Nordic Heritage Outdoor Center

06/24/2026

The County Federal Credit Union Donates $50,000 to Northern Maine Community
Trails

The County Federal Credit Union is proud to announce a
commitment of $50,000 to support Northern Maine Community Trails (NMCT), one of Aroostook County’s premier outdoor recreation and community assets.
The investment will help fund critical infrastructure improvements designed to enhance accessibility, expand community use, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the trail network and facilities. Northern Maine Community Trails provides year-round recreational opportunities across more than 750 acres and over 35 miles of trails, serving residents, families, athletes, and visitors from throughout the region.

"As a financial cooperative, our mission extends beyond banking" said Ryan Ellsworth,
President and CEO of The County FCU. "We are committed to investing in projects that strengthen our communities, improve the quality of life, and create lasting benefits for our members. Northern Maine Community Trails is a highly utilized community resource that promotes health, wellness, tourism, and economic growth throughout Aroostook County."

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating accessible recreational
opportunities while supporting the region's growing outdoor tourism economy.
NMCommunity Trails are more than places to hike, ski, and bike," said Chris Condon of NMCT. "they are gathering places that connect people, encourage healthy lifestyles, and showcase the natural beauty of our region. We are grateful for The County FCU's investment in our future and their belief in the value NMCT brings to our communities."

Outdoor recreation continues to play an important role in Aroostook County's economic vitality, attracting visitors year-round and supporting local businesses. By investing in NMCT, The County FCU is helping ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy safe, accessible, and welcoming outdoor spaces.

As a member-owned financial cooperative, The County FCU is committed to community engagement and local investment. The credit union regularly provides financial support and volunteer service to charities, youth programs, and community initiatives that improve the quality of life across the region.

Pictured in photo: Dan Bagley, Jordi Legassie, Ryan Ellsworth, and Chris Condon

06/23/2026

Great day to start Northern Maine Community Trails' Summer Challenge!

The more time you spend at NMCT hiking, biking, running, the better your chances of winning a 2027 Family Membership!

For more information: https://www.nmctrails.org/event-details/nmct-summer-challenge-memorial-day-to-labor-day

06/23/2026

Interested in exploring the trails at Northern Maine Community Trails but worried about slowing others down? Or maybe you'd rather not head out on your own?

Join our new supportive walking group led by Letty Frakes! These relaxed-paced walks are designed for anyone looking to enjoy the trails at a comfortable speed. Breaks will be built in, and information about trail length and elevation gain will be shared along the way.

🌲 Experience some of the most peaceful woods in the area.
💚 Free for members
💲 Non-members: $5 trail fee

Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
Saturdays at 2:00 PM

Meet in the parking lot near the Welcome Center.

Whether you're new to the trails or simply prefer a slower pace, we'd love to have you join us!

06/21/2026

There has been some confusion about Northern Maine Community Trails memberships, so we wanted to provide an update.

When the property was purchased in December 2025, we weren't sure what we would be able to accomplish during our first year. Because of that uncertainty, we felt it wasn't fair to charge a membership fee. At the same time, we still needed to raise funds to pay for the property and cover operating expenses, which is why we launched our Capital Campaign. Our hope was that people would donate to help keep these trails accessible for everyone.

To our delight, we were able to accomplish far more than we expected in a short period of time. Thanks to the generosity of the Fort Kent Outdoor Center and Four Seasons in Madawaska, which donated and loaned grooming drags, and thanks to countless volunteers who stepped forward to clean the lodge, perform maintenance, plow the road, groom trails, shovel steps, and offer classes, we were able to provide a wonderful first winter season for the community.

Looking ahead, we plan to offer a true membership program next year. We are currently working on the details, including membership costs and benefits, and will share more information as those plans take shape.

In the meantime, our Capital Campaign is still underway. If you haven't already contributed, please consider making a donation of any amount. All donors are considered members for 2026. Your support helps preserve these trails and lodge facilities and ensures they remain available for future generations to enjoy.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Northern Maine Community Trails so far. We couldn't have done it without you.

