A DIY, Eco-friendly Thanksgiving at Maine Huts & Trails

KINGFIELD, Maine - Ever wished you had a commercial kitchen to throw together a Thanksgiving meal? Or, a dining room with a lot of natural light and space for everyone to feast together? The cozy, off-the-grid Maine Huts & Trails (MH&T) ecolodges offer both during the fall self-service season, plus a caretaker to keep the woodstoves burning. 

Entrance at the Flagstaff Hut at  Maine Huts & Trails. Photo credit: Maine Huts & Trails

Celebrate the holiday with a family gathering, a group of friends or your favorite couple at one of three huts in the woods of western Maine. The huts have accommodations and dining space for 32-44 people, and all hut main lodges and bunkhouses have radiant floor heating.

All guests need to carry their own bags, clothing and food to each hut during the fall self-service season. The shortest walk from a trailhead parking lot to a hut is 1.8 miles. Multiple backpacks or a wheeled wagon (or a sled if the ground is covered by snow) would be the most efficient way to transport belongings.

Each hut kitchen has two ovens with propane stove tops, a full-size refrigerator/freezer, large sinks, lots of food prep space and pots and pans, and all the cookware and tableware needed to host a crowd. Guests are welcome to bring their own beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverages.

Those who want to pick up fresh veggies, bread/rolls, dessert, or a turkey on the way to a hut can stop at The Turkey Farm, a pre-order all natural turkey farm in New Sharon; Sandy River Farm Market on state Route 2 in Farmington; or Hannaford supermarket on Route 4 in Farmington. 

Your table awaits at Maine Huts & Trails. Photo credit: Maine Huts & Trails

MH&T has a pack-in, pack-out policy during the fall season and guests must leave a hut in the same condition that they found it by washing the dishes and tidying the kitchen, dining and any other rooms used during a visit.

The reduced fall season rates for individuals are $30 a night for members, $35 a night for non-members, $30 a night, per person, for a group of 12 or more, and $600 a night for a full hut rental.

Reservations can be made by calling 207-265-2400. More information and lodging availability can be found online at www.mainehuts.org.