Maine instead of Quebec

[Rtbo]

Well Quebec isn’t looking good this year so we will try Maine if we can even go there. Looking for info on must see trails and outfitter type places to stay. We will try to start in bethel because we already have a place to stay there (guys sister). Usually we like to run the northern Quebec trails. Thinking about going all the way to the top of Maine via western trails then coming down the east side then west over to bethel. Would like to do a 1000-1300mile trip, any suggestions? Any info would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[Joseph Levandoski]

Well Quebec isn’t looking good this year so we will try Maine if we can even go there. Looking for info on must see trails and outfitter type places to stay. We will try to start in bethel because we already have a place to stay there (guys sister). Usually we like to run the northern Quebec trails. Thinking about going all the way to the top of Maine via western trails then coming down the east side then west over to bethel. Would like to do a 1000-1300mile trip, any suggestions? Any info would be appreciated, thanks.

We ride mainly in Maine (and scoot over into New Brunswick during the Tourist weekend). I highly recommend staying at the Bunker Inn in Limestone as one of your stops. Tim and Sandy treat us beyond amazing and the Inn has it's own kitchen and grill if you decide to cook out. If you're in the area the same time as my group is, feel free to reach out. We aren't pokey and know the area extremely well.

Since you're coming from out of state, as long as you get a COVID test within 3 days of your arrival, you bypass the quarantine requirements.

 

[Wannaviper]

I suspect that you are one of many who will be riding Maine trails in lieu of Quebec this year. We rode Quebec almost exclusively years ago because the quality of their trails, and the their snowfall, were unsurpassed. Now the northern Maine clubs are really doing a great job with their trails and their grooming, and while we may cross over the border occasionally, we are more than happy to stay in Maine and ride. Depending upon what the Covid-19 restrictions are, this winter will be a challenge for out of state riders. At the very least, you will have to have a negative Covid test, or undergo a 14 day quarantine. A practical problem is going to be getting fed, or finding a place to take a break and get warm, on the trail. My two favorite snowmobile restaurants have already announced that they will will not be serving meals this winter. Hopefully they will remain open for gas.

For what it is worth, I have never heard of Bethel as a snowmobile destination, and I think you may be disappointed if you are used to Quebec trails. The bigger clubs, and better maintained trail systems are located further north and east in Rangely, Jackman & Millinockett. Places in between like the Forks, Kokadjo and Pittston Farms do a great job as well, and their trails are well maintained. The great trails and dependable snowfall resulted in me buying a camp in Jackman, and I love it. That having been said, the most dependable snow, and probably the biggest and best trail system are undoubtedly in "the County" (Aroostook). If I was coming to Maine from out of state to ride on vacation, my first choice would be Aroostook; it is a few more hours of driving, but the trails are probably the closest you will find to the Quebec trails that you are used to.

 

[Joseph Levandoski]

I suspect that you are one of many who will be riding Maine trails in lieu of Quebec this year. We rode Quebec almost exclusively years ago because the quality of their trails, and the their snowfall, were unsurpassed. Now the northern Maine clubs are really doing a great job with their trails and their grooming, and while we may cross over the border occasionally, we are more than happy to stay in Maine and ride. Depending upon what the Covid-19 restrictions are, this winter will be a challenge for out of state riders. At the very least, you will have to have a negative Covid test, or undergo a 14 day quarantine. A practical problem is going to be getting fed, or finding a place to take a break and get warm, on the trail. My two favorite snowmobile restaurants have already announced that they will will not be serving meals this winter. Hopefully they will remain open for gas.

For what it is worth, I have never heard of Bethel as a snowmobile destination, and I think you may be disappointed if you are used to Quebec trails. The bigger clubs, and better maintained trail systems are located further north and east in Rangely, Jackman & Millinockett. Places in between like the Forks, Kokadjo and Pittston Farms do a great job as well, and their trails are well maintained. The great trails and dependable snowfall resulted in me buying a camp in Jackman, and I love it. That having been said, the most dependable snow, and probably the biggest and best trail system are undoubtedly in "the County" (Aroostook). If I was coming to Maine from out of state to ride on vacation, my first choice would be Aroostook; it is a few more hours of driving, but the trails are probably the closest you will find to the Quebec trails that you are used to.

I don't think anyone could disagree with any of this - you'll be in for fantastic riding if you stick to the general Moosehead Lake area, west to Millinocket, and anything north of there. In addition to riding out of Limestone basically every other weekend during the winter, my group [normally] will make a trip up for at least a full week and run multiple backpacking trips. We've had excellent luck riding down into the Moosehead Lake area through Millinocket from the Bunker Inn and you can do it in a day if you really boogey (otherwise you might miss food options since many things close relatively early). There are too many trails to list that you'd enjoy, but I can't suggest enough to stay off the railroad beds. They're groomed meticulously, but get extremely boring (even when you're doing 100+ for 30 minutes).

