View XTERRA Trail Run World Championship event
In the fifth edition of the "Terroir of Trails" series, Dillon Osleger transports us to the storied peaks and valleys set to host the 2024 edition of the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. The evolution of the Carrabassett Valley trail network in the state of Maine, from ancient pathways to modern recreational routes, builds on themes explored in earlier series installments, “Making Sense of Earth and Time”, “Historical Threads Woven into Trails” and “Decoding Nature’s Pathways” to explore how the valley's natural and human histories converge to shape a unique trail experience.
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Cradled in the heart of the Western Mountains, Carrabassett Valley, Maine, is a scenic haven of rolling hills, remnants of ancient mountains once as grand as the Himalayas. Known primarily for the popularity of Sugarloaf Mountain, one of the premier ski resorts in the eastern United States, Carrabassett Valley also boasts an extensive network of trails, making it an equally world-class summer destination.
This year, just before autumn breaks and Carrabassett Valley turns to a sea of yellow and red, trail runners from around the world will once again gather to celebrate the sport and the community brought together through the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, adding another chapter to a story that began millennia ago.
The geology of Carrabassett Valley is a fascinating backdrop of deep time behind relatively young trails. Due to the complex history of geology, climate and human development, these trails weave through lush forests, along serene rivers, and up rugged mountains, providing a diverse range of experiences across terrains.
The region is part of the Appalachian Mountain range, characterized by ancient rocks that date back hundreds of millions of years. The mountains in this area formed during the Acadian orogeny, a period of mountain building that occurred around 400 million years ago. The rugged terrain features a mix of granite, schist, and gneiss, creating a variety of running surfaces and challenges.
The valley itself is carved by the Carrabassett River, which has shaped the landscape over millennia. Glacial activity during the last Ice Age played a significant role in forming the rolling topography, leaving behind glacial erratics, eskers, and other features that add to the region's unique character. From amidst the trails, one will find themselves traversing diverse geological formations set in place across a multitude of time scales, from smooth, polished rock surfaces to jagged, rocky outcrops.
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Post the setting of stone, the Carrabassett Valley's trail system has evolved over eons, shaped by the region's first inhabitants, logging history, recreational development, and community efforts. Much of the trail system as well as the dirt roads that metastasize beyond it stems from the indigenous network set in place by the first people of the valley.
Before European settlers arrived, the Carrabassett Valley was home to the Abenaki people, part of the larger Wabanaki Confederacy. The Abenaki lived in harmony with the land, relying on the rich natural resources of the region for hunting, fishing, and gathering. They traveled extensively through the forests and along the rivers, establishing well-worn trails that connected various parts of their territory.
The Abenaki have a deep spiritual connection to the land, viewing the mountains, rivers, and forests as sacred. Their presence in the region is commemorated today, with many trails and landmarks bearing names that reflect their heritage.
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Understanding the Native American history of Carrabassett Valley adds a layer of cultural significance to the trail running experience, as runners traverse paths that have been used for centuries. The type of use upon those trails has certainly shifted with time. The arrival of European settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries brought significant changes to Carrabassett Valley. The logging industry became the dominant economic activity, with vast tracts of forest being cleared to supply timber to the growing nation. Logging roads and railway lines were constructed to transport the timber, many of which were built upon the flowing lines of Abenaki trails that predated them, and now form the basis of today’s trail network.
As the logging industry declined in the early 20th century, these roads and railways were gradually repurposed for recreational use. The development of Sugarloaf Mountain as a ski resort in the mid-20th century brought increased attention to the region, further spurring the creation of recreational trails as a way to bring economic prosperity and a reverence. Today, the trail system reflects this rich history, blending old routes with newly constructed paths designed for outdoor enthusiasts to become immersed in the iconic landscape.
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The Carrabassett Valley trail network is a sprawling system that encompasses a variety of terrains and difficulty levels, making it accessible to both novice and experienced trail runners. The network is divided into several key areas, each offering unique aspects that tie to the past.
The Sugarloaf Outdoor Center serves as a hub for year-round outdoor activities. In the winter, it transforms into a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing paradise, with over 90 kilometers of groomed trails. During the warmer months, these trails become ideal for trail running. The Narrow-Gauge Pathway acts as a quintessential example of historic trail as it follows the old railroad bed along the Carrabassett River, offering scenic views and mellow terrain, allowing for new footprints to add onto stories of the past.
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Maine Huts & Trails is a non-profit organization that has developed a network of backcountry trails and eco-lodges in the Carrabassett Valley region. The trails vary in difficulty, ranging from moderate runs to challenging backcountry routes. One of the highlights is the Poplar Hut Trail, a 3.4-mile trail that leads to the Poplar Stream Falls Hut, offering stunning views of waterfalls and the surrounding forest.
For those seeking more challenging runs, the Bigelow Preserve offers some of the most rugged and rewarding trails in the region. The preserve encompasses the Bigelow Mountain Range, which includes several peaks over 4,000 feet. The Appalachian Trail runs through this area, providing access to iconic runs such as the ascent to Avery Peak and West Peak. These trails are strenuous but offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
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It is these trails around Carrabassett Valley that set them apart from other trail systems in the region and world. Whether it’s the thrill of descending a technical trail, the tranquility of meandering in synchronistic pattern along a river, or the satisfaction of summiting a rugged peak, the diversity of the region is undoubtedly world class.
This development and maintenance of the Carrabassett Valley trail system is a community effort, involving local organizations, volunteers, and conservation initiatives. The Carrabassett Region NEMBA (New England Mountain Bike Association) plays a crucial role in maintaining and expanding the trails, while Maine Huts & Trails focuses on sustainable trail development and maintenance. These efforts ensure that the trails are well-maintained, safe, and environmentally sustainable.
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Conservation is also a key focus in the region with the Bigelow Preserve, being managed to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem and ensure that the natural beauty of the area is preserved for future generations.
The trails around Carrabassett Valley, Maine, are indicative of the region’s rich geology, history, community involvement, and commitment to conservation, creating a system of travel upon a landscape that makes it utterly unique.
Much akin to the recognized wine destinations of the world, the cultural knowledge of geology, climate, soil and human history – often referred to as terroir – is what drives the character behind each trail and community in its region. You just can’t grow a perfect Pinot Noir in a sandy soil that begs to grow Chardonnay, just the same that you can’t make a very convincing flow of trails out of rocks.
That said, to those fortunate enough to be stepping up to the starting line at the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in the Carrabassett Valley, take a moment to soak in not only the trails but all the historical, cultural, and geological factors that have combined over millions of years to create such an unmistakable and undeniably impeccable terroir. À votre santé!
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