Kicking off Snofest in Greenville, this International event pits these powerful canine athletes and their mushers against the legendary Maine snow and cold of winter!!
The teams get all the help necessary from dedicated volunteers that have as much enthusiasm as the dogs and their drivers. Teams of 12 huskies take their turn in the chute, at the starting line, at 2-minute intervals, lunging forward into their harnesses as they head north up Moosehead Lake with such enthusiasm they can hardly be held back! Listen with the drivers, as the count-down happens: 3, 2, 1 GO!!
In addition to the race start and finish lines at the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife parking area on Village Street in Greenville; there are three places along the race route where spectators can view the teams as they head to the Northern most checkpoint and return to Greenville . The first would be to drive out Pleasant Street past the airport, over Wilson Stream and beyond Rum Ridge about four miles to the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Winter Parking Lot. You can park there and cross country ski in on the trail about another 1 3/10th miles. The race course will be distinctly marked and you will be in a position to watch the sled dog teams as they make two of the hardest turns in the entire race. In normal snow conditions the first racers should be passing this point around two hours after they start which means you’ll want to be there by 11:30 to watch the action. The second location is accessed by driving north on Lily Bay Road (toward Kokadjo) but turn off on the Frenchtown Road and take this 12 miles to West Branch Pond Camps. Eric Stirling and his crew will be catering to spectators as the race team’s travel past his camps. Hot chocolate and chili will be available as well as race souvenirs. The third is accessed by heading through Kokadjo and following the signs to Medawisla Camps where the teams will be taking their mandatory layover before heading back to Greenville.
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