High Peaks Region Recreation Plan An overview and analysis of the recreation, possibilities, and issues facing the High Peaks Region of Maine Chris Colin, Jacob Deslauriers, Dr. Chris Beach Fall 2008 Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust – High Peaks Initiative: The Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust (MATLT) was formed in June 2002 by a group of Mainers dedicated to the preservation of the natural qualities of the lands surrounding the Appalachian Trail in Maine. Following its campaign to acquire Mount Abraham and a portion of Saddleback Mountain, MATLT is embarking on a new initiative to research and document the ecological qualities of the entire Western Maine High Peaks Region. The MATLT website describes the region as follows: “The Western Maine High Peaks Region is the 203,400 acres roughly bounded by the communities of Rangeley, Phillips, Kingfield and Stratton. In this region, there are about 21,000 acres above 2700 feet. It is one of only three areas in Maine where the mountains rise above 4000 feet. The other two are the Mahoosuc Range and Baxter Park. Eight (8) of the fourteen (14) highest mountains in Maine are in this region (Sugarloaf, Crocker, South Crocker, Saddleback, Abraham, The Horn, Spaulding and Redington Peak.) These are all above 4000 feet. If one adds the Bigelow Range, across Route 27/16 from Sugarloaf, the region hosts ten (10) of the highest mountains (Avery Peak and West Peak added)). This area is comparable in size to Baxter Park but has 40% more area above 2700 feet.” Table of Contents I. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 1 A. Purpose and Need for High Peaks Area Recreation Plan ..................................................................... 1 B. Basic Data .............................................................................................................................................. 2 C. Management Framework ..................................................................................................................... 6 1. Methodology ................................................................................................................................. 6 2. Management Objectives ............................................................................................................... 6 3. Issues ........................................................................................................................................... 10 II. Management & Development ................................................................................................................ 12 A. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 12 B. Interpretation.................................................................................................................................. 12 C. Signage ............................................................................................................................................ 13 D. Education ........................................................................................................................................ 13 III. Recreation - Current & Potential ........................................................................................................... 14 A. Hiking .................................................................................................................................................. 14 1. The Appalachian Trail ................................................................................................................ 14 2. Mt Abram .................................................................................................................................... 15 3. Day use trails: .............................................................................................................................. 15 4. Orbeton Stream .......................................................................................................................... 15 5. Mt Abraham ................................................................................................................................ 16 6. Multiple day loop trails: .............................................................................................................. 17 7. Backcountry Shelters .................................................................................................................. 18 B. Snowmobiling Riding .......................................................................................................................... 19 1. Maine Snowmobile Association ...................................................................................................... 19 2. ITS System ....................................................................................................................................... 19 3. Club Trails ........................................................................................................................................ 19 4. Eddy Pond AT crossing .................................................................................................................... 20 5. Barnjum - Caribou Pond Crossing .................................................................................................. 22 6. Potential New Snowmobile Trails ................................................................................................... 23 C. ATV Riding ........................................................................................................................................... 25 1. ATV Maine ....................................................................................................................................... 25 2. Stratton System ............................................................................................................................... 25 3. Salem System .................................................................................................................................. 25 4. Eddy Pond ....................................................................................................................................... 26 5. Barnjum - Caribou Pond .................................................................................................................. 26 6. Potential New ATV Trails ................................................................................................................. 27 D. Scenic By-ways .................................................................................................................................... 28 1. Kingfield to Stratton through the Carrabassett Valley via Route 16 ............................................... 28 2. Madrid to Rangeley via Route 4 ...................................................................................................... 28 3. Interpretive Areas ........................................................................................................................... 29 4. Potential Scenic Roadways.............................................................................................................. 30 E. Four Season Resorts – Sugarloaf/Saddleback ..................................................................................... 32 1. Sugarloaf ......................................................................................................................................... 32 2. Saddleback ...................................................................................................................................... 34 3. Appalachian Trail Issues .................................................................................................................. 35 F. Biking ................................................................................................................................................... 36 1. Rangeley system ............................................................................................................................. 36 2. Trail Potential .................................................................................................................................. 36 3. Mountain Biking Downhill 4- season resorts .................................................................................. 36 G. Paddling/Whitewater/Canoeing/Boating .......................................................................................... 37 1. Carrabassett River ........................................................................................................................... 37 2. Orbeton Stream .............................................................................................................................. 37 3. Sandy River ...................................................................................................................................... 37 4. South Branch Dead River ................................................................................................................ 38 5. Northern Forest Canoe Trail ........................................................................................................... 38 H. Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing: ............................................................................................................