Stratton Area Hostel Set to Reopen
The South Branch of the Dead River, a 19-mile segment of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) between Rangeley and Stratton, is notorious for being, well, dead. Most through-paddlers either have to shuttle or walk seventeen miles along Highway 16 in order to continue progress on this 740-mile long water trail. This past week, I found myself facing this same situation as I left Rangeley wheeling my canoe. Down the highway.
Ten years ago, when I first through-paddled the NFCT, I stayed at the Maine Roadhouse, a hostel 4.3-miles west of Stratton. When I hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2016, it had closed. So it was a great surprise to discover it is back.
A Perfect Location
Jenn Kent and Jenn Mastracchio have reopened the Maine Roadhouse and have poured their hearts into making a hostel that not only will be convenient to Northern Forest Canoe Trail “portagers,” but also fills a need for Appalachian Trail hikers coming into Stratton.
State-of-the-art Bunkhouse
The hostel has been renovated and freshly painted with updated flooring and fixtures in an industrial chic/farmhouse style. The bunkhouse features 16 individual bunks each with 10” mattresses (linens included), privacy curtains, reading lights and fans, and power outlets.
There are also five private rooms: one single, a room with two singles, and three rooms with a double bed.
Amenities include:
- Shuttle to and from the Stratton trailhead
- Laundry
- Lounge areas (a quiet area and a TV with Netflix, Hulu, Direct, etc.)
- Full Kitchen
- Map/Resource Room
- Grill
- Outdoor Firepit
- WiFi
- Map Drops
Shuttles to other destinations available for an additional fee.
A garden and other outdoor space is still in the planning stages.
Introductory Rates: $35/ bunk
Private rooms: $45 single/$55 for double
Currently hikers can contact the hostel for pick up at the Stratton trailhead beginning Saturday, June 26. NFCT paddlers should call ahead to make a reservation prior to walking by it.
A community-wide grand opening is being held Saturday, June 26 at 10 a.m.
Contact Info for The Maine Roadhouse
Mail Drop Address:
901 Rangeley Rd.
Coplin Plantation, ME 04970
Phone/Text: 207-670-4159
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: The Maine Roadhouse
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Comments 1
The Jenns have created a wonderful, relaxing hostel for AT hikers and others. Had the honor of staying there the second day they opened with one other hiker. Four days later I came in from Rangeley and was one of 20 guests. They’re doing something right!