MH&T may have solution to ‘S’ turns




CARRABASSETT VALLEY — Maine Huts & Trails is contemplating constructing a mile-and-a-half to twomile trail that would extend from north of the southern end of the Narrow Gauge Pathway north to connect to Crommett’s Overlook.

Discussion of perhaps allocating $5,000 from undesignated surplus was on the agenda of the Monday, Sept. 26 Carrabassett Valley Selectmen’s meeting and part of the discussion at a special town meeting later that night.

This trail would provide a temporary bi-pass around the “S” turns on the Narrow Gauge Pathway, heavily damaged from Tropical Storm Irene, according to Town Manager David Cota. Once complete, this would allow people to utilize the entire Narrow Gauge Pathway before the major repairs are done on the “S” turns. The damage is so significant there, there has been some discussion over whether or not it is even feasible to repair it.

“We are in discussions with MH&T to determine if this is feasible, what the cost will be to complete this trail and what conditions (no dogs in the long-term) might exist,” Cota said. “It is our understanding that this trail is scheduled to be built by MH&T possibly as early as next year. However, with assistance from the town it could happen sooner. If MH&T wishes to move forward with a proposal to complete this trail this fall, the selectmen and the town need to decide whether or not it’s in the town’s interest to en- ter into an agreement with MH&T to do this.”

With the exception of the “S” turn area on the Narrow Gauge Pathway, Maine Huts & Trails fared pretty well from Irene, according to Conrad Klefos, director of marketing and communications. Most of their damage was from trees, branches and debris downed on the trails. He pointed out that a section of trail along the Dead River was under water for a couple of days, but it soon dried out. There was some minor damage to the bridge to the Poplar Stream parking area and some road washout in the parking area which has been repaired. “The Narrow Gauge Trail is not usable until major repair work is completed so our hikers and skiers will not have access until the town gets it finished,” he said.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.