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f you’re looking for an idyllic place to go Nordic skiing in Maine, look no further than Aroostook County. There are more ski days in Aroostook County than anywhere else as winter arrives early in December and stays late into April.. Located in the northernmost part of the state, Aroostook County is a hidden gem for those who love Nordic skiing.
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Did You Know? Nordic skiing is a Swedish tradition and the sport was first brought to the state of Maine by the families who immigrated to the town of New Sweden, Maine
Limestone, Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge | 10+ Miles
The Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge offers just over 10 miles of trails and features skiing and snowshoeing through rich, diverse habitats. Once part of the Loring Airfield base, it is now home to forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It also offers ample opportunities to catch glimpses of deer, beaver, waterfowl, moose, and many migratory birds. Two parking areas exist, the first is at the visitor center and the other is at the West Gate.
Presque Isle, Aroostook State Park | 15 Miles
Here, you'll find a 15-mile network that features ten trails ranging from easy to advanced. The network meanders through cedar wood swamps and offers skiers two warming huts as they traverse through scenic upland hardwood and evergreen forests. The ten trails are neatly groomed and are available for only those Nordic skiing. Known as the northernmost state park in Maine, Aroostook State Park features trails up to four miles long.
Madawaska, Four Seasons Trail Association | 10 Miles
Through cross-country skiing, mountain biking, snowshoeing and nature experiences, Four Seasons Trail Association promotes winters sports in the beautiful St. John River Valley. Facilities are top notch and feature a modern lodge, 16km (13km skate/classic, 3km classic only) of Nordic ski trails, a Kid’s Terrain Park, a Sliding Hill with a ski-through tunnel. Equipment rentals area available onsite for snowshoeing and skiing.
Fort Kent Outdoor Center | 19 miles
Offering the most extended network in the area, the 19.5-mile network provides its skiers with ten trails from easy-moderate to advanced. Two miles are lit for nighttime skiing opportunities and a pet loop where your furry friend can join along in the snowy winter fun. The Fort Kent Outdoor Center trails have hosted the Biathlon World Cup and in 2024 the U.S. Biathlon Collegiate National Championships. The facility offers a cozy fireplace with wifi and a very popular sledding hill. Equipment rentals are available daily and free rentals are available every Saturday for youth.
Stockholm Landing & Trails | 8 Miles
In addition to great classic ski trails - snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking, and an ice skating rink make the Stockholm Landing & Trails a fun place to visit. The trail system features five primary trails that spans just over 7 miles. Their feature trail, the Tower Trail, leads to a 55-foot fire tower that offers 360 views of the forest and the Madawaska River. This is a fun place for classic cross-country skiing.
Van Buren, Split Cedar Trails | 11 Miles
This 11.3-mile trail network ranges from easy-moderate to advanced trails and offers three warming huts. This trail system is not groomed, but the trail is well marked for you to put down your own tracks for back-country style skiing or snowshoeing. The trail system closely hugs a pond and winds in and out of cedar wood forests. Here you may catch a glimpse at a pileated woodpecker, a Canada jay, or the Maine state bird - the black-capped Chickadee.
Houlton Riverfront Park | 9 Miles
This nine-mile round-trip all-season trail offers biking, walking, and snowshoeing. In 2022 this trail tripled in size to guide visitors farther down the river and on both sides, today the trail is 9 miles and some parts remain under construction. As you continue on the trail, cross the Meduxnekeag river over the Gateway Crossing Footbridge. The trail conveniently traverses near downtown Houlton, offering the perfect opportunity to grab a hot chocolate or warm bakery goodie halfway through your adventure.
This is just a small sampling of all the places to get outside and ski in Maine's Aroostook County. It is quite common to visit the region and ski at multiple trail systems - there are just so many to visit!
With wide open spaces and plentiful trails, the Crown of Maine is the perfect place for a winter weekend getaway. The fresh air and breathtaking scenery will keep you coming back to explore more Aroostook adventures. So if you’re looking for a great way to get outdoors in Maine, The County is definitely the place to be!
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