BETHEL – Trekkers in all seasons will soon have places to stay and trails to get there in Maine’s western mountains, and the next Down Home Maine program will discuss the new venture.

The program, co-sponsored by Western Mountains Senior College and the Bethel Historical Society, will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Gehring House, 77 Broad St.

Hikers, bikers, cross country skiers and snowshoers from the Bethel area are invited to learn more about the vision behind the development of the new project.

Larry Warren, New Portland, president of the Western Mountains Foundation and founder of Maine Huts and Trails, along with David Herring, South Portland, executive director of the organization, will explain the plan for a 180-mile huts and trails system in Western Maine.

The system will establish a recreation corridor and broad trail from Moosehead Lake to Bethel and will accommodate hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

A dozen manned huts about 12 miles apart will provide room and board services. The first hut is nearing completion and will open in February 2008, offering lodging, dinner and breakfast for overnighters.

The new recreational huts and trails system will give hikers an opportunity to experience the woods without making it an expedition since carrying stoves and food will not be required. Traveling in the woods will become more accessible for trekkers of all ages and abilities.

Warren founded the Western Mountains Foundation as a nonprofit corporation to develop the recreational huts and trail system in Western Maine. He also serves as president of the ACI Co., providing technical consulting services for the development of geographic information systems and mapping.

Herring formerly managed the operations of the Appalachian Mountain Club hut systems in the White Mountains National Park. He has been an assistant product developer with LL Bean, where he participated in the development, buying and merchandising of winter sports, cycling and water sports product lines.

The program is free and open to the public. However, donations will be appreciated to offset Senior College expenses. Light hors d’oeuvres, wine and beverages will be provided. For more information, call Peter Gartner at 665-2181.