Maine is home to many natural wonders such as our endless rocky coastline, beautiful beaches, pristine national parks, a rigorous stretch of the Appalachian Trail leading to its finish line of Mount Katahdin and so many more. However, many people would agree that there are actually two Maines. Southern Maine is home to an overwhelmingly large percentage of the state, with the majority of its population centered in the Portland area. Many people, including native Mainers are oblivious to just what exactly the second Maine is. Most people would say that once you get past Bangor all that follows are trees and potato farms; little do they know that this second Maine is like no other place in the country.
With the growing demand for industry and real estate development, the concept of an American Frontier is almost unheard of. Tucked away in the depths of Aroostook County you can find the North Maine Woods, which is only a small portion of Maine’s 17 million acres of forest. The North Maine Woods serves as the home to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. The Allagash River is known as one of the only North flowing rivers in the state and runs parallel to the St. John River, which also happens to be the river dividing Maine and Canada. These two rivers are well known in the canoeing and kayaking world as two of the greatest boating trips in the country. The Allagash begins at Chamberlain Lake and flows 92 miles to the first signs of civilization at its end point in the town of Allagash. Along the river, boaters will encounter challenging class II rapids in the 9 mile stretch known as Chase Rapids which begin directly after Churchill Dam, a popular starting point that cuts off Eagle Lake and Churchill Lake, shortening the trip down to about 75 miles. A gear transportation service is offered so boaters can tackle the rapids with an empty canoe or kayak, which is highly recommended, because capsizing is a common occurrence throughout the rapids. It is highly recommended that boaters have moderate boating experience and plan accordingly before embarking on the waterway. There are Maine Forest Rangers and Game Wardens monitoring the river but running into one on the trip rarely happens.
Before embarking on this trip of a lifetime, there are some things you should prepare for prior to departure:
1. Make sure that you have packed the appropriate amount of food and gear in relation to how far you are traveling.
2. Everything you bring should be transported in water-tight dry bags and securely placed in the boat.
3. Every boat is required to be equipped with a class II life vest for each passenger and a spare paddle.
4. All boaters must check in their party prior to the trip so that the Forest Rangers and Wardens are aware of who is on the waters at all times.
5. It is important to map out your trip ahead of time, especially if you are traveling in a group, so if your party gets separated you will know where to meet. Mapping your trip is also helpful to know what you will be encountering along the way.
6. Make sure you check the water levels of the river for the time you will be traveling; paddling a canoe is much more enjoyable than carrying it. There are points along the river where you are required to portage your boat around dangerous rapids.
The waterway map also shows the location of all of the campsites, rangers posts and historic sites along the way. All of the campsites provide a picnic table, outhouse, and a fire pit. These sites are maintained by volunteers to provide a safe and comfortable experience, so it is strongly encouraged to treat them with great respect. That means cleaning up everything you use and leaving the site as you found it. A crucial safety tip while camping out for the night is to make sure that you don’t leave any food or trash left out overnight. Many animals, particularly bears have an extraordinary sense of smell and these are wild animals; it won’t be Yogi making a visit to your site in the middle of the night. Trash that is harmful to burn should be bagged and sealed, and it is also recommended to hang your garbage away from the site off of a tree branch. The Allagash is home to many animals, therefore hunting or trapping on the waterway is strictly prohibited. Fishing is allowed but all fishers must have a Maine fishing license. Moose have always been a Maine icon and throughout your trip it is almost guaranteed that you will encounter one. An important thing to remember is that they are in fact wild animals. They are very exciting animals to see, but they are large, dangerous animals. The most important thing to remember about Maine wildlife is that as long as an animal does not feel threatened, there is a very slim chance that they will have any problem with you being around them. The most dangerous thing you could do is get close to a moose calf or a bear cub, because you best believe that mommy is nearby, and these animals are very territorial and protective of their young. Once you are aware of the safety and code of the river, you are ready to begin an unforgettable trip where you will experience some of the greatest things Maine has to offer.
While on your Northern Maine excursion, you will be spoiled with historical landmarks along the way. The most famous landmark along the way is the Allagash Falls, an immense waterfall with powerful water flow. Once you are done portaging it serves as a great place to take a swim. There are some safe ledges to jump off at the bottom of the falls that will send you on an exhilarating ride in the strong currents. The river ends in the town of Allagash where the St. John River meets with the Allagash. This tiny town is home to friendly locals and a great diner called Two Rivers Café, a perfect place to get a hot meal after a long, strenuous trip.
Describing the true beauty and excitement of the Allagash River is a daunting task, so if you want to experience one of the greatest outdoor adventures this country has to offer, then head up north and see if you have what it takes to take on the Allagash.