northern maine water trails book & maps

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Popular local water trails with detailed information about routes and what to expect

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Page 1: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

Guidebook●Maps●Trip Planner●Membership www.NorthernForestCanoeTrail.org

740 miles…a lifetime of canoe and kayak destinations

Follow the Allagash and St. John rivers to our Eastern terminus in Fort Kent

Page 2: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps
Page 3: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

Mattawamkeag River Haynesville to Wytopitlock

This trip has several options for put in and take out. The river twists and turns almost making oxbows in places. The water is mostly flat with some rips.

Put in at the Rt 2A bridge in Haynesville MAG 53 E2. Floating down river, the current will pick up at the old Ferry Bridge at Ledge Falls. This section will be shallow during the summer months but you can drag a canoe over it.

Roads parallel the river along most of the way but it is a scenic trip.

Approximately 12 miles down river, the Bancroft Rd crosses the river MAG 45 A2. You can take out here to cut the trip short.

About 8 miles below this you will come to the Rt. 171 bridge in Wytopitlock MAG 45 B1. The landing is on the left hand side just below the bridge.

This water is canoeable most of the year except during periods of extremely low water.

Good to excellent fishing for smallmouth bass along the entire trip. Early spring may produce fair fishing for brook trout.

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Page 4: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

This is an approximately 14 mile trip and will probably require a full day to run. You will be going through some of the most remote country in Southern Aroostook County.

Put in at the Red Bridge off the South Oakfield Road, MAG 52 B5. Most of the river is flat with some class II water. Spring run-offs can produce substantially higher water ratings.

About 5 to 5.5 miles below Red Bridge there is a section of river referred to as Smooth Pitch which is anything but. The Portage trail to get around this is on the right hand side. It is a section of class III to IV whitewater that should not be run by anyone but the most competent paddlers.

Below this section one will only have to deal with the narrow section at the snowmobile bridge. Use caution here as only good paddlers should attempt this small section. The best portage trail is on the left banking.

From the snowmobile bridge to Haynesville is easy to negotiate with some small rips and long deadwaters.

You can take out at either the Bell Field Picnic Area Bridge MAG 53 D2 or continue down river another 4 to 5 miles to the Rt 2A bridge MAG 53 E2.

This river can only be run in a canoe during spring highwater. The river can be run with a kayak during the course of the season except in abnormally low water conditions.

Good to excellent trout fishing can be had in the spring and early summer months.

East Branch of the Mattawamkeag River

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Page 5: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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Sebois River to East Branch of Penobscot River

This is a 24 mile trip. Allow two days for paddling. Stop in to Shin Pond Village before heading out for supplies and guiding assistance.

Put in at the Seboeis River Bridge on Grand Lake Rd. MAG 51 A4. Be prepared for Class 1 & 11 rapids for 1¼ miles. Near end of rip make a beeline for the left (east) bank for the portage trail around Grand Pitch. Below Grand Pitch paddle through a few Class 11 rapids which soon taper off to class 1. The river passes through mountains and high ridges where evergreens and hardwoods grow thick. Great views of Sugarloaf and Peaked Mountain along the way. The river coninutes for 17 miles to the East Branch of Penobscot which is a bit obscure so keep an eye out.

Whetstone Falls marks the end of the trip MAG 51 D4.

Page 6: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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www.northmainewoods.org

The headwaters of the Aroostook River, Fish River, St. John River andAllagash River all are within the 3.5 Million Acre North Maine WoodsManagement area. Specific information is available atwww.northmainewoods.org related to canoe trips on the St. John and AllagashRivers. There is also information on this website regarding canoe shuttleservices, guides and sporting camps.

Water levels change during the canoeing season and you are encouraged toWater levels change during the canoeing season and you are encouraged tocontact us for current information.

In addition to our website, you can also contact us by mail at P.O. Box 425,Ashland, ME 04732; by telephone at 207-435-6213 or via email [email protected].

