Mountain Center
Maine Adaptive is excited to welcome students, volunteers, and families to the Mountain Center in Newry, Maine — our new headquarters and home for year-round adventure. Formerly the home of the Outward Bound facility, this remarkable 340-acre property provides space for recreation, connection, learning, and community.
Starting in June, Maine Adaptive will host monthly weekend programs at the Mountain Center. These programs give students the opportunity to stay overnight in one of our accessible rustic cabins and spend Saturday exploring the Bethel and Newry area with Maine Adaptive staff and volunteers.
Weekend adventures may include hiking, paddling, cycling, outdoor recreation activities, and other seasonal opportunities designed to build confidence, independence, and connection through inclusive recreation.
The Mountain Center is more than just a headquarters — it’s a place where adventure is accessible, friendships are formed, and new possibilities begin.
Summer 2026 - Events & Programs
Spring Clean Up Weekend at the Maine Adaptive Mountain Center
Help us get ready for our very first spring and summer season at our new headquarters, the Maine Adaptive Mountain Center in Newry.
Join Maine us for a fun and rewarding weekend of trail work, property clean up, and community as we prepare the Mountain Center for an exciting season of adaptive recreation. We’ll provide lunch and we have space if you would like to camp out!
Event Details:
May 30 & 31, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Maine Adaptive Mountain Center, Newry, Me
Whether you can volunteer for the full day or just a few hours, we’d love to have you. Every helping hand makes a difference, and lunch will be provided each day.
We’re looking for volunteers with a positive attitude and a willingness to pitch in on a variety of outdoor projects, including:
- Trimming and raking trails
- Picking up sticks and clearing brush
- Hand trimming and clipping along trails
- Small construction projects
- Sweeping and cleaning cabins
- Window cleaning and general sprucing up around the property
Make a Weekend of It
Want to extend the adventure? Volunteers are welcome to stay overnight at the Mountain Center.
Rustic cabins are available on site (no electricity or plumbing, with nearby facilities available), or you’re welcome to bring your own tent and camp on the property. Let us know when you RSVP and we’ll follow up with details.
Please RSVP in advance so we can plan projects, meals, and accommodations. RSVP Link
Mountain Center Adventure Days
Mountain Center Mountain Bike Adventure – June 13, 2026
Join us for a full-day mountain biking adventure on the Community Access Trail (CATS), a scenic 12-mile route connecting the Bethel Community Forest and the Bethel Village.
This gradual, hard-packed trail offers a fun and rewarding ride through western Maine’s beautiful landscape, with views ranging from the backside of Sunday River to the slopes of Mt. Abram. Most of the route follows dirt trail, with only two short paved road sections. The group will stop for lunch in Bethel about halfway through the ride, where public restrooms will be available. This is a one-way ride, and detailed shuttle logistics and meeting information will be shared with registered participants prior to the event.
Mountain Center Caregiver Adventure Weekend – July 10
The weekend is a specially designed experience created to give caregivers an opportunity to recharge, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors in a supportive and welcoming environment. Throughout the weekend, participants will have the chance to experience adaptive outdoor recreation, explore the beauty of western Maine, and build meaningful connections with fellow caregivers who understand the rewards and challenges of caregiving. Activities may include: paddling, hiking and trail exploration, mountain biking or cycling, campfires and community gatherings, relaxation and time in nature.
Bryant Pond Paddling & Trail Adventure – August 8
Spend the day exploring western Maine by both water and trail during this fun-filled Mountain Center adventure.
We’ll begin the morning paddling on the calm waters of Bryant Pond, surrounded by beautiful scenery, wildlife, and mountain views. Midday, the group will stop at the Bryant Pond 4-H Camp for lunch before heading to Bucks Ledge to explore the Trail for All.
This full-day outing combines paddling, hiking, and time outdoors in a supportive and inclusive environment.
What to Bring for Mountain Center Adventures
Participants should pack:
-A lunch
-Plenty of water and drinks
-Weather-appropriate clothing and gear
Overnight Accommodations
Want to make a weekend of it? Participants are welcome to arrive Friday evening and stay overnight at the Mountain Center.
Rustic lodging options include bunk cabins or tent camping. Accommodations are simple and close to nature, with bathroom facilities located in a separate building. Depending on your cabin or campsite location, accessing the facilities may require a short walk on uneven terrain. Detailed lodging information and site assignments will be shared after your request is received.
For overnight accommodation information, please contact: info@maineadaptive.org
FAQ'S
Maine Adaptive programming is open to children 4 years of age or older and adults with a variety of disabilities. Check out our Guidelines for Participation on the Participate Page for details.
Nothing! All lessons with Maine Adaptive are 100% free of charge — winter and summer – including your lift ticket/trail pass, your equipment, and the instruction you will receive.
No. Maine Adaptive has equipment to fit many shapes and sizes. We are ready to find the right equipment for your needs. Maine Adaptive provides specialized climbing equipment, including harnesses, grip aids, and pulley systems, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. If you already own your own equipment, you are welcome to use it during your lesson.
Even though we are widely known for skiing, we do so much more. In the winter, you can join Maine Adaptive for skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. If you are looking for summer activities, join Maine Adaptive for golf, cycling, mountain biking, tennis, paddling, pickleball, or climbing.
Getting started is easy! All of the forms you need to get started with us are just a click away. Check out the Participate Page for more information.
All of the lessons at Maine Adaptive are taught by experienced and trained volunteers and stress safety, fun, and learning. When you arrive for a confirmed lesson, you will need to check-in. Check in with us at our meeting location, and our staff and volunteers will make sure you have what you need.
After everyone has arrived, you will be paired up with volunteer instructors for your lesson. Talk to those volunteers about your goals for the lesson – they are there to work with you. You and your volunteers can decide when to take breaks or stop for lunch. At the end of your lesson, you can return any equipment you used and any trail pass you checked out. This is also a good time to talk to your instructors about your goals. Did you meet your goals for the lesson? What do you want to work on next time?
Transportation to all activities is the responsibility of the participant. The goal of Maine Adaptive is to get individuals active, so they can enjoy sports with their family and friends independently. However, one way people get to lessons is by carpooling with volunteers or other participants. We can provide you with the names and phone numbers of people in your area that would be willing to provide transportation. All you have to do is contact us!
Just pick up the phone and call us at (207) 824-2440. We understand that life is unpredictable and you may need to change your confirmed schedule. We ask that you contact us at least 24 hours in advance so that we can fill your lesson space. Our phone is always on – feel free to leave a message.
Maine Adaptive only cancels lessons in the case of unsafe conditions. If you think this may be the case, call the office at 207-824-2440 to hear any cancellation information. The machine is updated by 6:00 AM if lessons are cancelled for the day. If we are still holding lessons but you do not want to travel in the inclement weather, just leave a message letting us know.