QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: Not sure
- Trail Mileage: more than 9 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: easy to difficult
- Sights: views
When you ski at Hammond Ridge, it’s easy to feel like you’re an Olympian x-c champion! The trails sweep back and forth along the ridges above Millinocket Lake, and are fast without being hairy. It’s better to have skate skies than classic, since the trails are groomed wide and flat.
There’s a beautiful view from the blue trail. Make sure to ask at the base lodge where that is — don’t miss it! Also, the restaurant and cabins at the center are great, and are open year round. The trail system is free to use.
I visited in March 2017, and the red trail — the steepest — was not groomed because the conditions were too icy. Also, the center has plans to expand its ski trails.
This trail system, along with other groomed trails in Millinocket and East Millinocket — Bait Hole, Northern Timber Cruisers northern trails, and the Sno Rovers trails in East Millinocket — make this area a fantastic place for x-c skiers!
Directions: Take exit 244 off I-95. Follow Route 11/157 west toward Millinocket, drive through town, and then follow Route 157. You’ll see signs to Baxter State Park. NEOC is 8 miles out of town on Millinocket Lake, on Blackcat Road. Once you’re on Blackcat Road, drive just over one mile to the main lodge.
