After putting in at the outlet of Long Lake, the route begins with 0.5 miles of downstream paddling through the meandering thoroughfare, before entering Mud Lake. The left shore of this lake is uninhabited and offers excellent opportunities to view wildlife, including bald eagles and moose. It is is approximately 2.3 miles across Mud Lake to the Cross Lake thoroughfare. Caution: there is a headwind on this stretch of water, often making for difficult paddling as this section is entirely on open water with very little protection from the wind.
Upon exiting Mud Lake and entering Cross Lake thoroughfare, it is possible to witness spawning brook trout and landlocked salmon during the fall.
At approximately 1.8 miles down the thoroghfare on the right (northeast bank) and just before going under the ME-161 bridge, is St. Peter’s Store. This is an excellent location to take a break on their well maintained grass yard directly adjacent to the thoroughfare. St. Peter’s store offers snacks, sandwiches and beverages for hungry paddlers. On hot days, ice cream is available. After going under the ME-161 bridge, it is another 0.8 miles to Cross Lake.
Upon entering Cross Lake, the route heads SSE for 2.5 miles. The right side of the lake is completely uninhabited. During the summer months, Cross Lake is a very busy lake with much power boat activity. Small vessels should be sure to make themselves visible to other watercraft.
The Cross Lake boat landing offers excellent trailer access and covered picnic tables. With a gravel beach, the boat landing is a great place to swim, and a dock provides for a excellent place to relax at the conclusion of a paddle.
For additional information, visit the Aroostook County Tourism website, or contact:
PUT-IN AT LONG LAKE OUTLET
From ME-161 turn onto ME-162/Sinclair Road to the east (16.5 miles along ME-161 from US-1 in Fort Kent approaching from the north, 28 miles from US-1 in Caribou approaching from the south). Continue 4 miles on ME-162 to the road's end near the end of Long Lake in Sinclair, and take a right onto Shore Road. The boat landing is about 350 down on the left, just before the Sinclair firehouse. It is an easy put-in with plenty of space to turn a trailer around.
TAKE-OUT 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.
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