; the lodge is home to a full Nordic retail shop, rental center, and cafe, all surrounded by some of the most picturesque trails in New England.
ice Skating
There’s an NHL sized outdoor public skating rink at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center.
Anti-gravity complex
The Anti-Gravity Complex is Carrabassett Valley’s home to indoor adventure. As Carrabassett Valley Academy’s training center, the AGC is home to a skate park, giant trampolines, a climbing wall, basketball court, track, and gym.
fat tire biking
Fat tire bikes are a great way to enjoy the western mountain foothills. Fat biking is a popular way to spend a winter day when it’s cold and windy as you are protected in the woods; it’s also best on a hard-packed trail. Maine Huts & Trails allows fat bikes on their entire trail system, and it’s a great way to get to one of their four off-the-grid lodges. The Sugarloaf Outdoor Center also allows fat bikes on their Nordic ski and snowshoe trails.
summer in the valley
mountain biking
The Carrabassett Region offers over 77 miles of mountain bike specific trail, approximately 22 miles of which are new or completely rebuilt trails. The riding options are a treat for all rider abilities: Summer and winter trails conditions are located here.
golfing
The Sugarloaf golf course has been rated the #1 course in Maine for good reason. The 18 hole masterpiece of Robert Trent Jones, Jr, nestled into the second highest mountain in Maine, provides the total golf experience.
fishing
There’s no shortage of areas to fish in the Valley – from rivers, lakes, streams, brooks and ponds – you’ll never be looking far for a place to reel in the fish!
hunting in the fall
Enjoy the woods in Carrabassett Valley – hunting some of the best wild game in Maine.
hiking
There are more hiking trails in the Carrabassett Valley area than we can list here, but our favorite are the Bigelows: the trails and views are the best!
boating | Canoeing | kayaking
Flagstaff lake in Stratton/Eustis, North and South Branch of the Dead River, Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Carrabassett River, Whipple Pond, and so many more areas are primed for adventure in your boat, canoe or kayak.
