Looking for a new way to explore Maine in the colder months? Instead of grabbing skis or a snowboard, opt for a new adventure—hit the trails this year on two wheels. Fat tire biking is a hot new national trend, and there is no place better to ride than at Maine Huts & Trails. Open year-round, the huts can be easily accessed on fat tire bikes even in the winter when there is snow and ice.
What Is a Fat Tire?
A fat tire bike is an off-road bicycle that differs from a mountain bike because of the over-sized width of the tires. While a traditional mountain bike‘s tire width is usually about two inches, a fat tire is double that or more, providing a much larger surface area. Tires are inflated to a very low air pressure, creating a soft tire that can handle terrain that would otherwise be impossible to bike over.
What Type of Terrain Can I Conquer?
Fat tire bikers are able to tackle slush, icy snow, mud, slippery rocks and sand in addition to groomed and hard-packed trails. Because it’s a multi-use system, snowshoers and hikers still get to enjoy Maine Huts & Trails‘ 80 miles of trails leading to the four beautiful “huts” near Flagstaff Lake and the Bigelow Mountain range.
What If I Don’t Own a Fat Tire Bike?
No problem! For those eager to try this new sport, there is one shop near Maine Huts & Trails where bike rentals are available, First Inline Ski and Sport in Kingfield, Maine. Maine also has several other bike shops that offer rentals, including Gorham Bike and Ski, Portland’s Cyclemania and All Speed, Green Machine in Norway, Side Country Sports in Rockland and Bethel Bicycle near Sunday River.
Go Off the Grid All Year
As the huts are off the grid and not accessible by car, a bike equipped with fat tires can be a fun way to reach the comfort of the welcoming lodges, complete with warm fires and heated bunkhouses. During the full-service seasons, rates include a homemade breakfast, dinner and bagged lunch. In the self-service seasons (November–December and from late March to early June), guests can use the commercial-grade kitchen to prepare their own meals. Year-round, the eco-lodges have hot showers, warm fires and heated bunkhouses to keep guests comfortable, as well as a sitting room stocked with games and books.
For more information on this off the grid experience, visit Maine Huts & Trails online or call (207) 265-2400.
- Photo: Maine Huts & Trails
