Now that most of Maine has received some significant snowfall, the gentle of whir of snowmobiles can be heard out on the trails.
Recently Bob Meyers, the executive director of the Maine Snowmobile Association, was part of a group of five snowmobilers who broke trail on the Baxter State Park Tote Road.
“The riding was fantastic. We were at the right place at the right time,” said Meyers. “Baxter State Park is a wonderful beautiful, very remote place. I was in the lead so I was covered with snow and soaking wet from breaking the trail. You want to be well equipped and use a long track machine. It is a unique experience — something very different and certainly not for everybody.”
Chances are you will not meet anyone else on the trail, which can be very appealing for those seeking a secluded wilderness experience. It also can be dangerous if you aren’t prepared for drastic changes in weather conditions and other emergencies.
The trail is not groomed — that has been park policy since 1984 — and if you go snowmobiling there, you should be prepared for any type of emergency and have adequate clothing and fuel as well as spare parts. Medical or trail assistance can be several hours away, and snowmobilers should keep that in mind before taking on this trail.
Depending on your direction of travel, snowmobilers are required to check in and out at the Togue Pond Gate at the southern end of the park and Matagamon Gate at the northern end. You are on your own. It should be noted there are no supplies or services between Matagamon Wilderness Campground and Millinocket. The road stretches northward, hugging the west side of the park to Nesowadnenhunk to Matagamon Gate — about 50 miles.
In 2008-2009, 364 snowmobilers did the entire full Perimeter Road, but most sledders — 1,100 in 2008-2009 — only do a portion, either from Togue Pond Gate to Nesowadnenhunk or from Matagamon to Trout Brook Crossing.
There have been times in the park’s history when snowmobiles were completely banned. The compromise is to allow snowmobiles on the Perimeter, or Tote, Road.
One of the best times to ride the park is early in the season. The park, because of its higher elevation, gets snow before other areas. As the season progresses, the Perimeter Road gets a lot of moguls. There is great scenery, although you may be going 10 or 15 miles per hour, with the speed limit being 20 miles per hour.
“The lower speed limit invites a more leisurely attitude and you see more. You are also likely to meet some wilderness adventurers on foot,” said Jean Hoekwater, a naturalist at Baxter State Park. “A friendly attitude with these folks will usually yield some very interesting adventure stories. Wildlife signs are common and views of the mountains can be beautiful subjects on a clear winter’s day.”
Hoekwater described one of the most beautiful moments one can experience in the park.
“It is the part where you turn off the sled and let the silence of the snow and the trees and wind surround you for a few minutes while you drink your cocoa and snack a bit,” she said. “Maybe a Canada Jay or a pine marten will even drop in for a visit.”
Gov. Percival Baxter acquired the land that makes up Baxter State Park over a period of more than 30 years, with his last acquisition made in 1962 when he was 87 years old.
Since then, much more land was been acquired, bringing the park’s total acreage to 209,501. The park has been described as “Baxter’s magnificent obsession” because he dedicated most of his life to acquiring land for the park.
Cathy Genthner is a registered Maine Guide licensed to guide snowmobile trips. She owns River Bluff Camps in Medford, located off ITS-83. She can be reached at:
riverbluffcamps@maine.rr.com
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