Allagash Wilderness Waterway

Round Pond in early winter.

Allagash Falls.

Pumphandle blueflags on Eagle Lake.

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is a magnificent 92-mile-long string of ponds, lakes and streams winding through the heart of Maine's north woods.

A complete canoe trip of the Allagash takes seven to 10 days, but shorter routes are available. There are 80 established primitive campsites along the way. No-trace camping is encouraged.

Water levels vary throughout the season, but most canoeists paddle the Allagash between mid-May and mid-September. Suitably-equipped canoeists can experience class II white water in the Allagash.

The longest trip starts at Telos Lake, near the northwestern edge of Baxter State Park, and ends at West Twin Brook. Many canoeists paddle another five miles to Allagash Village at the confluence of the St. John and Allagash rivers.

Portage service is available at scheduled times from the Waterway Ranger at Churchill Dam for canoeists who do not wish to run Chase Rapids, or who want to run the rapids without gear. A fee is charged for the service.

Fishing for lake whitefish, togue and brook trout is good.

Access to the waterway is limited and visitors must pay a fee to use the road leading to it. Fees are also charged to camp. One campsite, outhouse and parking at Churchill Dam is wheelchair-accessible. Contact Maine's Bureau of Parks and Lands for canoeing, parking and registration information.

A launch for motorized boats is available at Chamberlain Thoroughfare. Canoe launches are found at Churchill Dam, Bissonnette Bridge, Umsaskis Thoroughfare, Henderson Bridge and Michaud Farm.

Winter use of the Allagash has increased with the advent of the snowmobile. There are designated areas available to snowmobilers. Call for detailed information. All snowmobiling must be done on frozen lakes or unplowed roads, there are no groomed trails.

Other winter activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Some campsites are available for winter camping.