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Paddling in Maine: A searchable guide to trips around the state
Find paddles by county, then grab your life vest and get out there.
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Whether your preference is kayak, canoe or paddle board, Maine has a list of perfect paddles just for you.
There are rapids to navigate in the northern part of the state, pristine lakes in central Maine and slow-moving streams to the south. The hardiest of paddlers get out there as soon as the ice is out and keep gliding along the waterways until after the leaves have all fallen.
We’ve pulled together some options to help you decide which bodies of water you want to tackle. And we’ll occasionally be adding to the list, so feel free to check back.
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The basin in Readfield provides superb end-of-summer swimming, birding and gunkholing among islands.
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From blue herons to bald eagles, birds will put on a show while you paddle between Yarmouth Island and Little Yarmouth Island in Harpswell.
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Stop along the way and hike on trails offering historic architecture and dazzling views of the river.
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Thousands recreate each year at AWW, but less well known are the hiking trails to the fire towers atop Allagash Mountain and Round Pond Mountain.
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An early-season trip down the Saco River in Fryeburg offers a special kind of solitude that disappears once summer arrives.
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The city of Westbrook recently bought several acres along the river to expand public access and help further restore the heart of the community.
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An early-season trip down the Saco River in Fryeburg offers a special kind of solitude that disappears once summer arrives.
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Davis Stream, at the northeastern end of Damariscotta Lake’s North Basin, is a great way to get your early-season canoeing fix.
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On the outskirts of Augusta, Togus Pond should be a destination for any paddler trying to get in one last paddle before the season ends.
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Rain and whitewater was all worth it for a moose sighting.
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Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society begins its schedule of whitewater trips in March.
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The Topsham river features flatwater, whitewater and a waterfall before heading to Merrymeeting Bay.
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After the descent of Ross Stream there was still about forty-five miles to Allagash Village.
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Not far from Route 202 in Winthrop, add Upper Narrows Pond and Lower Narrows Pond to a list of great escapes from the Augusta-area bustle.
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Bring a kayak and some time to enjoy this Downeast adventure, where a sweet little hike up Estey Mountain is just part of the fun.
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The paddling club’s first scheduled trip was a 5-miler in Waldo County.
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Safety precautions are essential when paddling in tidal waters in the evening, and it’s best done with others.
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The lake, one of Maine’s largest, offers paddling, hiking and camping opportunities – and dazzling scenery.
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Just south of Rockland near South Thomaston, the Weskeag River provides a perfect summer paddle along the Maine coast.
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While we are stuck at home these days, it’s fun to think back on memorable trips – and to look ahead to when things start to get back to normal.
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Bonus: The river is chock-full of birdlife in the fall.
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A trip to Thorne Head and Mill Cove in Bath is an excellent way to usher in the season.
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Spirit Pond and Morse River offer a pleasant alternative to hanging out at the beach, but make sure you avoid low tide.
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Pocasset Lake and Pickerel Pond are great places to paddle this time of year, featuring vibrant fall colors and migrating birds.
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The waterway is located just 8 miles south of Moosehead Lake.