Trailhead
From South: At the intersection of ME Routes 27 and 16 in Kingfield, drive north on ME Route 27 approximately 8 miles and turn right onto Carriage Road immediately after Tufulios Restaurant. A sign directs visitors to the Maine Huts and Trails (MH&T) Trailhead Parking. After crossing the Carrabassett River, take the second right onto Gauge Road at which point you should see another sign. The trailhead and parking are across the bridge and to the left.
Description
The Poplar Stream Falls Trails is part of the larger trail network managed by Maine Huts & Trails. At the Gauge Road Trailhead in Carrabassett Valley, the trail starts at the south end of the parking area near the kiosk and continues across a bridge following the Connector Trail for 0.7 miles to an intersection with the main trail, the Maine Hut Trail (MHT). Take the Maine Huts Trail (MHT) to the right heading towards Poplar Stream Falls Hut. The undulating route generally rises in elevation through a mixed forested area of birch, beech, pine and hemlock. In the stream gorge there are several steep areas that have never been logged and in these areas hikers can see large old trees, mainly white pines that tower over the forest. About halfway to the hut, the forest clears enough to reveal picturesque views of the majestic Bigelow Mountain, especially in the winter. After about 2.4 miles total, the Poplar Stream Falls Hut is accessible via a short side path to the right.
An alternative route to the hut is called Larry’s Loop which parallels Poplar Stream along the north bank and south banks. The hike follows the boulder strewn stream culminating with two different waterfalls, both of which are just a short hike from the Poplar Stream Falls Hut.
Each of the huts along the MHT provide water and toilets to day visitors for free, and offer, for a fee, food, souvenirs, and lodging. Additional information about the huts or trail system (including rates, events and session dates) is available at the huts themselves or by contacting Maine Huts & Trails directly.
The MHT is part of a growing corridor which currently runs from the Sugarloaf Ski Resort past Poplar Stream Falls to the Flagstaff Lake Hut. The Sugarloar Ski Resort is accessible via the Narrow Gauge Pathway. The entire network will eventually connect the Moosehead Lake region with the Mahoosuc Range along the New Hampshire boundary. Each hut is approximately a day’s hike apart, and a new hut at Grand Falls is currently under construction.
Other Information
The trail corridor including the trails at Poplar Stream crosses both public and private lands. Please stay on the trail and follow all postings along the trail; these are important parts of keeping the corridor free and open to the public.
Dogs are allowed on the trails on leash or under voice command during the months of April - November. The trails travel through some of Maine's important wildlife habitat, including deer wintering areas. In an effort to avoid wildlife disturbance during our winter months, December through March, dogs are not allowed on the trails. Dogs are welcome at the huts through the end of 2010.
Trail Manager
For more detailed information about the trails and services offered by the huts, visit Maine Huts and Trails online or contact
Maine Huts and Trails
375 North Main Street
Kingfield, ME 04947
Phone: (877) 634-8824
Fax: (207) 265-2209
lodging@mainehuts.org
Photos
Photo courtesy:Jean-Luc Theriault
This was a nice hike I took the main path to the "Hut" and waterfalls and then took Larry's loop back. Very nice. I am hoping to go back in the late fall and do the entire Hut Trail.