Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Section 12

The 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail traverses some of the most scenic paddling country in the northeast. Section 12 of the trail leaves the Penobscot River Watershed to explore the historic and scenic Allagash Wilderness Waterway.
Trail Activity
Paddling
Length
41.00 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Strenuous
Towns
Eagle Lake Twp, Soper Mountain Twp, T10 R12 WELS, T10 R13 WELS, T11 R13 WELS, T6 R12 WELS, T6 R13 WELS, T7 R12 WELS, T7 R13 WELS, T9 R12 WELS, T9 R13 WELS
Surface
Water - Lake/Pond, Water - River/Stream
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

This section of the NFCT is the most remote section of the Trail. Paddlers will experience the vast stretches of forested shoreline that sustained the Abenaki for centuries, the interconnected waters that inspired Thoreau, and rusting relics from the days of log drives. The state-managed Wild and Scenic corridor known as the Allagash Wilderness Waterway offers large and small lakes, swiftly flowing river, and unparalleled wildlife-watching opportunities.

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 12 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

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

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
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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.
Trails
Mud Pond Carry
The Mud Pond Carry is not an official corridor of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, but it is currently managed by the landowner for public non-motorized recreational passage by those portaging paddle craft.
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