The County - Aroostook Visitor Guide 2020 Visitor Guide to Aroostook County | Page 14

THE COUNTY | 2020-2021 it reflects the sky above and offers the keen observer a glimpse into the hidden world beneath the surface. Who wouldn’t want to spend every waking minute “out there?” As a child it starts with joyful splashing in the sandy shallow and grows into chasing minnows and frogs; worm dunking and lazy hours spent just f loating. It’s that first big trout caught on a f ly line, or swimming across the lake. Each of these indelible memories sparks a love of life spent on the water. From small, unnamed ponds and vast lakes to well-known broad rivers that run hundreds of miles, water is everywhere in Aroostook County. Unspoiled places are famous for their beauty and connection to the natural world. Whether you prefer f loating in a tube, swimming, paddling a canoe or kayak, or taking to a stand-up, the ways to get on the water are nearly as endless as the bodies of water, including some of the world’s most iconic paddling experiences. WHEN THE LIGHT ON THE WATER IS JUST RIGHT, In northern Aroostook, the upper St. John is a majestic river that springs from deep in the Maine Woods. And it’s the longest wild river in the East—over 400 miles to the Atlantic from its start at Baker Lake. The County is also the northern terminus of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and home to the Fort Kent Muskie Derby. From here the river meanders alongside some of the region’s most beloved historic communities as it travels to the sea. Swimming, paddling, or playing in the water, these are timeless experiences that can be enjoyed by anyone. In The County, this resource is a part of everyday recreational life, with riverside campsites and sporting camps on virtually every lake. All you need is a sense of adventure; outfitters will help with the rest. Then all that’s left to do is relax. Visit our website for more information about activities on the water in the region. 12 Discover what America’s wild rivers once looked like along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, with its interconnected lakes, ponds, streams, and river stretching 65 miles from the heart of the North Maine Woods. Whether you paddle for fun or are a devotee of the sport, the Allagash is an iconic paddling experience.