 

[sab2022]

https://www.mesnow.com/index.html
and don't forget to thank that club if your on club trails

 

[sailor joe]

I ride allot in the Bethel/Newry area, it's not big wide open trails but more allot of turns and hills, small trails but still allot of fun. I also ride in Millinocket and Rangeley. From Bethel you get on ITS 82 and ride through Grafton Notch...really fun trail, slow but fun like the good old days before organization. From the Notch you go into New Hampshire and ride over Lake Umbagog to Rangely or go through Rumford and take trail 117 to Rangely. I always stay at the Rangely Inn..its right downtown and on the trails. from Rangely get an early start to make it to Millinocket...the Millinocket Inn is Ok and $100/ night...I'm looking at making the trip to Sinclair from Millinocket this year with a couple of friends...good luck.
The Bethel area is not a Mecca for riding but then again its not overcrowded either and the trails are usually well groomed...they are just more technical trails. Joe

 

[Wannaviper]

I ride allot in the Bethel/Newry area, it's not big wide open trails but more allot of turns and hills, small trails but still allot of fun. I also ride in Millinocket and Rangeley. From Bethel you get on ITS 82 and ride through Grafton Notch...really fun trail, slow but fun like the good old days before organization. From the Notch you go into New Hampshire and ride over Lake Umbagog to Rangely or go through Rumford and take trail 117 to Rangely. I always stay at the Rangely Inn..its right downtown and on the trails. from Rangely get an early start to make it to Millinocket...the Millinocket Inn is Ok and $100/ night...I'm looking at making the trip to Sinclair from Millinocket this year with a couple of friends...good luck.
The Bethel area is not a Mecca for riding but then again its not overcrowded either and the trails are usually well groomed...they are just more technical trails. Joe

Rangely to Millinocket must be a great ride. I have done day trips from Jackman to Rangely, and from Jackman to Millinocket as well. There are some nice trails and pretty impressive scenery in between!

 

[sailor joe]

if anyone is going to Maine for a ride then Quill Hill outside Rangely is a must...just incredible views if you're into scenery. Joe

 

[Joseph Levandoski]

Maine has posted their COVID-19 quarantine requirements on their website (now that basically every state is on another state's "Hot List"). If you're traveling to Maine, you're required to quarantine for 14 days. HOWEVER, if you take a PCR test (that's the nose swab) within 72 hours before your arrival and it comes back negative, you're not subject to the quarantine requirements.

On the website (https://www.maine.gov/governor/mill...tion-announces-measures-prevent-spread-deadly), it's the last paragraphs - Effective Wednesday, November 4, 2020, people traveling from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are no longer exempt from Maine’s quarantine or negative test requirement. People coming here from these states must either quarantine for 14 days or receive a negative COVID-19 test with a sample taken less than 72 hours from arrival in Maine, quarantining while awaiting test results. The only states that are exempt from this requirement at this time are New Hampshire and Vermont (so lucky you guys).

Is it a big deal? Not really - I've had my results back within two days every time I've had to take a COVID-19 test after traveling for work.

 

[stevewithOCD]

If you're starting in Bethel then you should head north to Rangeley & stay there. You may have to trailer to Rumford cuz trails & snow down that way is sketchy.
I need to know how far & hard you boys ride then i can tell you some great trails & when to pack it in for night.
From Rangeley to Pittson Farms via Eustis & Jackman. OR straight to Millinocket via Greenville to see the B-52 crash site.
Pittson Farms to Chesuncook then to Libby's. You could see the GHOST TRAINS on the way. Look them up.
From either of those places, head to Shin Pond then up to Portage.
Then Fort Kent, Sinclair, Madawaska.
Border Trails, Carribou & checkout the airstrip in Limestone.
Presque Isle down to Houlton then Medway & head home the way you DIDN't get there.

PM me. You've got my juices flowing & i could guide you around a bit.
I make a run to Rangeley then up to top of Maine every year.

I figure 1500 to 2000 miles depending which way you go

 

[stevewithOCD]

Of course COVID can change everything

 

[Joseph Levandoski]

Between Steve and I, we could get you a great loop. It’s not like we’ve never met either

 

[Rtbo]

Alright guys I have our itinerary for 2/11-2/15. I haven’t done any research or mapping this year because I didn’t think we would be able to go with COVID and low snow, my expectations were low but now we are leaving Wednesday 2/10. I’ve attached the itinerary I was given and was wondering if you guys have anything to say about it. Any trails to avoid or go on? Any must see places that are on our way. Usually the mapping and research is half the fun for me but just wasn’t feeling it this year (I’m bummed we can’t go to Canada). Nothing against Maine but I’m thinking everyone that can’t go to Canada will be in Maine like me