Highlands Ridge Trails

Trails in orange are part of the Highland Research Forest.

You can ski more than 16 miles of groomed trails at this vast Nordic ski trail system, which wraps around the Bridgton Highlands country club and extends all the way to the Highland Research Forest.

The classic x-c tracks in the forest are protected, shaded, and pretty. You can also ski the perimeter of large, open fields — the shimmering white summit of Mt. Washington your backdrop for part of the way.

One of the most impressive aspects of this trail system is that it is maintained almost entirely by volunteers — including the especially dedicated Roger Lowell — using “well-worn machines and homemade drags.” Much of the network crosses private land. Donations are appreciated, and donation boxes are located at the Sanborns Grove Road trailhead and at the warming hut. Check out this fabulous map by Steve Bushey of Map Adventures.

Because the trails are in a shaded valley, protected from the elements, you can ski fairly late into spring. When we visited in early March, after a relatively poor snow year, there were still decent groomed tracks.

For the most part, the trails south of Big Sandy Road are easy, but there are some long, gradual hills. Across Big Sandy Road you get into more technical terrain, with a few good-sized and fairly steep hills. The grooming was not as consistent across the street, too. For the most carefully tended trails, stick with the trails south of Big Sandy Road.

The trails are well-marked, with maps at almost every intersection. Paper maps are available at trailheads. The two parking lots are large. The one on Chadbourne Hill Road has a beautifully constructed warming hut, too.

This is a fantastic place — what a treat for people in the area (and visitors)!

Directions: Parking at the golf club is available only for members. Parking is possible on the south side of Chadbourne Hill by the warming hut, and off Sandborns Grove Road, before the road makes a sharp bend toward the lake.