Dog Sledding

It’s one of North America’s oldest forms of winter travel and it’s still one of the most thrilling. You bundle up in warm clothes hop on a sled, and let an experienced guide and a team of dogs speed you across the snow. While there are many ways to enjoy winter in Maine, this is perhaps one of the most invigorating.

Dog sledding, or dog mushing, has been practiced on this continent for hundreds of years. And while dog breeds and sled construction has changed, the vivid experience has stayed largely the same. On the sled, you are inches above the snow as your dog team bolts down wooded trails, across frozen lakes and over snow-covered meadows. Sled dogs are bred to pull and, in well-kept teams, are having as much fun as you are. Some outfitters offer short trips, while others can stretch out the fun with winter camping and sled & ski experiences.

Before heading out on your adventure, remember to check first with your outfitter: dog sledding is weather and doggie-dependent. Changes in weather and dog health can affect schedules. Also, while some outfitters provide needed warm clothes and even footwear, others require you to bring your own gear.

Dog Sledding Guides and Tours

Ultimate Dog Sledding Experience
Explore the woods in Canton as you dog sled through 250 acres of private woodland trails during a 1-hour, 2-hour or full-day experience. At the end of your tour, pet your team of sled dogs get cozy in the traditional yurt to enjoy hot cocoa, coffee and tea.

Mahoosuc Guide Service
For an immersive, multi-day winter experience, choose from three and four-day weekend trips in the Umbagog Lake and Mahoosuc Mountain areas. This rustic, physically demanding experience includes mushing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter camping, plus education such as winter ecology, animal tracking and tree identification.

Dog Sled Races

Time your trip right and catch one of these exciting events.

Wilderness Sled Dog Race
In Greenville, located in the scenic Moosehead Region, watch as participants embark on one several races offered during this event, including a 60-mile, a 35-mile, a 4-mile 4-dog race and a 1- and 2-dog skijor race.

Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Races
Take your place at the starting line on Fort Kent’s Main Street or the finish line at Lonesome Pine ski lodge in Fort Kent to watch one of the most challenging dog sled races in the country. The Can-Am Crown races offer a 250-, 100-, and 30-mile race.

Look Out for ME Responsible Recreation Tips

Stay on established trails & roads
Pack any garbage & waste out with you when you leave
Don’t cut, mark or damage trees
Always recreate within your personal limits
Be weather wise & dress appropriately
Bring a basic first aid kit & travel with a friend
Bring a waterproof map & compass

For more info on how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, visit our Look Out for ME page.