Summer in the Valley

Written By Tim Trumbauer

Pitcher Plants blooming at the bog (courtesy of Chuck Dinsmore)

The bog is blooming, the new Welcome Center is rising, and the trails are in great shape - it is officially summer at Hidden Valley Nature Center. Come on out to hike, bike, paddle, run, or just explore with us. Make sure to check our Hidden Valley Nature Center page and follow us on social media to get news on all the upcoming events and programs here at Midcoast Conservancy’s award-winning Hidden Valley Nature Center!

Recent Trail Conditions Updates
February 18, 2025 best skiing in years!
February 18, 2025 best skiing in years!

Trails were groomed Sunday morning and again this morning. Beautiful base with packed powder. Best skiing in years!!!

February 14, 2025 groomed trails galore!
February 14, 2025 groomed trails galore!

Trails are groomed and looking beautiful after yesterday's snow. Bowl Loop, Little Dyer Pond, Slick Rock, and the Couch Hill Loop are all groomed. 

February 13 the white stuff keeps coming down!
February 13 the white stuff keeps coming down!
February 10, 2025 Conditions are good!
February 10, 2025 Conditions are good!

With the snow Sunday conditions are looking great! With the sun hitting the trails this morning the snow is getting a little stickier but the conditions are still really good. We groomed Pond Trail, and the Couch Hill after the storm Sunday so there is decent skiing everywhere. A lot of skiers breaking trails on the ones we didn’t groom so a lot of fresh tracks to be had!

February 7, 2025
February 7, 2025

Snow has fallen and the forecast continues to look good!! HVNC has seen almost 7 inches of snow in the last week and conditions are good. With the warmer temps towards the end of the last storm the snow is a little sticky but still great. We continue to groom Pond Trail and a loop from Couch Hill back around Kidney Pond Trail. Follow the corduroy road! or not…fresh tracks to be had everywhere else. We will be out grooming over the weekend as well as we see more snow! Happy Skiing!

January 20, 2025 Snow!
January 20, 2025 Snow!

Welp, we finally have the fluffy stuff! We saw about 4 inches of snow and has made for great conditions! We have groomed Pond Trail and Kidney Pond around and down Couch Hill leaving lots of fresh tracks to be had. Enjoy!

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December 26, 2024 - a White Christmas

We hope everyone enjoyed this recent blast of wintery weather. Midcoast Conservancy is closed for the holidays from 12/25 - 1/1, but Hidden Valley Nature Center is always open to the public for skiing, snowshoeing, and other activities.

We received about 4-5 inches of snow so the coverage is light - watch for rocks and roots and note that since we are closed no trails are currently groomed.

Come on out and enjoy the snow before that four letter r-word hits in a few days and washes our fun away until the next snow.

(Note - photo is not of current conditions.)

December 19, 2024 - We’re Still Waiting
December 19, 2024 - We’re Still Waiting

Winter is still on its way, with the warmer temps we are watching the weather with great anticipation. We are still clearing trails from last weeks blustery rain, and the ground thawing has made for muddy conditions on the trails. Cross our fingers that with colder temps coming we will see some of the white fluffy stuff soon. Check out HVNC Ski Club starting up in the new year if you’re looking for a folks to talk snow with!

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December 12 - Winter is coming!

We are gearing up for our winter season and look forward to welcoming skiers, snowshoers, and sledders. Check back here for regular updates on trail conditions and grooming reports. See you on the trail!

4/5/24 Wet Snow on Muddy Trails & Lots of Blowdowns
4/5/24 Wet Snow on Muddy Trails & Lots of Blowdowns

It is a slushy, winter wonderland out here, but the trails are a bit of a mess. We have about 8 inches of wet snow covering muddy trails with lots of blowdowns and saplings overhanging into the trails. We won’t be grooming this storm due to the consistency of the snow and rain in the forecast. Trail cleanup will likely be a multi-day event.

Tim Trumbauer
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11/17 - Stick Season is Still Fun!
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Drying Out