Allagash Wilderness Waterway

The Allagash River is the star of Maine's great canoe rivers. At over ten million acres, the Maine North Woods encompass a region some five times the size of Yellowstone National Park. And in all that area there isn't a single paved road. Largely owned by private timber companies, these woods and waters are the largest uninhabited region in the lower 48. You'll find nearly 100 miles of lakes and rivers here. The most common trip is from Telos Lake to the confluence with the St. John River. Read More »

Allagash Wilderness Waterway Highlights

The Allagash Waterway crosses eight lakes, four ponds, and the outlets of hundreds of tributary streams. The river corridor runs north and eventually empties into the St. John River on the Canadian border. For most paddlers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. A night on the remote shores of Allagash Lake, deep in the Great North Woods, is a true encounter with wilderness.
Plan on spending seven to ten days on the waterway if you want to paddle all 98 miles from Telos Landing to Allagash Village. This trip is a remarkable tour of both the Northern Forest and Maine history. Along the trip, you'll portage on ancient Native American footpaths, pass rusting logging locomotives, and have the opportunity to bunk at historic sporting camps.
One of the best side trips on the waterway is the six-mile paddle into Allagash Lake. The state of Maine forbids motors of any kind on the lake, and the lack of motorboats and floatplanes makes it a unique and wild place.
Churchill Dam marks the end of the flatwater lakes and the start of the swiftwater. The Class II Chase Rapids are located just downstream from the dam. Many paddlers begin their trip here, which reduces the paddle to 62 miles and about four days. Ask the ranger at the dam about ferrying your equipment downriver so you can run the rapids unloaded.
Camp a night at Round Pond and stretch your legs on the 2.5-mile hike to the fire tower on the summit of Round Pond Mountain. From the tower, you'll be able to see south to Katahdin and west into Quebec.
On your drive back south, make a quick detour to Doris' Cafe in Fort Kent Mills for baked beans and ployes. Made with buckwheat flour, ployes are a cross between a pancake and a crepe that are eaten at each meal of the day.

By Travel Expert: Mike Kautz

Allagash Wilderness Waterway Travel Q&A
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Allagash Wilderness Waterway