Page 7: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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This 5,120 acre lake represents one of the largest lakes in eastern Aroostook County. Stretching for an overall length of 15 miles, the original lake level has been raised considerably by construction of a high dam at the outlet. The result has been the creation of a shallow western arm and a deeper northern arm where the original lake had been located. Water stored behind this dam is released during winter months for hydroelectric power generation. Much of the shoreline remains naturally wooded and undeveloped except for extensive camp development along the northwest shore. The Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands manages a large tract of state owned land bordering the northeast shore. Several water access campsites are maintained by the Bureau along this shoreline.

Beginners to advanced paddlers will find a wonderful remote experience while paddling these waters. Whitecaps from wind, recreational boats and the remoteness may be the only safety concerns. While paddling the Northeasterly arm of the lake, one can view one of the Gems of Aroostook, Haystack Mountain.

From North-South on Rt. 11, turn on to the Sterling Ridge Rd. directly across Rt. 11 from the Fraser Lumber Mill. The mill is approximately 5 miles north of the town of Masardis. Drive approx 2.5 miles, turn left follow the signs and drive approx 2 miles to the public boat launch area that is maintained by the Maine Public Service Company at their dam on the outlet.

From East-West on Rt. 163, turn onto the Walker Siding Rd. At Walker Siding, there is a private ramp that is available for use by the public by a private organization.

Sqopan Lake

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This is a 15 mile trip for advanced paddlers. It is a busy Class II and III section of river that most will complete in 4 to 5 hours of time. Run this at moderate to high water levels for the best trip.

Put in at the campground on Big Machias Lake below the outlet dam MAG 63 D2. Follow the river downstream and enjoy the views of a working forest with the abundant wildlife.

Takeout is at the Pinkham Bridge on the Pinkham Rd MAG 57 A4.

Good early season fishing for brook trout.

Big Machias Lake to Pinkham Bridge Pinkham Rd Machias River

Page 9: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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This is a 15 mile trip that only experienced paddlers should consider.

Begin at the Pinkham Bridge on the Pinkham Rd MAG 57 A4. The river flows through working forest There is some Class I and II rips and Class IV at the Garfield Bridge. It is swift water trip and most will complete the trip in 4 to 5 hours.

You will float down the Machias River to the Aroostook River and then to the Fish and Game Club in Ashland where you can take out MAG 64 E1.

Wildlife will be spotted along the way. Good fishing for brook trout early season. Run with canoes early season and kayaks later in the summer.

Pinkham Bridge to Ashland on Lower Machias River to the Aroostook River

Page 10: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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Approximately a 12 mile trip that beginners can handle in 4 to 5 hours.

Put in at Masardis at the public boat launch off Rt. 11 MAG 58 A2. The trip will take you through a mix of farm and forest land. Wildlife will be encountered along with great views from the river.

The water is a mix of flat and gentle rips. Best run with a canoe during high to moderate waterlevels. Kayaking is possible during the summer except in extreme low water periods.

You will take out at the Ashland Fish and Game Club MAG 64 E1.

Masardis to Ashland on the Aroostook River

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This trip offers a couple of different takeout options depending on how long you want to stay on the river.

Put in at the boat launch in Ashland at the Fish and Game Club MAG 64 E2. A little over 8 miles downstream you come to a boat launch that can be accessed from Rt 227 in Castle Hill MAG 64 D3.

You can continue down the river for another 6.5 miles to another launch that is located in Wade MAG 64 C4. This launch is accessed from the Gardner Creek Rd from Washburn.

Continuing to the landing in Washburn is another 4.5 miles MAG 64 C5.

The full trip is 20 miles give or take. The water is mostly gentle but there are some class I and II rips. This is canoeable at high to moderate water levels and can be kayaked during the summer months with a little work.

The river flows through a mix of farm and woodlands. Wildlife will be encountered on this trip. Good to excellent fishing for brook trout early in the season.

