The Kennebec Scenic Snowriders Club has spent 400 manhours re-routing ITS 89 to open Maine's highest elevation snowmobile trail. The thirty mile section from Grand Falls on the Dead River now travels through the Coburn Wilderness to Parlin Pond, then north to Jackman. The club put up five bridges along the trail, including the 165-foot Spencer Steam Bridge and the 50-foot Enchanted Steam Bridge. The trail, which varies from 16 to 20 feet wide, will rise over 2000 feet to the base of the abandoned Enchanted Mountain Ski Area.
The remaining ski trail, The Moosehorn Trail, will be groomed as a spur trail to within 300 feet of Coborn Mountain's 3718-foot summit. Sleds can climb to the new observatory atop the peak until the snow becomes too deep. The trail is located in one of the heaviest snow zones of Maine. Trailblazer Peter Dostie noted that he "tried to start trail work last April but found myself and my sled in the tree tops on 20 feet of snow."
For local trail maps, conditions or lodging information, you can contact SLED ME, a group of summertime rafting outfitters who also offer winter lodging, sled rentals and guided tours in the area, at 877/275-3363 •
www.sledme.com