High Peaks Trails Plan Conservation = Recreation = Economic Development
Thanks to all who have helped, and continue to help develop the plan!
Trails Plan Purpose The High Peaks Trails Plan will: – Be a regional approach to planning back-country trails in the High Peaks, – Maximize the economic & ATVs parked at Edmunds Market in Phillips social benefits of trails and recreation to High Peaks communities, and – Facilitate land conservation which features permanent public access to recreation. Picture of Orbeton Stream courtesy of Jo Josephson
Existing Regional Winter Trails • ITS Snowmobile System • Black Fly Loop • Maine Huts & Trails • Sugarloaf • Saddleback
Existing Regional Summer Trails • Appalachian Trail • Maine Huts and Trails • Moose Loop ATV System • Northern Forest Canoe Trail • Carrabassett Region Mountain Bike Trails • Fly Rod Crosby Trail
Land Ownership 2,500 Total Housing Units 2,000 Recreational/Seasonal Use 1,500 1,000 500 0 Source: US Census, American Fact Finder
Existing Conditions All Seasons Mode Miles of Trail Hiking 55 Snowmobile 525 Appalachian Trail 47 ATV 434 MHT 69 NFCT 56 FRC 20 Mt Biking 40 xc Skiing 140 MTBiking Miles of Trail Hiking xc 3% 4% Skiing FRC 10% 2% NFCT 4% MHT Snowmobile 5% 38% ATV 31% Appalachian Trail 3%
A Regional Vision Back-country Trails in the High Peaks deliver “Big Mountain Experiences” such as: • Remoteness and a sense of solitude, • Closeness to the natural environment, • A variety of mountain experiences from high speed & technical, to cross-country touring & camping, and • A rural way of life.
A Regional Balance A well balanced, interconnected, single, multi, and shared-use network of back-country trail systems which complement existing habitat, the industrial forest, and quality of life in the High Peaks.
Successful, Collaborative Regional Trail Projects If we can agree on 80% of what we have in common, the 20% which divides us can be overcome.
Regional Recreational Planning = Successful Land Conservation
Future Regional Trails Planning and Land Conservation Project: Caribou Valley
Strategies for Moving Forward 1. Enhance regional connectivity for all trail Systems by working together. 2. Enhance the capacity of all trail systems through both a shared investment in the regional trails network, and by working together to resolve our differences. 3. Increase youth engagement by working together to create and sustain opportunities for kids to get outside and enjoy all kinds of recreation. 4. Creation of a Trails Council or Network to collaboratively continue development of the regional vision.
Winter Trail Connectivity Snowmobile Route • Creates more efficient loop system, • North/South Connector between Carrabassett Valley and Sandy River Valley. Maine Huts and Trails Route • Point-to-Point System (N/S connection) • User Safety, experience
Summer Trail Connectivity Hiking System • Multiple Loops, improving the hiking experience, • Connects Regional High School to AT ATV System • Stacked Loop System Maine Huts and Trails Route • N/S Non-Motorized Trail Western Mountains People Powered Trail • Completes a 350+ mile international hiking loop
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