To donate: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/nothern-maine-community-trails

06/21/2026

Fantastic news for Northern Maine Community Trails!

An anonymous community couple has generously donated $10,000 to support the NMCT Capital Campaign.

This contribution helps advance our goal of raising $1.3 million by December 2027 to secure local ownership of the former Nordic Heritage Center, cover initial operating costs, and ensure this incredible community resource remains accessible for generations to come.

Northern Maine Community Trails was created by local community members who share a vision of preserving this 750-acre property while strengthening the role it plays in our economy, culture, and quality of life. From skiing, biking, and hiking to youth programs, community events, and outdoor recreation, this special place has brought people together for more than 20 years.

Every gift helps protect an asset that matters:

For our community: A place for recreation, exploration, and connection.
For our children: A safe place to ski, hike, bike, play, and grow healthy and confident.
For our environment: Protection of 750 acres of woods and open land that will remain open to all.
For our economy: A driver of outdoor recreation, tourism, and regional vitality throughout Aroostook County.

Thank you to this generous couple and to everyone who continues to support the campaign. The remarkable community response over the past year demonstrates just how much this facility means to central Aroostook and beyond.

To learn more, get involved, or make a donation, visit https://www.nmctrails.org/

Together, we're ensuring that this special place remains accessible for future generations.

06/20/2026

Looking for some motivation? A reason to get outside? A way to meet some people?

Then this Summer Challenge is for you!

Track the time you spend enjoying the trails at Northern Maine Community Trails through hiking, biking, or running. The more time you spend on the trails, the more chances you earn to win!

How It Works
20 hours = 1 ticket
30 hours = 2 tickets
40 hours = 3 tickets

All earned tickets will be entered into a September drawing for a 2027 Family Membership!

Important Dates
Challenge starts: Any day you are ready to take the first step!
Challenge ends: September 7

All logged hours due: September 10 (forms can be passed in at the NMCT Welcome Center or send a picture of the completed form to [email protected]

Prize drawing: Held during a NMCT BBQ in September (date to be determined)

You can start anytime, and every hour counts. Participate on your own, with family, or by joining one of NMCT’s group activities.

For more information and to register: https://www.nmctrails.org/event-details/nmct-summer-challenge-memorial-day-to-labor-day

Get active. Get outside. Get together.

06/19/2026

Couch to 5K Starts July 6!

Have you been thinking about getting more active but aren't sure where to start? This is your sign!

Join our Couch to 5K Class at the Northern Maine Community Trails beginning July 6. This program is designed for beginners and focuses on a slow, supportive, and encouraging approach to building fitness and confidence one step at a time.

Whether you've never run before, are returning after a long break, or just want some friendly motivation, this class is for you. No pressure, no competition, just progress at your own pace with a group cheering you on every step of the way.

The timing couldn't be better! The program wraps up in time for participants to celebrate their accomplishment by taking part in the Nordic Trail Festival on August 15.

✅ Beginner-friendly
✅ Walk/run intervals
✅ Supportive group atmosphere
✅ Build strength, endurance, and confidence
✅ Finish ready for a 5K!

Waiting for the perfect time to start? The perfect time is now!

Your future self will thank you for taking that first step.

For more information and to register: https://www.nmctrails.org/service-page/couch-to-5k-class?referral=service_list_widget

Get ready to move, sweat, smile, and surprise yourself! This beginner-friendly Couch to 5K program lead by Tina Duplissie is designed to help you build confidence and endurance one step at a time — no running experience needed. With just 3 workouts a week and sessions lasting around 30 minutes, yo...

06/19/2026

Volume UP at Northern Maine Community Trails.

Lisaa Roderick provided the perfect Sound Bath with her sound bowls during Steph 'McKeen's yoga session Thursday night. During Savasana the sound vibrations were deeply relaxing and restorative.

This is the second yoga class that Steph has volunteered her time, donating all participation fees to NMCT. To learn more about the services that Steph offers you can check out her FB page Vitality+.

Thank you Lisaa and Steph for providing these services in the naturally relaxing environment at NMCT. We hope to see you both back this summer!