The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is Maine’s best known canoe trip and has attracted paddler’s for more than a century. Henry David Thoreau ventured into this region more than 150 years ago by traveling into the Allagash via the Mud Pond Carry from the West Penobscot watershed. The legendary Allagash is Maine’s only designated Wild and Scenic River.
- 2024 Schedule
- PDF Document, Pre Trip Planning, Q & A, detailed trip Info
- Book a Trip: CLICK HERE
- Custom Allagash Canoe Trips
- Allagash Tails (Allagash readings)
Canoe the Wild Allagash Highlight Video, Summer 2020
Allagash canoe trips are popular with families, scouts, teens, summer camps, as well as adult and youth groups. With its easy flowing river sections and its moderate whitewater on Chase Stream Rapids, the Allagash is well suited for ages 12 and up. It is one of the few eastern rivers that can be paddled for a week or longer without coming into contact with modern civilization.
If you’re hoping to encounter wildlife, the Allagash is where you want to be. It has consistently been our best Maine canoe trip for spotting wildlife, including moose and eagles. With numerous put in and take out locations, outings can be planned from four to ten days.
At its headwaters are numerous lakes including Chamberlain, Allagash, Eagle, and Churchill. The northern section taking you from Chase Stream Rapids to Allagash Village, involves mostly river travel; you’ll be paddling Umsuskis and Long Lakes, Round Pond, and portaging around 40′ Allagash Falls.
The region is rich in logging history, and there are numerous artifacts that can be explored from days gone by. You’ll have a chance to visit the remains of Lombard stream haulers, a tramway from Eagle to Chamberlain Lake, and two locomotives on the shores of Eagle Lake.
A Guided Allagash Canoe Trip Provides
A safe and enjoyable time, guides take care of all the logistics including, trip planning, itinerary, transportation into the North Maine Woods to our launch location, equipment & canoes, meals and covering significant day use and camping fees at North Maine Woods points of entry. Campsites located on the river’s edge are rustic with picnic tables, fire pit and a well maintained outhouse. We camp in tents and cooking is done over an open fire.
Choose 5, 6, 7, or 8 days: Our 8-day trip takes in the entire traditional Allagash canoe route (93 miles) involves paddling the 3 large headwater lakes of Chamberlain, Eagle and Churchill ending in Allagash Village. Our 7-day trip (82 miles) begins on Indian Steam the south end of Eagle Lake ending in Allagash Village. Our 5 & 6 day trips (45 & 62 miles) skips the larger headwater lakes of Chamberlain and Eagle Lake launching at Churchill dam ending at Michaud Farms or Allagash village. Our 5 & 6 day trips include spending the first night on Churchill Lake allowing plenty of time to brush up on basic paddling skills in preparation for lively Chase Stream Rips the next morning. We’ll paddle Umsaskis & Long Lakes, meandering river sections, Round Pond, Musquacook Deadwater and portage around scenic 40’ Allagash Falls. Our takeout time on the last day is noontime with arrival back to your vehicles by early afternoon. Note in the event of low water or consecutive wind days that cause an extended delay, trips that were planned for Allagash Village may opt to take out at Michaud Farms.
It’s not a marathon: Except for the 1st and last days, average distance and time on the water is 10 miles and 6-7 hours with breaks and lunch. Our itinerary is planned to arrive in camp by the middle of the afternoon allowing for time to set up camp and enjoy some down time. During this time, you may want to swim, fish, help with camp chores, learn a new camping skill, head off with your camera in search of wildlife and explore. Exceptions to this schedule may include being delayed due to wind so it’s best not to plan a schedule that doesn’t allow for a wind delay.
Best times to paddle the Allagash: Mid-May through mid-September. While fishing is at its best in the spring when the water is cold, the height of bug season tends to be the last few days of May thought the 3rd week of June. The most popular times to paddle the Allagash are July and August with warm days and less bugs. Early fall is an excellent time with fewer people, no bugs, and the beginning of fall colors.
New to canoeing? Be sure to view our instructional videos made in collaboration with Old Town Canoe. This short 3-part series covers: Basic Canoe Strokes, Canoe Paddling Maneuvers, Running Rapids. You can view them here.
Book a Trip: CLICK HERE
Allagash Resources
2023 Allagash Testimonial
“CANNOT rave about Canoe the Wild enough. It’s been 35 years since my Dad has been on the Allagash and we wanted to do a family trip. To knowledgeable guides to tasty meals, everything was worth every penny.” Samantha
“Truly a great trip! Just did the 7 day Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Dave is a consumate outdoorsman, and very knowledgeable about the history of the North Maine Woods. The equipment he provided for us was in excellent condition. The food was great, and Dave is an excellent chef! I will be returning for another trip with Canoe the Wild!” Jay
“This was a wonderful trip full of scenic beauty. Dave is an outstanding guide. He provided a wealth of historical and wilderness knowledge and was entirely focused on his customers having the best adventure possible. I would certainly do another trip!” Ben
“Canoe the Wild will be the highlight of my summer. The entire experience was well organized and managed professionally. The guides were not only knowledgeable on and off the Allagash River, they were also extremely patient and kind, treating each guest as if they were old friends. The food far surpassed my expectations and gear was nothing but top quality. I would give them a 5 star plus rating. If you are looking for an outdoor experience to remember for a lifetime, look no further. My personal thanks to Dave, Tammy and Wayne for all their hard work!” Donald
Canoe the Wild Past Allagash River Trips
