Phase One of Maine Huts & Trails system is near completion and the goal of connecting the Carrabassett and Kennebec River Valley is about to be realized. CARRABASSETT VALLEY — Western Mountains Foundation founder and president Larry Warren was present at a recent selectmen’s meeting to update and inform members of the recent developments of the Maine Huts & Trails organization.

The non-profit Maine Huts and Trails has begun construction on its Grand Falls Hut, the third of 12 backcountry huts connected by 180 miles of non-motorized-use trails.

The hut is slated for completion late this year.

“This is the first major corridor that provides skiing, hiking and mountain biking along with canoeing, kayaking and rafting,” Warren explained. “These are the main attributes which set Maine Huts & Trails apart from any other hut system across the world.”

The construction should get the organization one step closer to its first phase goal of connecting the Carrabassett River Valley to the Kennebec River Valley.

“This will provide a lot of opportunities for the communities, visitors, residents and businesses of the region,” Warren said in a telephone conversation last week. MH&T can work with other recreational and business ventures to assist in making the hut system a world class destination.

Warren spoke of the potential develop- ments of creating a trail from Kingfield to Carrabassett Valley. This would tie in the Kingfield bed and breakfasts, hotels, shopping, restaurants and other services the town offers. The trailhead would also tie in with the MH&T office headquarters located on North Main Street in Kingfield.

David Herring, executive director of Maine Huts and Trails, said in a recent release, “The hut-and-trail system gives unprecedented access to one of the most pristine stretches of mountains, forests, lakes and waterfalls in the eastern U.S. It has been specifically designed to make minimal impact on this region’s rich ecology, ensuring it will be preserved and enjoyed for many generations.”

The new hut is being built above the banks of the Dead River about two miles below Grand Falls and is the most remote of the organization’s three huts.

Grand Falls is said to be one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the northeast.

The Grand Falls Hut will initially sleep 32 guests and will be accessible via trails from the east out of West Forks and from the west/south from Carrabassett Valley.

“Construction of Grand Falls Hut, more than 15 miles of new trails and a spectacular 200-foot pedestrian bridge over the Dead River completes the first phase of our vision,” Herring said.

The Dead River is famed for its Class III/IV whitewater so the new hut is an ideal hub for whitewater rafting and kayaking enthusiasts. The river is also renowned for its trout fishery, and the area surrounding it offers many opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, paddling and cross country skiing.

The first hut, sited on Poplar Stream above Poplar Stream Falls, was completed in February 2008. The second hut, on Flagstaff Lake approximately 11 miles north of the first hut and 12 miles south of the new Grand Falls Hut, was completed in January 2009 and was named one of “The Best Winter Adventure Lodges” by Outside Magazine that same month. Each of the huts can accommodate up to 42 guests.

Warren said that he mentioned to the selectmen that several hurdles need to still be worked out such as returning paddling enthusiasts to either their origin or another hut on the system. “There are some issues that still need to be worked out over the next few months,” Warren explained.

According to the release, to date, more than 3,500 people from more than 25 states and several countries have stayed overnight in the huts. More than 7,000 people have enjoyed free use of the trails, including many school groups from throughout New England.