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NORTHERN FOREST CANOE TRAIL: This trail offers a 700 mile journey through the area's largely forested waterways, gorges and portages. The trail follows the ancient water route of Native Americans traveling from Old Forge, New York to Fort Kent, Maine.
     Locally, the trail comes up through Umbagog Lake, the Richardson Lakes, Mooselookmeguntic and Rangeley Lake, and continues with a long portage to the south branch of the Dead River. Spring is the ideal time to run this route, when melting snows raise the area's water levels, although the lakes and ponds can be paddled from Spring to Fall. Canoeist should plan on spending approximately two to five days on this local section of the trail.
     A detailed, color map, which includes local hiking trails, can be purchased from the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust for $5.95 plus tax. Please write to: Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, P.O. Box 249, Oquossoc, Maine 04964, or call: 207-864-7311.

RANGELEY LAKES CHAIN CANOE TRIPS: Starting at the Town Park in the center of the Village of Rangeley, there is an eight mile paddle across Rangeley Lake to Oquossoc, with a portage of 1.5 miles to Haines Landing on Mooselookmeguntic Lake. A commercial camping area is located on the northern shore of Cupsuptic Lake. Private wilderness campsites are also scattered along the western shore of Mooselookmeguntic Lake and on some of the small islands.  Mooselookmeguntic Lake is the largest of the Rangeley Chain. Caution is urged on this large lake, where wind can whip up rapidly. We suggest crossing to the west shore and staying close to this shore to avoid accidents.
     There is a twelve mile paddle to Upper Dam, with a carry of 1/8 mile around the dam to reach Upper Richardson through "The Narrows" and across Lower Richardson Lake. Numerous campsites are available along the shores of the Richardson Lakes which are operated by the South Arm Campground at South Arm, Maine.
     From Middle Dam to South Arm is 6 miles. South Arm lies at the northern terminus of Route 5 where there is a good dock, boat ramp and commercial campground with full facilities including hot showers and a grocery store.
     Arrangements can be made with Lakewood Camps to have canoes portaged across the 6-mile Rapid River to Umbagog Lake. It is 8 miles from Sunday Cove to Upton at the lower end of Umbagog Lake.

NORRIDGEWOCK STREAM: The Chesterville Wildlife Management Area in Chesterville, Maine has been managed as a waterfowl production area since the 1950's. Canoeist can paddle down the stream and see a beautiful array of waterfowl and other wetland life. Call 207-778-3324 for more information.

SANDY RIVER: This 11 mile trip from Strong to Farmington offers a few rapids and several places to stop along the way.

TEMPLE STREAM: Located in Temple, Maine, this stream offers an 8 mile trip with Class II - III rapids. It is best run in the spring.

CARRABASSETT RIVER: The area above East New Portland offers Class II to III whitewater and must be paddled in the spring!

DEAD RIVER (NORTH BRANCH): Put your canoe in at the dam in Eustis. The road is right behind the Trails End Restaurant in the village of Eustis. Follow the river down to the first bridge and past the Cathedral Pines Campground. Continue along, staying to the right and under the Stratton Bridge to the landing.

DEAD RIVER, (SOUTH BRANCH): This trip flows through a broad valley of fertile farmland to Stratton, at the head of Flagstaff Lake, and starts smoothly, but is followed by Class II to III whitewater. The trip should be run before June.

KENNEBAGO RIVER, (UPPER BRANCH): Take the 1st left after crossing the Tim Brook Bridge in Eustis on Route 27. This is a dirt road and may need to be traveled slowly (watch for the trucking). Travel about 19 miles to the boat landing on Kennebago Stream. If you go upstream you"ll be entering Little Kennebago Lake.
     Going downstream is a very nice canoe trip. Early morning is the best time to see wildlife. Return the same way you went downstream. Don't worry, the water is not fast.

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