Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Section 13

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The 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail traverses some of the most scenic paddling country in the northeast. Section 13 of the trail follows the northern Allagash Wilderness Waterway into the St. John River until it reaches Fort Kent, the eastern terminus of the trail.
Trail Activity
Paddling
Length
79.70 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Strenuous
Towns
Allagash, Fort Kent, Saint Francis, Saint John Plt, T11 R13 WELS, T12 R13 WELS, T13 R12 WELS, T13 R13 WELS, T14 R12 WELS, T15 R10 WELS, T15 R11 WELS, T18 R10 WELS
Surface
Water - Lake/Pond, Water - River/Stream
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

This eastern-most section of the Trail winds along the remote Allagash, the nation’s first Wild and Scenic River, and finishes on the historic St. John River, which outlines the international border. The route leads paddlers through waters first paddled by Abenaki hunters in birchbark canoes, past early European settlements in this remote land, and along shorelines that hold the ghost stories and rusting relics of logging days, as well as both the peace and adventure of the remote north country.

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway was established by the Maine Legislature in 1966 to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural beauty, character, and habitat of a unique area. The State of Maine, through the Bureau of Parks and Lands within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, seeks to ensure that this area will be maintained forever as a place of solace and refuge from the pressures of society. Please see the Allagash Wilderness Waterway trail posting for a more comprehensive map and information.

In order to safely experience the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in this region, please bring the NFCT Section 13 map with you on your trip. The Maine Trail Finder is not intended to be a comprehensive resource along this trail.

Other Information

To learn more about this region and plan your trip, visit the Northern Forest Canoe Trail website. There you can:

  • Buy waterproof maps and a guidebook, which describe local regulations and attractions
  • Use the Trip Planner Map Tool to locate outfitters, guides, and other amenities 
  • Learn about the trail and its unique history
  • Become a Northern Forest Canoe Trail member or volunteer
  • And much more!

Specific rules apply to the many campsites in this region and all require a fire permit. For more information about local regulations, please refer to the NFCT official map.

Camping and access sites along this section of trail are a result of NFCT collaboration with the following partners and landowners: Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, North Maine Woods Inc., and private landowners.

Private Land Consideration: Many trails are comprised of both public and private land. Trail organizations work to secure landowner agreements and maintain public use through stewardship and maintenance efforts. Each campsite, trail, and access point may have a different code of conduct required by trail users. More information about specific user requirements and guidelines can be found in the resources -- website, map, or guidebook -- provided by the trail manager. As a trail user it is important to understand and uphold these codes of conduct to allow future use of these locations.

Trail Manager

Visit Northern Forest Canoe Trail online for more information or contact:

Northern Forest Canoe Trail
PO Box 565
Waitsfield, VT 05673
Phone: 802-496-2285
Fax: 802-329-2239
info@northernforestcanoetrail.org
View website

Nearby Events

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Trail Tips

Minimize Campfire Impacts
Follow the Maine Forest Service fire regulations and check the current fire danger level before you go camping.
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