Cross Lake to Square Lake Paddling Route

Trail Overview

All flatwater paddling, this makes a great short day trip through remote feeling areas with little development to be seen for most of the route.
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Trail Activity
Paddling
Length
4.80 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy
Town
T16 R5 WELS
Surface
Water - Lake/Pond, Water - River/Stream
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No
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Description

The Cross Lake boat landing offers an excellent location to launch trailered boats or kayaks/canoes, with covered picnic tables, outhouses, and a beautiful gravel beach.

This trip starts with a flatwater lake paddle for 1.2 miles across Cross Lake to the Square Lake thoroughfare, at an approximate compass bearing of 236 degrees (SSW). The mouth of the Square Lake thoroughfare provides good opportunities to see bald eagles. The Square Lake thoroughfare itself has a remarkably remote feeling you will be amazed at the remote. It is 0.9 miles through the thoroughfare to Square Lake.

When entering Square Lake, it is best to continue straight or hug the right shore line for 1.9 miles, in a direction of 325 degrees (WNW).

At the Square Lake boat landing, there is a rough gravel boat launch that often times has a spring trickling down through it. There is also a large sign bearing the name Muscovic.

Caution: On windy days, Square Lake is often times referred to as an ocean. It can be very windy or turn windy in a moment’s notice, and fatalities have resulted from high wind conditions. Plan to cross in the morning or early evening, and be prepared to wait out winds for better crossing conditions if necessary.

Trail Manager

For additional information, visit the Aroostook County Tourism website, or contact:

Aroostook County Tourism

Aroostook County Tourism
11 West Presque Isle Road
PO Box 779
Caribou, ME 04736-0779
Phone: (888) 216-2463
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Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Find out about and follow any local regulations and respect landowners’ property.
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Trailhead Information

PUT-IN AT CROSS LAKE
From ME-161 turn onto Disy Road to the west (about 20 miles along ME-161 from US-1 in Fort Kent approaching from the north, 24 miles from US-1 in Caribou approaching from the south). Continue 2.5 miles down this dirt road to the shore of the lake and the boat landing.

TAKE-OUT AT SQUARE LAKE (BURNT LANDING)
From ME-161 turn onto West Side Road (14 miles along ME-161 from US-1 in Fort Kent approaching from the north, 29 miles from US-1 in Caribou approaching from the south), just north of Cross Lake. After 0.8 miles, near the head of Cross Lake, turn off West Side Road onto a dirt road to the right. Go 0.3 miles and turn left at the intersection. Go 0.5 miles and turn right. Follow the curve of this road for another 0.5 miles, and with fields on the right, take a left onto Square Lake Road. Continue 3.9 miles to Burnt Landing. There is a large sign welcoming you to the landing bearing the name Muscovic.

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Trail Alerts

Safety
Be a Safe and Respectful Paddler
Paddling conditions will vary according to the weather and season, so always exercise caution and always wear a lifejacket. With good judgment and proper equipment, the risk associated with paddling can be minimized. Respect the natural world and the rights of landowners, and be considerate of other outdoor enthusiasts. Paddlers should seek to avoid causing erosion, trampling vegetation, disturbing wildlife, and harming water quality.
Safety
High Winds
This lake can get extremely rough during high winds. Please plan any crossings for during the morning or the early evening, and be prepared to wait out high wind conditions if necessary.
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