Ashland to Washburn on the Aroostook River

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This is an easy 10 mile trip with some gentle rips.

Put in at the boat launch in Washburn off Rt. 164 MAG 64 C5. Great view from the river of farms and woodlands. There is an eagles nesting site about half way on trip. Other wildlife and birds is often encountered.

Good fishing can be had right through early summer.

Take out at the public boat launch in Presque Isle off Rt.210 MAG 65 D1 left side of the river.

Washburn to Presque Isle on the Aroostook River

Aroostook River

Page 13: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce

New location at: The Nylander Museum

657 Main Street Caribou, ME 04736

“Caribou Cares About Kids”

207-498-6156 ~ www.cariboumaine.net ~ [email protected]

Page 14: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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This is a 14 mile trip that will take about 5 hours to complete. The water is relatively flat with small rips and a great stretch for beginners. Posibility to see wildlife including eagles and moose.

Put in at Presque Isle at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Landing on the Reach Rd. MAG 65 D1 The river will take you to Caribou through forested countryside and farmlands.

Take out at the Caribou public boat launch on the left before the plant and dam. MAG 65 B1

Presque Isle to Caribou on the Aroostook River

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This is about a 13 mile trip that will take 4 to 5 hours to complete. This trip is great for beginning paddlers.

Put in at Caribou at the public boat launch off Lower Lyndon Street across from Sleepers Store on Route 1. MAG 65 B1

This trip will take you through a mix of rural forests and farmland. At times the channel is very close to the river banks. Canoeing is possible in the spring and early summer and kayaks should be used during the summer months. Expect gentle water with some easy rips along the way.

The river parallels Rt 161 but it is still a scenic trip. Good brook trout fishing can be had early in the season.

Your takeout point will be the Fort Fairfield boat landing at the Route1A Bridge. MAG 65 C4

Caribou to Fort Fairfield on the Aroostook River

View on Aroostook River looking towards Fort Fairfield.

Page 16: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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Aroostook State Park (MAG 65 E1) is Maine’s First State Park established in 1939. This wonderful 90 acre lake offers a 1 ½ hour paddle around the shoreline, where users get a great view of Quaggy Jo Mountain. A public boat launch area is available. Toilets, picnicking, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping are offered. Easy flat water paddle, which is a great place for beginners or folks that need to practice paddling skills.

From North or South: Turn off Rt. 1 onto Spragueville Rd approximately 3 miles South of Presque Isle. Aroostook State Park signs marked turn off Rt. 1 in both directions. Drive 1.5 miles and take a left turn on to State Park Rd. Drive 1 mile to park main entrance. Entrance fee required.

Houses and camps mostly cover shoreline, but there are great opportunities to see numerous species of birds, muskrats, otter and mink. Fishing in the lake is fabulous from ice out to mid June. Fall fishing is beautiful, with colors reflecting off the Mt. and fall spawning colors radiating from the 3 pound brookies which are not uncommon.

Echo Lake - Aroostook State Park

Page 17: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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Family paddling adventures await you at Aroostook State Park.

Camping at ASP is available to complete your adventure.

Page 18: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

16“Bring people together. Keep people informed. Help people get outside.”

Page 19: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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Aroostook OutdoorsThe goaroostookoutdoors.com website is for the non-motorized outdoor enthusiast. Information on activities such as hiking, biking, water trails, events and more is available. Go check it out today!

Page 20: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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Arnold Brook Lake is a 395 acre man-made impoundment created in 1971 through cooperation of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service and the city of Presque Isle. It is one of a series of multiple purpose flood control recreational impoundments planned and completed for the Presque Isle Stream watershed.

Much of the lake has a swampy shoreline of spruce, fir, and cedar. Trees and brush were cut and burned within the impoundment prior to flooding, but boaters should watch for numerous remaining submerged stumps and deadheads. Cattails are spread over much of the shallow shoreline area. Other floating and submerged aquatic plants provide good waterfowl habitat. The lake offers the experience of being in a remote area while only being a few miles from the downtown businesses of Presque Isle.

