CARRABASSETT VALLEY — Maine Huts & Trails will celebrate the opening of their newest hut, the Stratton Brook Hut, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 12. Stratton Brook is the fourth of 12 planned huts at Maine Huts & Trails, and links 50 miles of hut-to-hut trail adventures.

The Stratton Brook Hut is in Carrabassett Valley and provides excellent access to Maine’s many 4,000-foot peaks. It is the first hut within Maine Huts & Trails to have an alpine setting, offering spectacular views of both Carrabassett Valley and Sugarloaf Mountain. The hut has 10 bunkrooms, four of which are private, and sleeps a total of 44 people. It is accessible via a three-mile trail from a new trailhead parking area off Route 27, just north of the Sugarloaf access road.

The ceremony will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the ribbon cutting and remarks occurring promptly at 11 a.m. Tours of the new hut as well as refreshments and food will be provided. Access to the hut by personal vehicle is not possible but hiking directions can be provided or a special shuttle can be arranged if requested with RSVP. The event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

Guests should park at the Route 27/Stratton Brook trailhead. From there, guests can hike the 2.9-mile distance along the fully-signed trail to the hut or take the Maine Huts & Trails shuttle up part of the way then hike the final half-mile to the hut. When RSVP-ing, guests should indicate if they require shuttle services.

Mobility impaired guests can arrange for transportation directly to the hut by contacting Marianne Cataldo at mcataldo@mainehuts.org or 207-265-2400. RSVP is not required but recommended.

The hut opens to the public on Dec. 21 and reservations are currently be accepted. There is also still time to take advantage of Maine Huts & Trails’ Winter Sale using the code “Winter2012” to save $20 off weeknight booking when made before 2013. For additional information visit www.mainehuts.org.