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Soldiertown Township (Grindstone), Maine

Penobscot River Trails

A riverside classic-ski network with short visitor-center options, designated skate corridors and warming huts that require progressively longer outings.

Check the trail report ↗Open the trail map ↗
Arrival
2540 Grindstone Road; follow entrance signs
Check-in
Sign in and out at visitor center
Skate routes
Tote Road and link trails only
Pets
Not permitted on the preserve

Penobscot River Trails begins off Route 11 at its visitor center in Soldiertown Township. Plan the distance out and back before choosing a hut destination; the far end of this network is a substantial trip from the parking lot.

Trails & terrain

The winter operator page identifies classic grooming, with skating restricted to Tote Road and the link trails. The map places Long Logan Loop near the visitor center and lists it at 1.85 kilometers. Pines and Ridges Warming Hut is about six kilometers out by Riverside Trail; Long Meadow is about 14.7 kilometers out. The mapped return from Long Meadow by Tote Road is another eleven kilometers. These are planning distances, not a statement that the full route is open or groomed today.

Operator winter techniques, rentals & warming-hut information ↗ · Operator-linked November 2025 map: routes, hut distances & arrival detail ↗

Lessons & getting started

Plan a short return near the visitor center before committing to a distant hut. The reviewed winter resources establish independent skiing and donation-supported rentals, but no standing public lesson package. The separate Maine Outdoor Education Program uses an onsite headquarters; its presence does not establish walk-up adult instruction. Ask the operator about current options and arrange any needed teaching before travel.

Operator winter techniques, rentals & warming-hut information ↗ · Visitor center, separate education headquarters & trail facilities ↗ · Operator-linked November 2025 map: routes, hut distances & arrival detail ↗

Rentals & equipment

The winter page lists classic and backcountry ski rentals with boots and poles, plus snowshoes, by donation at the visitor center. It describes self-guided sizing information when staff are unavailable. Confirm current access, fit and return arrangements before depending on gear; a skate corridor does not establish skate-rental availability. The two trail huts provide shelter on longer outings, not equipment pickup points.

Operator winter techniques, rentals & warming-hut information ↗

Arrival & parking

Use 2540 Grindstone Road in Soldiertown Township. From the Medway approach on Route 11, the operator directs visitors to the signed entrance after Hay Brook, then about half a mile along the entrance road to public parking and the visitor center. Sign in and out there. The map distinguishes visitor and overflow parking from the separate Hay Brook canoe/kayak facility and maintenance area; do not substitute those for the ski check-in base.

Exact Route 11 approach and visitor-center check-in ↗ · Operator-linked November 2025 map: routes, hut distances & arrival detail ↗

Passes & trail etiquette

This privately owned nature preserve welcomes visitors who follow its posted rules. Pets, camping, fires and cooking are prohibited, and all waste must leave with you. Snowshoers may use the network but should stay along trail edges away from classic tracks. Confirm current trail-use arrangements directly: the rules page’s no-charge statement is explicitly dated 2021–22. Follow the linked trail report and current signs rather than applying summer bike-direction rules to winter skiing.

Private-preserve registration, permitted use & restrictions ↗ · Operator winter techniques, rentals & warming-hut information ↗ · Exact Route 11 approach and visitor-center check-in ↗

Official planning resources

Reviewed . Confirm current passes, services and access rules with the operator before travel.

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