Easy 2 ½ hour paddle offers great opportunities to see moose, beaver, otter, muskrat, mink and numerous species of birds. The city of Presque Isle maintains a public boat ramp and picnic area.

Directions From North and South: Turn off Rt 1, Main Street Presque Isle, onto Chapman Street near St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Drive 1/8 mile, at intersection with brick court house on the right, continue left on Chapman St. Drive approx 2 1/2miles then turn left on to the Niles Rd. just after the WEGP Radio Tower on the right. Go ¼ mile then turn left at the Presque Isle ATV Club House driveway. ¼ mile to boat landing.

Arnold Brook Lake: MAG 65 E1

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This easy 1 – 2 hour paddle is only minutes from Presque Isle Airport. Access to Hanson Brook Lake can be obtained through the Skyway Industrial Park in Presque Isle where a concrete, public boat launch facility exists.

Hanson Brook Lake was created by construction of a large earthen dam across Hanson Brook. The towns of Presque Isle and Mapleton and the former U.S. Soil Conservation Service cooperated to complete the project. Prior to impoundment in 1966, the former Maine Fish and Game Department successfully removed most of the competing species in anticipation of creating a trout fishery. Spring fishing for brook trout is good.

The 118 acre lake is mostly undeveloped on the Southeast and Southwest shorelines. Year round homes and easy access makes this a great stop to practice skills or to enjoy a short ride. The ridge at the lake in the fall offers a beautiful paddle with colors radiating all around.

Hanson Lake: MAG 65 D5

Page 22: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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Presque Isle Stream, MAG 65 D1, offers a great easy 3 - 4 hr round trip paddle up from the down town area, 4 miles up to the North Branch of the Presque Isle Stream. The easy free flowing waters meander through the life line to Presque Isle’s past and future.

Undeveloped shoreline offers a wonderful experience to observe numerous bird species along with wildlife. Once you reach the North Branch or the camp on rivers right side going up stream, return to boat parking area where you started. Be careful to take out at the boat ramp area before the State Street Bridge. The Presque Isle Stream Dam is just after the bridge, consider-able injury or death could occur if one attempts to go over this unrunible dam.

From North and South: Turn off Rt 1, Main Street Presque Isle, onto Chapman Street, near St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Drive 1/8 mile past the brick court house on the right, turn right at the intersection, on to Riverside Dr. Boat ramp is 200 yards on right. Parking is across the street near the Brick Court House.

Presque Isle Stream

Don’t you see yourself here?

Page 23: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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This is a short trip about 6 miles in length. It is very scenic and you can expect to see moose and other wildlife along the way.

In the spring anglers will find good brook trout fishing. During the summer the deeper sections will produce excellent muskie fishing.

The river is canoeable during periods of highwater and can be run with kayaks during the driest summer with some work. It is a mix of rips and deadwaters that is easily paddled by even beginners.

Put in at the bridge on the Depot Rd at the five mile marker MAG 60 B5. The takeout is at the bridge crossing the Maibec Rd MAG 61 B2.

Big Black River Depot Road crossing to Maibec Road Crossing

The Saint-Pamphile Customs station is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Closed Holidays.

Gate fees do apply for entrance into North Maine Woods. Go to www.northmainewoods.org for more information.

Page 24: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

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St. John River Red Pine Airstrip to Priestly Bridge

Enjoying the mighty St. John.

Canoes await their adventure on the St. John. River.

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This is a leg of the famous St. John River trip that is a good day trip. The trip takes you through some of the wildest country left in East of the Mississippi River.

The St. John is only caneable during the spring highwater .It can be run with kayaks all summer. This is a full day trip and is about 22 miles in length. The river will vary from deadwater to easily runnable rips.

