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 | 17