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According to plans, the southern gateway will be near Bethel, Maine , and it will terminate in Rockwood, Maine , on the western shore of Moosehead. Along the way, up to 12 wilderness huts will be constructed, each sleeping up to 45 skiers. The distance between huts will average 14 miles. The proposed route very roughly parallels the Appalachian National Scenic Trail , but generally follows river valleys and utilizes many long-abandoned logging roads that criss-cross the region. Maine Huts and Trails has raised approximately $4.5 million to date and expects to open one hut and 40 miles of ski trails in February, 2008. The groundbreaking ceremony for the first hut, at Poplar Stream Falls in Carrabassett Valley , took place on Sept. 6, 2007, and actual construction began the following day. Some of the trails have already been cut, and the organization expects to link Carrabassett Valley with The Forks this winter. Two additional huts are scheduled for contruction in 2008; a total of three should be open to the public for the winter of 2008-2009. Much of the land for this project -- including Poplar Stream Falls Hut site -- is leased from the Penobscot Indian Nation. Maine Huts and Trails founder and president is Larry Warren of Carrabassett Valley, who first envisioned the trail network in 1974 and borrowed the huts concept from the Appalachian Mountain Club . In terms of architecture, the hut designs reflect traditional Maine sporting camps. Promoting winter tourism in the region is one of Warren's stated goals. He was formerly involved in developing Sugarloaf/USA into the state's second busiest Ski Resort , and he envisions Maine Huts and Trails fitting into the official Ecotourism campaign. Executive director is Dave Herring, who formerly ran the White Mountain hut system for the Appalachian Mountain Club. Maine Huts and Trails' headquarters is located at 375 Main Street in Kingfield, Maine . EXTERNAL LINKS
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