{"id":2735,"date":"2016-08-13T03:53:42","date_gmt":"2016-08-13T10:53:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/?p=2735"},"modified":"2016-08-12T17:01:38","modified_gmt":"2016-08-13T00:01:38","slug":"northern-forest-canoe-trail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/featured\/northern-forest-canoe-trail\/","title":{"rendered":"Northern Forest Canoe Trail"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Canoe<\/p>\n

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail covers 740 miles of rivers, streams,\u00a0lakes and portages (53 miles) across New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Quebec. \u00a0For the most part it follows routes used by Native Americans from Old Forge, New York to Fort Kent, Maine. \u00a0Completing the entire trail is a major challenge, but there are sections of varying lengths that allow you\u00a0to create the adventure of your choice.<\/p>\n

According to information on the sign shown below:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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The Northern Forest Canoe Trail connects quiet marshes, expansive lakes, and swiftly flowing rivers while traversing deep forests, working farmlands and village centers. \u00a0The 740-mle trail has a section for everyone \u2013 beginners, experts, canoeists, and kayakers \u2013 for a day, overnight, or longer.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

\"Northern<\/p>\n

Planning<\/h1>\n

Fortunately there is a Northern Forest Canoe Trail non-profit organization that has developed a website (www.northernforestcanoetrail.org<\/a>) that offers lots of planning help. If you are serious about traveling much or all of the trail, \u00a0you will want to purchase the Northern Forest Canoe Trail Guidebook.<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0You will also want to purchase maps for the segments you would like to travel. \u00a0There are thirteen maps:<\/p>\n

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  1. Fulton Chain of Lakes to Long Lake<\/a>\n

  2. Long Lake to Saranac River<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Saranac River to Lake Champlain<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Lake Champlain and Missisquoi River<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Missisquoi River to Lake Memphremagog<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Lake Memphremagog to Connecticut<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Connecticut River to Umbagog Lake<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Umbagog Lake to Rangeley Lake<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Rangeley Lake to Spencer Stream<\/a><\/li>\n
  10. Spencer Stream to Moosehead Lake<\/a><\/li>\n
  11. Moosehead Lake to Umbazooksas Stream<\/a><\/li>\n
  12. Umbazooksas Stream to Umsaskis Lake<\/a><\/li>\n
  13. Umsaskis Lake to St. John River<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    With the website, the guide book, the maps and some time to study them, you will have a pretty good idea of what is ahead of you. \u00a0You should also study the “Through Paddler Cheat Sheet”<\/a>\u00a0for lots of great advice.<\/p>\n

    As far as the time it will take for a through paddle goes \u2013 it depends. \u00a0The fastest travelers can do it in around 25 days. Forty days is a reasonable average and many adventurers take 50 days or more. \u00a0While time depends a lot on you, \u00a0trail and weather conditions can vary considerably and upset the best laid plans. \u00a0Rapids that most people float through may need to be portaged if water levels aren’t right. \u00a0You will need to take the time to scout out these situations and plan your best course.<\/p>\n

    Preparations<\/h1>\n

    It’s called a canoe trail because the original travelers used canoes. \u00a0You can use a kayak, but either way you will need to be skilled in the use of your chosen mode of transportation. \u00a0You will need to be able to move upstream a total of 160 miles, navigate rapids up to Class IV, portage a total of \u00a053 miles with your boat and all your equipment and generally work very hard\u00a0along the way. \u00a0You may need to drag your boat through knee deep mud\u00a0and fight hordes of biting insects. \u00a0You will need to be in good shape .<\/p>\n

    Equipment<\/h1>\n
    \"Lake<\/a>

    Lake Champlain<\/p><\/div>\n

    You will need a sturdy boat, built for rough conditions, that remains maneuverable yet light enough to get through the portages. \u00a0If you are not equipped with a canoe like that, \u00a0you might study the information at Canoe Guide<\/a> to help you select a model that can work for you.<\/p>\n

    You’ll have to select a paddle that works for you in all conditions, and better bring a spare as well. \u00a0You will also, more than likely, want wheels for portaging your canoe<\/a>, unless you practice carrying your canoe and equipment a lot before your trip. \u00a0Carts that sit under the center of the canoe are generally recommended. \u00a0Be aware that wheels won’t help you on some of the portages – they are just too rough.<\/p>\n

    Plus, \u00a0you will need all the gear you would typically carry on an extended backpacking trip. \u00a0There are urban areas along the way so there will be opportunities for restaurant food. \u00a0Sometimes fuel for your stove is hard to find, \u00a0so be sure to bring enough to get you through.<\/p>\n

    Getting There and Getting Back<\/h1>\n

    Both\u00a0Old Forge, New York and\u00a0Fort Kent, Maine are fairly remote with limited services. \u00a0Your best bet is to make arrangements to be dropped off and picked up before you leave home. \u00a0Other options are more available if you choose more urban endpoints for your adventure.<\/p>\n

    Slide Show<\/h1>\n

    This video by Katina Daanen is a slide show of a 53-day through-paddle. \u00a0The annotated photos give a great feel for the experience the trail offers.<\/p>\n

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