Northern Forest Canoe Trail

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail was established in 2005. It is a collection of historic canoe routes used by Native American, First Nations, and early European settlers. It brings together communities celebrating the waterway that threads it’s way through them. It is rich in history captured in many small town museums, the memories of residents living along the route, and in the landscaped that has been shaped by man over time. With an excellent set of maps that describe each section in detail, we now have a wonderful opportunity to explore these waterways and these communities. With almost 350 miles of waterway to paddle and explore we are excited to explore them all with you.

Whether it is an Umbagog Lake to Rangeley Lake trip in western Maine or an extended Penobscot River to the Allagash trip; let us guide you on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. So many trip options are available on this route, work with us to plan a trip that fits your interests and desires. This route flows through several towns which provide increased lodging options; perhaps you would like an Inn to Inn paddle? Or maybe you are a whitewater paddler and you’d like a road trip to some of the hotter white water runs along the route, we can plan that trip for you.

We have paddled much of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, but not the entire Maine section. We would love to plan your trip. Be creative, the options are unlimited. And maybe we will get to explore a new section of the trail with you?

Major towns along the trail include: Rangeley; Greenville; Stratton; Jackman; Rockwood; Greenville; Allagash; Fort Kent

Major Lakes on the trail include: Umbagog; Lower & Upper Richardson; Mooselookmeguntic; Rangeley; Flagstaff; Moosehead; Chesuncook; and the lakes that make up the Allagash waterway.

Major rivers on the trail include: Rapid River, Dead River; Spencer Stream; Moose River; West Branch Penobscot River; Allagash River; and the St John River.

Plan a day trip or plan to do the entire Maine Section of the trail; we can help with logistics, resources, references, and leadership.

When to visit: May to October

Happy to provide information, advise, trip planning for the Maine section of the NFCT