Bigelow Preserve lodge open for winter

FARMINGTON — The lodge at Bigelow Preserve in Dead River Township is open in 1992 on weekends to snowmobilers, cross-country skiers and others until the last weekend in February (Feb. 29-March 1) according to Steve Swatling, Bigelow Preserve manager for the Maine Bureau of Public Lands.

A lodge attendant and volunteers from area snowmobile clubs will welcome preserve travelers each Saturday and Sunday with a warming fire in the lodge fireplace, hot coffee or tea and a snack. The lodge also will open during school vacation week in February except for Tuesday, Feb. 18, a state government shutdown day.

The lodge has become a favorite destination for snowmobilers and skiers. The volunteer hosts are members of the Department of Conservation’s SERVE-Maine Volunteer Program.

The lodge is reached from the west on snowmobile trails from Stratton or on a trail from Eustis that crosses the old Dead River channel. Access from the south is via the main artery trail from Carabassett and Kingfield. Access from the east is on a local club trail from Lexington.

For more information about skiing or snowmobiling in Bigelow Preserve, contact Steve Swatling, Preserve Manager, Maine Bureau of Public Lands, Western Region Office, Farmington, 778-4111.