Put in at Red Pine Airstrip MAG 60 E5 of the American Realty Rd. This is a good campsite to stay overnight and be able to start your trip early the next morning. About 10 miles down river you will come to Nine Mile Bridge. The bridge is gone. The USGS has a hand cable car that crosses the river. It is locked so that it can not be used except by employees of the USGS.

Nine Mile bridge was once a logging depot and had a full time population of loggers, store keepers and even a school teacher. On the left hand shore you will see some private camps. Walk the road beyond these camps and you will find the remains of an old steam shovel.

Along the river you may notice pins driven into rocks and ledges. These are left over from the log driving days. The pins held booms in place to catch the logs floating down the river or to tie up supply barges used to traverse the river.

Another ten miles below this is Seven Islands. This was a full fledge town back in the lumbering days. On the left bank at the head of the Islands you will see a campsite. Here there are old farm implements on display. Watching the eroding banks through this section will often yield artifacts such as horse or oxen shoes and small hand tools.

In the woods behind this campsite several old buildings are still standing. They are difficult to locate and make sure you take a compass reading before heading into the woods to try and find them. Please do not take any of the contents of the buildings or disturb them.

About 2 miles below this is Priestly Bridge MAG 61 C3. The landing is on the right hand side just upstream of the bridge.

St. John River Red Pine Airstrip to Priestly Bridge

Maine Guide Linda Engelhardt shows off her catch.

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Start your trip at Michaud Farm on the Allagash River, MAG 62 A2. This historic farm dates back to the early logging days of the 1800’s. You will have access to the river through a North Maine Woods check point in Allagash. Day use fees should be the only fee incurred.

CAUTION: 3.25 miles below Michaud Farm is the Allagash Falls. The Portage Trail is located on the right hand side and is marked.

The Village of Allagash is 14 miles below this. There is a set of rips about 7.5 miles below the falls at Twin Brooks. This is about ½ mile long and is class II water.

Take out is on the upstream side of the Rt. 161 Bridge on the right side MAG 66 D4. The landowner will charge a nominal takeout fee when she sees you down there. This section of river can be run all season in a canoe or kayak. Numerous livery services in the Town of Allagash can transport you to the put in or ferry your vehicle back to the takeout point.

Good to excellent fishing for brook trout above the falls and at Twin Brooks Rapids in the spring. From the falls down to Allagash is good muskie fishing all season.

This trip is a little over 17 miles and will require a good full day to enjoy the trip.

Michaud Farm to Allagash down the Allagash River

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This trip has several options depending on how long you want to be on the river.

Put in points include Dickey Bridge Landing MAG 66 D3, Allagash Village at both the Rt.161 Bridge MAG 66 D4 and Two Rivers Lunch MAG 66 D4, The Hart Boat Landing in St. Francis MAG 67 C1 and takeout at Fort Kent boat landing MAG 67 B4.

From Allagsh Village to Fort Kent is 26 miles which can be done in a full day although you may be working all day to make the trip.

From St. Francis to Fort Kent is approximately 17 miles.

There is also a side of the road landing in St John MAG 67 C2 that will cut the trip to Fort Kent down to about 11 miles.

Although the river parallels Rt. 161 you will find few places where traffic is going to bother you.

Along this entire section of river is some very good muskie fishing all season. During low water periods running this section in a canoe may be difficult with the shallow riffles that occur. You can run it all season in a kayak and it is a very scenic trip.

Do not set foot on the left hand bank once you get below St. Francis as this is Canada and could be a problem with US and Canadian Customs and US Border Patrol.

The islands along this section are also great places to pick fiddleheads during the spring season.

Allagash to Fort Kent on the St. John River

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Burnt Landing on Square Lake to Eagle Lake

This trip can be done as a long day trip by taking out in Eagle Lake Village. Expect a distance of 10.50 miles.

This trip culminates at Burnt Landing on Square Lake. Accessing burnt Landing can be achieved via dirt road directly North of Cross Lake on Route 161.MAG 68 D2 Look for West Side Road to Square Lake Road. There is a large sign welcoming you to the landing baring the name Muscovic on it.

