Situated in the scenic remote wilderness of northwestern Maine, the Flagstaff Hut has rustic charm, strong community vibe, and 80 miles worth of multi-use trails to explore for an epic off-grid getaway.
From the moment your tires hit the flowing concrete of Long Dam Falls Road, cell service disappears and the pine forest seems to grow thicker. This winding country road is the final stretch of the journey into northwestern Maine’s scenic backcountry. It is also where you access the Flagstaff trailhead, a 2.2 mile-long trail that leads to the eponymous Flagstaff Hut located on the shores of the Flagstaff Lake.
Of the four huts in the Maine Huts and Trails network, this one is my pick. Perhaps I’m biased. Flagstaff provided the first true backcountry experience for my one-year-old daughter. Subsequently, it helped us build even more confidence adventuring as a family. The relatively short and flat hike afforded us a way to gain access to a remote destination — something I appreciate as a parent keen to explore the backcountry with my little one. To me, this trip further highlighted the need to make wilderness accessible for all.
We first hiked this trail with a kiddo on our back through a wonderland of bronze, bright orange, and ruby red during Maine’s peak fall color. We had such an epic time that we returned again. This time, we exchanged colorful leaves with blankets of snow in mid-February. We skied bulletproof nordic trails and towed all our gear and two parka-clad toddlers for an off-grid winter retreat.
The Flagstaff Hut offers a true Maine backcountry experience and varies from season to season. Interested in learning more and booking your own stay? Here’s what you need to know to visit the Flagstaff Hut.
A Backcountry Oasis: How to Get to the Flagstaff Hut
Located on a lakefront section of the Maine Hut Trail (a multi-use, 80-mile trail that connects all four huts), Flagstaff is chronologically the third hut from the trail’s beginning at the hilltop Stratton Brook Hut. It’s followed by the secluded Poplar Hut, and both structures are nearly equidistant from the regional adventure hub of Carrabassett Valley.
A bit farther north, the Flagstaff Hut is past the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and Maine Hut Trail in a scenic hardwood forest. Mountain ranges like the Bigelows, some smaller lakes, and the mighty Dead River flank it on almost every side. Here, you feel distinctly removed from civilization, far away from town and folded into the quietude of Maine’s northwestern wilderness.
You can drive to the trailhead and hike in with your gear like we did, or request a gear shuttle. There is also an option to hike in from another point along the Maine Hut Trail to extend your adventure.
What to Expect During Your Stay at the Flagstaff Hut
Here’s the vibe: grand — but not imposing — and just the right amount of rustic character and charm. The Flagstaff Hut draws you in with the undeniable allure of a cozy backcountry hut tucked away in the woods. Technically, the hut is actually multiple huts, designed to purposefully keep the communal area separate from the bunkrooms. While the frigid air might not sound appealing after lazing around a fire, I am inevitably grateful for the way the brief walk from lodge to bunkroom keeps you connected to the outdoors and puts you up close to the Milky Way on a clear night.
The main lodge consists of a large great room with high ceilings, tall windows, and a classic wood-burning stove. There is also a small-yet-intimate library filled with art supplies, dog-eared books, and games. Plus, there’s a full kitchen and family-style dining area. Every hut is equipped with composting toilets, hot showers, and other essential amenities. Soggy socks from the hike up? No problem – the hut also has a gear drying room to ensure clothing is ready for tomorrow’s adventure.
Run by a caretaker and hut staff, the place has a lived-in feel which helps you settle right in. Because you share the main lodge with all other guests, you’ll make new friends while you’re there. During self-service stays, the kitchen and all the amenities are yours to use for cooking — but expect to do your own dishes and clean up after yourself. Hut staff will always have coffee, tea, and potable water available.
What I’ve appreciated during each stay is the relaxed atmosphere of the hut. Even if you are private, there is an important element of connection with others. Regardless of whether you’re coordinating kitchen use with other guests or chatting with the caretaker on trail beta, the hut fosters a sense of community that simply feels good. As a socializer by nature, I lean all the way into this. I have spent hours swapping stories, singing and playing guitar with staff, and decking the place out with homemade Valentine’s Day decor for the kids. It feels like letting loose and doing summer camp all over again.
The private bunkrooms have a no-frills setup, but there is radiant heating in the floors during the wintertime and clean (albeit basic) accommodations. The bunk beds are a few steps up from tent camping, but they fit the rustic feel of the place. A mega perk for parents: all the huts have portable pack ‘n play cribs, which is super thoughtful and a detail that families really appreciated.
Flagstaff Hut Beta:
Capacity: 48 people in 10 bunkrooms
Bunkroom Sizes: 3, 4, 6 and 8-person
For summer 2024, the Flagstaff Hut is available for self-service, full hut rentals for large groups of around 15-30 people. There is a two-night minimum. Rates are $1300 for two nights during the week or $1500 for weekends.
The Outdoor Experience of the Flagstaff Hut
We’ve been here with our little one and haven’t necessarily logged a ton of miles. That doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of ways to soak up the beauty and wildness of this place. The hut has an outdoor fire pit to use and a miniature network of local trails that lead to the lake where you’ll find a sandy beach staring at the stunning Bigelow Range, home to many of the best hikes in Maine. Plus, there is a small flock of charismatic chickens that keep toddlers entertained for hours. You rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards, too. The lake’s vastness allows plenty of space to paddle and explore other areas within its gorgeous waters.
In addition, both hiking and mountain biking are really popular options around the hut. The trails have been set-up to offer primary trails for hikers and narrower side trails for foot and bike traffic. There are also a few other trail systems nearby that are not run by Maine Huts and intersect with routes like the Appalachian Trail, but everything is clearly marked. My advice: go rogue and explore ‘em all using the Flagstaff Hut as your home base.
Seen in: Backpacking, Hiking, Maine, New England
