Sugarloaf Maine
Including three guys at the very end who are still very much a part of the local scene! Others in this video are scattered near & far, & some are no longer with us, but everyone here shows the Sugarloaf spirit of the early 80s that lingers in our hearts all these years, & owners, later….
Carrabassett Valley’s Bike Shop expert shares some valuable info to Know Before You Go with a few simple steps to check your mountain bike out & your personal gear as well to ensure you are good to go!! Outdoors adventures are way better when you can plan for the unexpected & avoid breakdowns; thanks, Bob, for this great advice!
The Maine High Peaks are full of unique natural areas. The local waterfalls can make a great destination for a picnic, a quick hike or just enjoying the beauty of the area. In this short video we take you along to just a few of the hidden gems that can be found right here in the greater Sugarloaf region. Driving directions: Reed Falls, Kingfield. The starting point for Reed falls begins on rt 27 between Kingfield and Carrabassett. Look for a small parking area on the Carrabassett river side of the road just before the Claybrook (Ira mtn) bridge. The hiking trail follows Reed brook to the falls. The trail starts behind the gaurdrail opposite of the parking area. Smalls Falls, Sandy River. Smalls Falls is a state rest area located off rt 4 in Sandy River. Head north on rt 4 from Phillips or south from the town of Rangeley. A large sign on the west side of the road leads you to the rest area, which includes restrooms, picnic tables, and area information. Angel Falls, Township D. From the intersection of rt 4 and 17 in Oquossoc Village in Rangeley, follow rt 17 south for about 18 miles and turn right onto Houghton Road (about 1.2 miles beyond a bridge crossing the Swift River). On Houghton Road cross a bridge over the Swift River, and at the T-intersection, turn right onto Bemis Road and drive 3.4 miles Park on the left side of Bemis Road just before the yellow sign marking the trailhead. Sarampus Falls, Chain of Ponds. From the village of Stratton (7 miles north of the Sugarloaf Access road) drive north on rt 27 towards the Canadian border for approx 13.5 miles. You’ll find the Sarampus Falls rest area on your right. West Mountain Falls, Sugarloaf (Carrabassett Valley). To reach West Mountain Falls turn onto the Sugarloaf Ski Resort access road off of rt 27 in Carrabassett Valley. Once on the access road turn right onto the West Mountain road. Just after passing underneath a chairlift turn to the Sugarloaf Golf club. As you drive down to the golf club parking area you’ll pass the sign and trail leading to West Mountain Falls. Houston Brook Falls, Carrabassett Valley. From the center of Carrabassett turn off rt 27 onto the Carriage road. In about .25 mi turn left onto the Houston Brook road (dirt road). Follow Huston Brook Rd for 2.0 miles (passing through a gate at mile 0.4) and you will find a parking pull off on the left with room for three or four cars. A short hiking trail leads from the road down to the falls. Poplar Stream Falls, Carrabassett Valley. These falls can be reached a variety of ways. Shortest: From rt 27 in Carrabassett Valley, turn onto the Carriage road. Continue 1.8 miles down Carriage Rd and take a right onto an unmarked road. Follow this dirt road for 0.2 miles to a parking area. Walk just beyond the green gate to start exploring the two falls. For a longer adventure .2 miles into the Carriage road from rt 27 turn right onto Gauge road and find the Maine Huts and Trails Gauge road trailhead. Once at this trailhead there are maps and information on how to get to the falls. It’s a pleasant 2.3 mile hike to the falls area.
For little kids, or anyone new to mountain biking, the short trail off from the parking lot is the perfect single track learners loop with smooth & well drained gravel riding surface, & a taste of the tight tree-lined trails that make High Peaks riding the beautiful thrill it is! Boulders & bedrock, 4000+’ mountains looming above, moose enjoying the greenery, miles of trails waiting to be discovered! Come ride, there’s something for EVERYONE!! [Read more…]
This fabulous footage from a 1976 Boston television series with long-time skier & friend Howard Nielsen, is amongst the favorites from the archives because the growth of the ski industry in New England at that time was exciting & challenging, & certainly never to be equaled following the heady ’60s, & roller coaster ride of snow (or lack of) & ski business growth pains during the ’70s! For some of us who have been in this business since those days, this is a sentimental look back on this crazy business that IS our lifestyle! For a rural development economist, it is an interesting perspective whereas, as we often say, the more things change, the more they stay the same…!!
