8151-R5_MSA_SnowmobileMaine

Snowmobile the Northern Region By Nick Morrill, Northern Region Director and Heather Mladek of Mad Lake Creative Inc.

W ant to see a moose this winter? Or maybe a snowy owl? Make your snowmobile travel plans for Aroostook County and you won’t be disappointed. Sure, it may take a little longer to get here, but once you park your trailer, your adventures begin in a snowy wonderland like no other. Aroostook County is The Destination for riders seeking pristine wilderness adventures with plenty

Dean’s in Portage Lake, and the buffalo in Oxbow. Aroostook County offers many spots to enjoy gorgeous vistas over vast expanses with some scenic views looking all the way across the border to neighboring Canada. There is even a border trail that you can ride, traveling next to the granite pillars marking the border between the countries. AND a new trail has opened the last two years allowing you to ride the runway at the decommissioned Loring Air Force Base and stop near the arch hangar where B52 bombers used to be housed. Aroostook County, truly a special place for snowmobiling, offers an extensive 2,300 miles of intertwined trails; small local winding trails interconnecting with the statewide ITS system. A variety of trail types and sizes spread across the region along woodlots, fields, and communities. These trails are groomed and maintained for your riding pleasure by multiple snowmobile clubs in a year-round collaboration with landowners and local businesses allowing you to access scenic views and businesses throughout The County via the trail system. Local snowmobile clubs put on activities for snowmobile riders frequently. Attending the Meduxnekeag Snowmobile Club. Aroostook County, truly a special place for snowmobiling, offers an extensive 2,300 miles of intertwined trails; small local winding trails interconnecting with the statewide ITS system. A variety of trail types and sizes spread across the region along woodlots, fields, and communities. These trails are groomed and maintained for your riding pleasure by multiple snowmobile clubs in a year-round collaboration with landowners and local businesses allowing you to access scenic views and businesses throughout The County via the trail system. Local snowmobile clubs put on activities for snowmobile riders frequently. Attending the Meduxnekeag Snowmobile Club Breakfasts, the Linneus Sno Sports Lunches, or any of the many similar events put on by the 34 different

of opportunities for wildlife encounters, delicious food, and hospitable people. The local communities truly enjoy catering to the needs of snowmobile enthusiasts and the people here are warm and welcoming. In a place where snowmobiling - or sleddin’ as the locals call it - is a way of life, amenities abound for snowmobile riders from all over. The larger towns have multiple venues for lodging and dining that welcome riders. Many smaller communities in the region have cabins or houses available for rent to accommodate longer stays or larger groups. Some of these are even located directly alongside the trails! Many restaurants throughout The County are accessible by trail and will often have parking lots full of snowmobiles versus only a handful of cars. It is not uncommon to see snowmobiles parked outside the local schools here - what with sleds being more fun than buses and all! From the Snowmobile Grass Drag Races in Ashland every August to the extended riding season we enjoy, it’s clear that snowmobiling is serious business in The County. It is no wonder. In addition to the chance of a moose sighting and the sheer number of miles to b e ridden, the scenic destinations here are

numerous. Popular choices for snowmobile trips in the northern region include Two Rivers Lunch in Allagash, Big Rick’s in Madawaska, Lakeview in St. Agatha, the Par & Grill in Caribou,

snowmobile clubs throughout the region, (and/or making a donation to one or more of these clubs) is a great way to give back to these passionate volunteers who give so generously of their time and labor. See you on the trails!

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