Allagash Wilderness Waterway, state wilderness area in Maine
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is a nearly 100-mile-long water system in northern Maine made up of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams that wind through dense forests. Multiple launch points and designated campsites line the route, allowing visitors to paddle or explore the waters at their own pace.
The Maine Legislature established this protected area in 1966 to preserve its natural beauty and wildlife. It became part of the National Wild and Scenic River System in 1970, securing its status as a wilderness that remains protected from development.
The name comes from an Algonkin language and means 'bark'. Visitors experience a landscape that feels largely untouched, where the pace of life slows down compared to the outside world.
Plan ahead since there is no cell phone reception and you should contact local offices before departing for current maps and weather information. Local outfitters provide shuttles, gear rental, and boat services to make trips easier.
This waterway is part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a multi-state water route spanning several hundred miles from New York to Maine. This connects it to a larger network for paddlers seeking extended wilderness journeys beyond just local exploration.
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