The Maine Highlands Guidebook Maine Highlands Guidebook 2019-2021 | Page 17

Kenduskeag
Stream
Canoe Race
The Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race,
held annually for over 50 years, is the
largest paddling event in New England
and one of the largest nationwide.
MOOSEHEAD LAKE Launch at Greenville Junction Wharf, Rockwood
Town Landing, Lily Bay State Park, or Seboomook to explore the
open water and undeveloped islands of Maine’s largest lake.
LINCOLN LAKES The Lincoln area is home to thirteen lakes, all
of which are excellent for recreational boating and fishing.
The Allagash River is Maine’s only designated Wild and Scenic River.
It is a part of the ALLAGASH WILDERNESS WATERWAY, a pathway
of connected lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams that winds through
vast commercial forests. With many places to put in and take out
and 81 primitive campsites along the waterway’s 92-mile length,
wilderness canoe and kayak trips from 4–10 days are possible.
THE NORTHERN FOREST CANOE TRAIL stretches 740 miles,
from northern Maine west through New Hampshire, Vermont,
parts of Quebec and into New York’s Adirondack Mountains,
offering the challenge of a lifetime for thru-paddlers.
REGISTER YOUR BOAT
All motorized craft must be registered. Certain types of boats and
motors are restricted in some bodies of water. For registration and
regulations, see maine.gov/ifw/atv_snowmobile_watercraft.
On the third weekend of April, somewhere
near 1,000 paddlers and their craft converge
on the town of Kenduskeag to race 16.5 miles
down the Kenduskeag Stream to downtown
Bangor. Ten miles of the race course are on
flat water while the other 6.5 pass through
Class I, II, and III rapids, and avoid Class
IV rapids with two mandatory portages.
Crowds of spectators flock to tricky falls
to watch the boats jostle for position and
negotiate the rocks—and often, to upend
their occupants into the frigid water.
Aspiring racers over age 12 can enter at
kenduskeagstreamcanoerace.com.
Gear Up
For a self-guided trip, you should have
canoeing and camping experience
and all the necessary equipment and
gear to shelter, feed, and supply your
party. Or hire a professional outfitter
or guide to make trip planning easy.
Many outfitters, as well as campgrounds
and state parks, offer affordable canoe
and kayak rentals. In Baxter State
Park, canoes and kayaks are available
at many pondside campgrounds.
SAFETY ALWAYS
Lifejackets are always required on the water in Maine; you
must carry one wearable personal flotation device (PFD) per
person—and wearing it at all times is highly recommended.
THE MAINE HIGHLANDS.COM |
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