West Branch Penobscot River - Pockwockamus Falls to Ambajejus Lake

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Approaching the portage around Debsconeag Falls (Credit: Evan Watson)

Doubletop Mountain from Pockwockamus Deadwater (Credit: Evan Watson)

Hand-carry boat launch at Grant Brook Road Bridge (Credit: Evan Watson)

Mt. Katahdin, OJI and Doubletop from the Debsconeag Deadwater (Credit: Evan Watson)

Looking upstream towards Passamagamet Falls (Credit: Evan Watson)

Mt. Katahdin from Pockwockamus Deadwater (Credit: Evan Watson)

Nevers Corner hand-carry boat launch (Credit: Evan Watson)

Paddling the West Branch near Omaha Beach (Credit: Evan Watson)

Two paddlers survey Debsconeag Falls (Credit: Evan Watson)

Wheelbarrow Pitch tent site (Credit: Evan Watson)

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Remote, less-visited section of the West Branch Penobscot River characterized by long stretches of deadwater punctuated by several falls.

Trail Activity

Length

9.60 miles, One Way

Difficulty

Advanced

Towns

T2 R10 WELS, T2 R9 WELS

Surface

Water - River/Stream, Water - Lake/Pond

Pets

Permitted

Fees

Yes

Details

Description

The West Branch Penobscot River is an attractive, remote waterway. Access to the river is limited by its remoteness. Visitors are responsible for their own safety. Plan ahead and research the area to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

This 9.3-mile section of the West Branch Penobscot River can be completed in one long day with a shuttle, or creatively explored from one of the many different boat launches. While the segment of river above this one is popular with whitewater rafters and kayakers, this section is better suited for the casual paddler, with a few mandatory portages.

This section of river has three falls, each with a portage: Pockwockamus Falls (Class IV, upstream of the boat launch), Debsconeag Falls (dangerous Class V), and Passamagamet Falls (Class II-III). Paddling the long stretches of deadwater between each of the falls is a good option for visitors without a shuttle. The many side channels and quiet backwaters provide some of the best opportunity for wildlife watching in the region. There are also three lakes/ponds (River Pond, First Debsconeag Lake, Passamagamet Lake) connected to this section of river for extended exploration; see the Maine Trail Finder connector trails postings more information.

Other Information

Maine Bureau of Public Lands charges a modest fee for overnight camping in the Penobscot River Corridor. There is no fee for access to the area for day use. More information here.

Trail Manager

For more information, please contact the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands- Penobscot River Corridor.

Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Penobscot River Corridor
P.O. Box 655
Millinocket, ME 04462
Phone: (207) 592-1153 (Apr-Nov) (207) 941-4014 (Dec- Mar)
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Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Be prepared for emergencies. Pack extra clothing, food, and water and also a flashlight, first aid and repair kit, matches/fire starters, whistle, signaling mirror, and pocket knife.

Directions

Trailhead Information

To access the following boat launches, from Millinocket travel about 10 miles northwest on the Baxter Park Road and turn left at the junction marked "Allagash." This short connecting road quickly comes to the Golden Road; turn right here.

To the Pockwockamus Falls hand-carry boat launch: After 8.9 miles on the Golden Road, cross Abol Bridge on the Golden Road and then immediately turn left onto Hurd Pond Road. Continue on this road for about 1.8 miles to the unmarked parking area on the left.
To the Nevers Corner hand-carry boat launch: After 7.1 miles on the Golden Road, turn left onto a unsigned secondary road (if you reach Abol Bridge, you have gone too far). Nevers Corner is about 0.6 miles down this road.
To Debsconeag Deadwater boat launch, HIGH CENTER VEHICLES ONLY: Travel about 3.7 miles on the Golden Road and turn left onto the road marked "Debsconeag Area 4.5 Miles." This very rough road, not suitable for most vehicles, goes about 3.5 miles directly to the boat launch.
To Omaha Beach hand-carry boat launch, HIGH CENTER VEHICLES ONLY: Travel about 3.7 miles on the Golden Road and turn left onto the road marked "Debsconeag Area 4.5 Miles." Travel this very rough road, not suitable for most vehicles, about 2.6 miles; at a triangular campsite sign for "Omaha Beach," turn left and travel to the end of the road.
To the Grant Brook Road Bridge hand-carry boat launch: Travel 1.3 miles on the Golden Road and turn left onto the unsigned "Grant Brook Road." Continue on this road 2.7 miles to the bridge.

Trail Map