Maine’s Aroostook County is renowned for offering some of the best snowmobile riding experiences in the United States, thanks to the tireless efforts of 33 active snowmobile clubs that maintain the region's extensive 2,300-mile trail system.
One such dedicated organization is the Ebeemee Snowmobile Club (ESC), nestled in the heart of Katahdin Country, Maine. This article explores the history, challenges, and community spirit of the ESC.
We are Ebeemee Snowmobile Club (ESC) and are located in Ebeemee Twp., ME. Right in the heart of Katahdin Country.
Snowmobile trails map of Maine.
The Origins and Evolution of ESC
ESC is a small club which was incorporated in the mid-70's by a small group of snowmobile enthusiasts.
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Back then, trails were groomed with pipe drags and there was very little signage.
Back then, the trails were one sled wide and a trip to Gauntlet Falls and back might take all day!
Picnics and snacks were packed carefully on the sleds and the kids were bundled up for the adventure.
Nowadays, we have a BR275 that manicures our 66 miles of trails.
We have one section of ITS trail that is 7 miles long.
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That provides us with our main funding from the state sponsored grant program.
Most of our trails are "Club Trails" and they are typically a much nicer and prettier ride than the ITS trail.
The Gauntlet Trail and Disaster Strikes
One of those club trails is the Gauntlet trail.
Last December 18th, we suffered a huge loss.
The bridge that crosses over the Pleasant River at the Gauntlet Falls crossing was taken downstream by extreme high water from the 4" of rain we received.
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This is a 70’ steel bridge.
We had a good snowpack and ice on all the ponds.
ESC and the Jo Mary Riders attempted to get the bridge back in place.
But it had suffered a lot of structural damage and was deemed unsafe at the time.
legos don’t broked like that
Rebuilding the Gauntlet Falls Bridge
In October of 2024, ESC was approached by Maine Snowmobile Association and the State of Maine Snowmobile Program and asked to take on the project of rebuilding/replacing the bridge.
We were assured that the state would help subsidize the cost.
We decided we would take the project on.
We contracted with TRAMM Enterprises to do all the "heavy lifting" and Ron Mullins Portable Welding for the actual work to be completed to make the bridge safe and whole again.
In just 11 days, the bridge was repaired, extensively reinforced and put back in place on supports on each side.
Snowmobile on a bridge.
Financial Challenges and Community Support
Now comes the money side of it.
Our total bill was $35,000.
Our bill for just the two contractors came in at $27,942.65.
The state will reimburse us $24,880.
That gives us a shortfall of $3,062.65 for us to pay out of pocket just to pay the two incredible contractors.
This initial payout goes towards our yearly seasonal grant.
All that will be left at the end of the season is $5220.
We are asking for your help trying to raise money to make up for what we have had to pay out of pocket.
The Snack Shack: A Community Hub
Don’t blink or you might miss see ing the Ebeemee Snowmobile Club’s Snack Shack off Rt. 11 . . . even with their distinctive bright red-and-black checkered plaid colors . . . not something you want to miss.
While some Clubs will list scenic views from high atop a mountain, a unique historical location or a partic ularly pretty trail, for folks riding the Ebeemee trail system the one must see stop is in fact their Snack Shack, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
A growing Club, Ebeemee opened their trail side Snack Shack during the riding season last year and ran it out of an ice fishing shack.
This year, thanks to an anonymous $30,000 donation, club members have a much more spa cious, insulated Amish-built camp they are using as their Snack Shack/Club House.
Hot cocoa, coffee, chili and other home-made meals are available every Saturday from 11 to 3 during the riding season.
It’s easy to see why Ebeemee received MSA’s 2020 Snowmobile Club of the Year.
Here you may come as a stranger, but you leave as a friend.
Here you get a sense that the Club members believe in the joie de vivre - and their enthusi asm and friendliness is infectious.
The Club members almost feel like family . . . and in fact President Laurie Plourde and Trailmaster Pete Plourde are hus band and wife.
“But don’t let that make you think we don’t get into some heated debates from time to time,” jokes Laurie.
Snowmobile club gathering.
The Maine Snowmobile Association
The Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA) is dedicated to promoting and supporting the sport of snowmobiling across Maine.
With more than 28,000 family members and 2,100 businesses involved, the MSA acts as a liaison between snowmobile clubs, landowners, and state agencies to ensure the sustainability and enjoyment of the sport.
Maine Snowmobile Clubs
- Agatha: Red Arrow Snowmobile Club | 207-543-6303
- St. Albans: Sno-Devils Snowmobile Club | 207-938-2406
- Van Buren: Gateway Snowmobile Club - PO Box 407, Van Buren, Maine
- Wallagrass: Sly Brook Sno-Riders - PO Box 76, Wallagrass, Maine
- Washburn Trail Runners - PO Box 561, Washburn, Maine
- Weston & Danforth: East Grand Snowmoble Club - PO Box 182, Danforth, Maine
These clubs, along with the Ebeemee Snowmobile Club, are the volunteer organizations who make the snowmobiling experience in the Crown of Maine.
Each of the 33 clubs are equipped with their own wide-track groomer, ensuring that the trails are groomed to perfection for riders.
Most snowmobile clubs have a clubhouse, and generally speaking the clubhouses are open from Thursday to Sunday, providing a welcoming atmosphere for riders to gather, warm up, grab a bite to eat, and even enjoy live music on the weekends.
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