From the remote wilderness of the North Maine Woods, ponds, brooks, and streams converge to create a network of waterways that you can paddle for a few days or a few weeks. Crystal clear water, abundant wildlife and fish, and journeys where you'll likely see more moose than people are just some of the things that wait.

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Adventure Trips

Allagash Wilderness Waterway – trips on the Allagash can range from a few days to over a week and offer a combination of lakes, flat water, and some Class I-II whitewater, though the bulk of the trip is easy paddling. Several short portages are required to complete the entire waterway and numerous side trips are possible.

Upper St. John River – trips can range from a few days to over a week. Expect strong current through most of the journey, many Class I-II and two Class III rapids. The upper St. John reaches one of the largest river systems on the east coast of North America.

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail begins in Old Forge, New York and ends in the town of Fort Kent, Maine. This trail extends 740 miles and connects Maine, New Hampshire, Quebec, and New York using a natural flat water route for canoe and kayaks.

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2025 Canoe Race Schedule

• Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race - Saturday, May 3rd
  • The Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race is a 9-mile adventure that has been part of Houlton’s history, for over 38 years. The event for which paddlers “from away” praise the Town of Houlton and its collaborative spirit, hosts over 100 paddlers. Our friends from outside the County love that we give away Aroostook County potatoes as parting gifts and say it’s the best part of the day!
  • Starts: 10 AM at 189 Station Road in New Limerick
  • Finishes: Gateway Crossing Bridge, Houlton‍
  • Register: (207) 532-4216 & director@greaterhoulton.com or day of.
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• Aroostook River Spring Run Off Canoe & Kayak Race – Sunday, May 4th
  • The Aroostook River Spring Run Off Canoe & Kayak Race is a 6.2 miles race that begins at the Lower Lyndon Street boat landing in Caribou. The race finishes at Forbes Pit Boat Launch at 1100 Fort Fairfield Road, Caribou.
  • Register in advance or day of 8:30-9:30 AM, race starts at 10:00 AM.
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• Baskahegan Stream Canoe Race - Saturday, May 10th
  • Preregistration required, check in 7:00 AM, race starts 7:30 AM
  • Starts: East Grand High School, Danforth
  • Type: FW 34 miles (wilderness paddling)
  • Register online and view race details here or contact: Dave Conley (207) 551-8729, dave@canoethewild.com
    • Note: This will is in conjunction with the East Grand Adventure Race as a paddle only option. Race will be shortened if wind is forecasted. Entry fee includes lunch, t-shirt and awards.
• East Grand Adventure Race - Saturday, May 10th
  • Preregistration required, check in 7:30-8:00 AM, race starts 8:45 AM
  • Starts: East Grand High School, Danforth
  • 20 miles-compass run, mountain bike, climbing wall and paddle. Challenges include climbing wall, tough muddercrawl, log rolling. Seven Divisions, High School, Adult, Family, Open.
  • Register online and view race details here or contact: Dave Conley (207) 551-8729, dave@canoethewild.com
    • Registration fee includes t-shirt, lunch and awards.‍‍
• ‍Aroostook River Fun Run Canoe Race – Canceled for 2025
  • website: www.presqueislerotary.org/riverrun

• Madawaska River Run – Sunday, May 18th
  • The 44th annual Madawaska River Canoe Race is a 6.1-miles race that passes through beautiful evergreen forests in Stockholm, Maine.
  • Race Start: Little Madawaska Road Bridge at 10:00 AM
  • Registration: 9:00 AM at the bridge‍
• Allagash Dash - Sunday, May 18th‍
  • 15mile canoe race beginning at the confluence of the Allagash and St John Rivers in the town of Allagash and ending at Hart's Landing in St Francis.
    ‍Register (email: allagashdash@gmail.com) by May 16th to get a free tshirt or at the race before the 10:00 AM start time.
  • Shuttle between the start and finish line.

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Canoeing Maps

The Maine Trail Finder is where you will find more than 25 mapped canoeing areas for Aroostook County. These maps depict the public parking, rapids, any campsites, and description to help you become familiar with the routes. Use your free Maine Trail Finder account to keep track of all your paddles in Aroostook County and the Maine Trail Finder will automatically award you a digital CROWN COUNTY PADDLER badges as you complete any of the water trails here.

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