OVERNIGHT TRIPS
For me, tripping (overnight paddles) is the heart of canoeing in Maine.
Signing up for an overnight trip means that I've got us covered! I provide everything we need for paddling, safety, eating, dry bags, vehicle shuttle and North Maine Woods fees. You provide personal gear, sleeping bag and pad, a sense of adventure and curiosity, and a willingness to participate and pitch in!
Flatwater Trips
Lobster Lake
2- 4 days, No experience required
Excellent family or group destination, we put boats in adjacent to the West Branch of the Penobscot River, paddling through meandering river to reach the lake. This lake boasts numerous beach-front campsites, excellent for groups and families. Potential day excursions include hiking Lobster Mountain, paddling around Big Island, visiting the wetlands at sunrise/sunset for moose sightings, fishing, sunbathing, blueberry picking. A relaxing, low-key trip.
Nahmakanta Lake
2-4 days, no experience required
This lake trip is designed for the hiker. Paddle each day to a different trailhead, hike a section of the Appalachian trail, Debsconeag Backcountry Trail, visiting many backcountry ponds and small rock bluffs and miles of trails along small ponds, all accessible from the Lake.
Debsconeag Lakes
3-6 days, no experience required
Progress from Debsconeag Deadwater, the 1st Debsconeag, Second, and Third, this chain of lakes provides a quiet and wild backcountry experience with camping available at each lake. Excellent fishing lakes, with opportunity to hike to remote trout pond. Optional day or overnight portage to Second and Third Debsconeag, each lake becoming more remote.
River Trips
Allagash River
5-10 days, Class I - II, camping experience required, runnable from May - October
St John
5-9 days, Class II - III, white water experience required, runnable only in May
West Branch Penobscot
4-6 days, Class I - II, camping experience required, runnable May - September
Seboeis, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
3-5 days, Class I - II, camping experience required, runnable May - June
St Croix
4 days, Class I - II, camping experience required, runnable May - August
2021 Trips:
Moose River Bow Trip
A collaboration between Waterways Guide Service & Mountainsong Expeditions
The Moose River Bow canoe trip is a well-rounded introduction to canoe tripping, including paddling two scenic island-studded ponds, a gentle river, short class I and II rapids (all optional, you may walk around if you prefer), and hiking a 1.25 mile portage. This 34-mile loop starts and ends in the same location, meaning no car shuttle, a perfect pandemic trip! Trip highlights include Holeb Falls, Attean and Holeb Ponds, and quiet stretches with wildlife-viewing opportunities. We’ll camp at a different site each night, and will have plenty of time for swimming, exploring, or other pursuits. We will cook delicious meals over the campfire each night, and all food is provided.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn many canoe camping skills in a safe and inclusive environment, including paddling, campfire cooking, knots, and navigation. We will provide canoes, PFDs, paddles, and drybags for your personal gear. You need to bring a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and personal items.
This trip is suitable for beginner paddlers, and requires participants to carry gear on a 1.25 mile portage. This trip is open to marginalized genders (women, trans people, and non-binary people).
Cost: $895
Dates: July 11-15, 2021
Location: Meet us in Jackman, Maine, at Attean Landing
Your Guides: Jackie Stratton (she/her, Registered Maine Guide & badass female paddler) and Murphy Robinson (they/them, NFCT Thrupaddler 2019 & badass queer transmasculine paddler)
For more information and to register, check out Mountainsong Expedition.