Upon entering the lake you will head in a westerly direction of 261 degrees or nearly west. Caution is advised crossing the lake as this lake can have a tendency to be very rough when windy. Approaching the shore you will be looking for the thoroughfare that will lead you through to Eagle Lake. Eagle lake thoroughfare is absolutely breathtaking and quite lengthy, to the tune of 3.50 miles. At 1.65 miles on the thoroughfare is a non-maintained campsite known as Half-Way brook Campsite. This is an excellent location to stretch your back and legs and grab a snack.

Upon entering Eagle Lake you will initially be heading east to West before the lake heads due north as this lake flows from South to North. . There are four campsites on the North shore of the lake in the direction of travel of the trip. The third campsite is called Camp Cozy, this one offers a covered picnic table shelter and an outhouse. The fourth campsite is Oak Point, Oak Point has a long pronounced sandy point that jets out into the lake, making this an excellent place to swim. It is also the closest campsite to the Village of Eagle Lake.

You will have to cross the lake to the southern shore in order to take out in the Village of Eagle Lake at the public boat ramp on Old Main St. MAG 67 E5

The trip is mostly flatwater paddling with some short but easy rips upon entering the thoroughfare from Square Lake. This trip can be made all summer in a kayak. Canoeing should be limited to highwater due to the shallow stretch in the thoroughfare just below Square Lake.

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Burnt Landing on Square Lake to Eagle Lake

Many wildlife viewing opportunities await you.

Trout, muskie and landlocked salmon are plentiful in these crystal waters.

The lakes offer great flatwater paddling for people of all ages.

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If you are looking for a short morning paddle to start the day or an evening paddle to end the day, this is it.

Put in at Rt 11 at the bridge, MAG 67 E5, on the south side of the bridge. It’s a short paddle down the river to Eagle Lake, 2.5 miles. Once on Eagle Lake turn West (left and head down the shoreline to the Public Boat Launch located on Old Main St, about one mile.

On the river you will see beavers, muskrats, eagles and occasionally a moose. The flats near the mouth of the river at the lake are a popular spot to pick fiddleheads, a regional delicacy, in the spring of the year. Baring having to stop and pick fiddleheads you can do this trip in a couple of hours.

Fish River from Rt 11 to Eagle Lake

Picturesque Eagle Lake.

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Eagle Lake to Soldier Pond

This trip is about 9.5 miles and traverses Eagle Lake and part of the Fish River. Start the trip at the Eagle Lake public boat ramp, MAG 67 E5, located on Old Main St.

Travel down the lake in a northerly direction and you come to the outlet of the lake. This will be marked by a series of log driving piers that still remain today.

At which point you will now be in the Fish River. The Fish River is known locally as an excellent fishery and can provide for some pretty entertaining fishing. The Fish River, much like the Eagle Lake Thoroughfare is a valuable natural resource to the fish and game and often times may see Moose, Deer, or even a soaring Bald Eagle overhead. You will follow the Fish River for 3.80 miles until you arrive in the village of Soldier Pond MAG 67 D5, upon going under the bridge, the public take out will be immediately on your right. This will be the conclusion of an amazing trip!

The trip is all flatwater. Use caution on Eagle Lake if wind is in the forecast as this lake can get rough with a north or south wind.

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Put in at the public boat landing in Soldier Pond MAG 67 D5. The trip starts as flatwater. Caution: One mile below Soldier Pond is a four foot drop. A portage trail is on the left hand bank.

Rips will be encountered the next five miles but they are easy. At the five mile point you will come to Fish River Falls MAG 67 C5. This is a Class V section. It is not advisable to run this section. A well used portage trail is on the right hand shore above the falls. A beautiful view of the falls is seen from the trial at the top of trail.

