Submitted by FrenchToaststrea t3_yh5e5r in Maine
So, I moved here from texas, mostly to homestead. I ended up getting this property that doesn’t have a driveway but is off a snowmobile trial. I plan to live here permanently. Do you think it’s doable, should I invest in a snowmobile?
I love not spending 9k in property taxes anymore and being alone in the woods. got a generator, and working on some solar/wind power generation. We always plan for long stays at the property for lots of food and fuel for backup.
Sounds like you're determined. I, personally, love the hermit lifestyle but I know a lot of people go crazy from it. Welcome to Maine 😎
> moved here from texas
> property that doesn’t have a driveway
jfc
these fuckin people
I don’t count a dirt road as a driveway. It’s half mile to solid non gravel road. Nothing texas ain’t used too. Winters in Germany were fine, I think I’ll be okay here
Talk to the town office about where the plow in the winter. If there are other homes there, they may plow further than you think. Or talk to the neighbors.
Snowmobile trails often exist due to the generosity of private landowners whose land they cross. You'll probably be fine, but there's always the possibility that you could lose access to your land.
Do you have a deeded right of way to get to your property?
Have you spent any time in Maine between December and March before?
0, but I’m not worried about the cold.
That kind of attitude is dangerous, my eyes are not made to roll that hard.
I've got 8 cord of firewood stacked, and im concerned about it. Mud season is also a very real challenge.
Perhaps a four wheeler or utv to plow with? Snowmobile is limited.
It's not legal to operate an atv on a snowmobile trail.
Thats good to share. I wasnt suggesting use the trail tho.
I was thinking this too
It’s gonna be really muddy in the spring. Like others have said prepare to be isolated at times, if we get big snow melt coupled with heavy rains you might get stuck for a few weeks
and it's not "fun mud", it will be half frozen over quicksand alternating with solid ground.
I would be more concerned with what is there to live in? A house? A camp? You plan on building without a driveway/access.? If there is no exiting structure that's ready to live in you are going to need excavating and some deep pockets. Or I guess you could homestead in a tent. Best of success.
I have well septic and electric. It’s a maintained road up to a certain point.
Not worried about where I’m living really. It’s the getting supplies if I do run out.
Stock up on Corn Beef Hash & Allens Coffee Brandy before the cold times hit.
I doubt you are allowed to plow the snowmobile trail. Better join the club.
What club?
The club that maintains the snowmobile trail.
So in Maine you can't just google all the snowmobile trail maps, they're a secret. You have to know the secret handshake, and they teach you that in the club you join. Pay dues and contribute physical labor. And yes you should invest in a snowmobile, the club will surely have a guy that flips them.
If you have a car, you'll have to figure out how to park it so it's accessible by both sled trail and highway. You can't park on the highway and private landowners really don't like plowing around a strange car that isn't contributing to their financial well-being.
If you don't have a car, your career options are limited to working the gas stations along snowmobile trails, internet WFH stuff, and growing pot.
TraditionalPiccolo28 t1_iuc909m wrote
Sleds (snowmobiles) are the primary method of transportation in the dead of winter in remote places around Maine. It's doable but you'll have to be resourceful and expect that there are times that you will be isolated. Make sure you have a generator/ solar set up and that it's ready to go at any given time, our electric grid is far from dependable. You might want to check and see if your property meets the criteria for year round habitation as well there are some road frontage requirements in certain areas that may prevent you from having your property as a permanent address. Living here can be brutal in the winter but if you love it it's definitely rewarding. Good luck!!