The Nordic ski trails at Quarry Road offer all levels of cross country skiing at its best, close to downtown Waterville.
One of the world’s leading Nordic trail designers and two-time Olympian, John Morton, created a trail network of exceptional natural beauty and variety including a world class cross country competition loop.
Designated trails are established in the winter to provide skiers, walkers and snowshoers opportunities to be active:
When there is snow on the ground, the wide green, blue, and black trails are for skiing and fat-biking only. The groomed ski trails offer a variety of wooded and open terrain for beginner, intermediate and advanced Nordic skiers.
Our extensive singletrack trail network is available for snowshoeing and fatbiking during the winter. When there is snow on the ground, walking without snowshoes is prohibited on all trails except Half Hitch and Devil’s Chair.
To date, 13.3 km (8.2 miles) of Nordic ski trails have been designed and constructed. Snowmaking capability is available on more than 3 km of the Nordic ski trails to provide consistent, high quality skiing conditions throughout the winter season.
The wide, rolling 2.3 km River Loop designed for intermediate skiers and beginner cyclists starts at the South Trailhead and has several short up and down transitions. Walkers will enjoy the views along the beautiful Messalonskee Stream. The beautiful River Loop has several short up and down transitions as the cross country skier enjoys views of Messalonskee Stream.
Approximately 1.5 km of trails are groomed in Charlie’s Meadow for both skate and classic skiing during the winter months and appropriate for beginner, intermediate and expert Nordic skiers. Most of the terrain is open with wide, flat trails so groups of people can enjoy cross country skiing side by side or see their friends off in the distance. The rolling hills on the far side of the meadow offer a little variety and challenge. Plans to add a gravel path for biking and walking in the warmer months are in the making.
The outer loop of the meadow is groomed for both skate and classic skiing and appropriate for beginner, intermediate and expert Nordic skiers. Most of the terrain is open with wide, flat trails so groups of people can enjoy cross country skiing side by side or see their friends off in the distance. The rolling hills on the far side give a little variety and you can often hear the happy sounds of "wheeeeeeee" as one accelerates down the gentle slopes.
The 1.8 km North Koons and 1.6 km Wally's Way offer a wilderness adventure to the far reachs of the property, while the 1.3 km South Koons and 0.6 km Upper Colby Sprint take advantage of the area’s elevation and beautiful view of the Waterville landscape. There is a picnic table at the peak near “Cal's Climb” to rest, reflect on your accomplishments, and admire the beauty around you.