Below the falls you will encounter a class II section about 200 feet long. If you do try to run it, do so on the right hand side.

The rest of the trip is easy to the take out at the public boat launch in Fort Kent MAG 67 B4 on the right hand side of the river just around the corner. On the left banking you will see the Fort Kent Blockhouse. This fort was built to protect the lumbering rights to the region and was the scene of the Ashburton-Webster treaty that eventually decided the border between Maine and Canada. The fort is open to the public during the summer months.

This is an easy day trip even with the portages that have to be made. Run with a kayak all year and canoe during periods of highwater.

Soldier Pond to Fort Kent on the Fish River

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Cross Lake Boat landing is off the Disy Road between Madawaska Lake and Cross Lake MAG 68 D3. The boat landing road is a long dirt road down to the shore of the lake. Upon arriving at the lake you will find a well maintained boat launch that offers covered picnic tables, outhouses, and a beautiful gravel beach. Cross Lake Boat Landing offers an excellent location to launch trailerd boats or kayaks/canoes. This trips starts with flat water lake paddling for 1.19 miles across Cross Lake to the Square Lake thoroughfare.

At an approximate compass bearing of 236 degrees or a direction of S.S.W.. Upon arriving at the Square Lake thoroughfare, you will often times find bald eagles. Upon entering Square Lake thoroughfare you will be amazed at the remote feeling you get when paddling across the thoroughfare. The thoroughfare itself is .87 miles until you enter Square Lake. On windy days Square Lake is often times referred to as an ocean. So be forewarned before entering this lake in a small vessel that it can be very windy and turn windy in a moment’s notice.

When entering Square Lake continue straight or hug the right shore line for 1.90 miles in a direction of 325 degrees or a direction of W.N.W.. Upon arriving at the Square lake boat landing you will find a rough gravel boat launch that often times has a spring tinkling down through it. You will also notice a large sign bearing the name Muscovic on it.

All flatwater paddeling and great short day trip.

Cross Lake Boat Landing to Burnt Landing on Square Lake

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The trip starts at the outlet of Long Lake in Sinclair, Me. Directly adjacent to the Sinclair Fire house. MAG 68 C3. Easy put in and plenty of space to turn a trailer around.

Within walking distance of the boat launch is Martins Conve-nience Store that sells provisions and gasoline. After a half mile downstream paddle through the meandering thoroughfare you will enter Mud Lake. The left shore of this lake is uninhabited and offers excellent opportunities to view wildlife, including bald eagles and moose. Caution is advised as if there is a headwind on this stretch of water it may be difficult paddling as this section is entirely on open water with very little protection from the wind. Mud Lake is approximately 2.27 miles to the Cross Lake thoroughfare. Upon exiting Mud Lake you will be entering Cross Lake thoroughfare. An awesome place in the fall to witness spawning Brook Trout and Landlocked Salmon. At approximately 1.17 miles on your right side and just before going under the route 161 bridge is St. Peter’s Store, 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. And on hot days, ice cream is available. Upon leaving St. Peter’s store you will go under the route 161 bridge. You will follow this section of water for .80 miles until it flows in to Cross Lake, upon entering Cross Lake you will go left for 2.52 miles. The left side of the lake is completely uninhabited. During the summer months Cross Lake is a very busy lake with a lot of boat activity. Be sure to make yourself visible to other watercraft. After a lengthy paddle you will come to the Cross Lake boat landing MAG 68 D3 which offers excellent trailer access and covered picnic tables. The boat landing is an excellent place to swim and offers a wharf/dock that makes for a great place to relax at the conclusion of your paddle.

The trip is all flatwater.

Sinclair to Cross Lake Boat Landing

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Page 36: Northern Maine Water Trails Book & Maps

Guidebook●Maps●Trip Planner●Membership www.NorthernForestCanoeTrail.org

740 miles…a lifetime of canoe and kayak destinations

Follow the Allagash and St. John rivers to our Eastern terminus in Fort Kent