Paddle the Wild: Top Canoe & Kayak Adventures in The Maine Highlands
- Gerry Caron
- Jul 28
- 6 min read
🚣♂️ Paddle the Wild: Canoe & Kayak Adventures in The Maine Highlands, Maine
Explore Wild Waters, Remote Lakes & Scenic Paddling Trails + Summer Paddle Event
Welcome to The Maine Highlands, where paddling isn’t just a pastime — it’s a way of life. Home to serene lakes, lazy rivers, and roaring rapids, this region offers world-class canoeing and kayaking adventures for paddlers of every experience level.
From day trips to weeklong wilderness excursions, The Maine Highlands promises untouched natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a front-row seat to Maine’s most iconic landscapes — all from the seat of a canoe or kayak when you paddle the wild.
🛶 Why Paddle The Maine Highlands?
Miles of navigable waterways: lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams
Access to two major paddle routes:
Allagash Wilderness Waterway (92 miles)
Northern Forest Canoe Trail (740 miles)
Wildlife viewing: moose, eagles, loons & more
Camping, fishing, SUP, and low-impact recreation
Local outfitters offering rentals, guides, and gear
🌲 Top Paddling Destinations in The Maine Highlands
🏞️ Allagash Wilderness Waterway
📍 Northwestern Maine
This legendary 92-mile water route offers a remote and rugged escape into one of the most beautiful preserved wilderness areas in the U.S. Paddle past glacial lakes, forest-lined rivers, and wild camping spots, often with no one else in sight. Once a commercial timber route, today the Allagash is a bucket-list destination for serious paddlers.
✅ Tip: Plan for multi-day trips with camping gear, or book a guided excursion with a licensed Maine guide.
🌊 Northern Forest Canoe Trail
📍 Starting Point: Northeast Carry, Moosehead Lake
Stretching 740 miles across 5 states and provinces, this epic trail begins in northern Maine and winds through New Hampshire, Vermont, Quebec, and New York. The Maine section includes Moosehead Lake, Umbazooksus Stream, and the Allagash — with portages, backcountry camping, and stunning vistas.
🎒 This is the ultimate endurance adventure for seasoned paddlers looking to check off a true wilderness expedition.
🐾 Moosehead Lake
📍 Greenville, ME
Maine’s largest lake is a paradise for paddlers of all ages. With over 75,000 acres of water, scenic coves, and protected islands, Moosehead Lake offers the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness.
🏕️ Stay in Greenville or Rockwood, rent a canoe or kayak locally, and head out for a peaceful day exploring the shoreline — or use the lake as a launch point for extended adventures.
🎣 Lincoln Lakes Region
📍 Lincoln, ME
Known for its “13 Lakes and Counting,” this region is a hidden gem for recreational paddling, fishing, and SUP excursions. Many lakes feature easy public access, nearby lodging, and uncrowded conditions — making Lincoln ideal for families and beginners.
💡 Locals say, “All roads lead to Lincoln,” and they’re not wrong. With a balance of community charm and natural wonder, this area welcomes all water lovers.
🌿 Paddling + Wildlife = Pure Maine Magic
Whether you’re gliding silently at sunrise or pitching a tent beside a stillwater pond, paddling offers a unique opportunity to connect with Maine’s wilderness on its terms. Spot a moose grazing at the shore, a bald eagle swooping for fish, or the haunting call of a loon echoing through the trees.
Because paddling is low-impact and human-powered, it helps preserve the very places it explores — an eco-friendly way to enjoy Maine responsibly.
🚤 Where to Rent Canoes, Kayaks & Gear in The Maine Highlands
Where there’s water, there’s an outfitter ready to help you paddle it. Rentals, shuttles, guided trips, and safety equipment are widely available across the region.
Notable Outfitters Include:
Northwoods Outfitters – Greenville | maineoutfitter.com
Allagash Canoe Trips – Millinocket | allagashcanoetrips.com
Katahdin Outfitters – Medway | katahdinoutfitters.com
Moosehead Area Rentals - Shirley | mooseheadrentals.com
Lincoln Canoe Rentals – Lincoln | lincolnmaine.org/parks-recreation
💧 Most outfitters include paddles, PFDs, dry bags, and route planning help.
🧭 Planning Tips for Your Maine Paddling Adventure
Skill Level: Know your limits — flatwater is best for beginners, whitewater for experts
Weather: Always check the forecast and water levels
Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in
Maps & Permits: Some areas (like Allagash) require permits and backcountry maps
Wildlife: Keep a safe distance, especially from moose and nesting birds
📍 Quick Resources & Contact Info
Location | Info & Rentals | Website |
Allagash Wilderness Waterway | Maine Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry | |
Northern Forest Canoe Trail | Trail Maps, Tips & Portage Info | |
Moosehead Lake | Lodging, Outfitters, Activities | |
Lincoln Lakes | Visitor Info |
🌅 Sunset Paddle on Fields Pond – Summer Paddle Series
📍 Fields Pond Audubon Center, Holden, ME
📅 Friday, August 8, 2025
🕔 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
💲 $10 Audubon Members / $15 Nonmembers + Optional $5 Canoe Rental Fee
🌐 Visit Website
Looking for a peaceful summer evening on the water? Don’t miss the Sunset Paddle at Fields Pond, hosted by the Fields Pond Audubon Center in Holden. This guided paddle is part of their Summer Paddle Series and offers a relaxed, scenic outing that’s perfect for nature lovers and casual paddlers alike.
As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll glide across Fields Pond in a two-hour twilight paddle, learning about the area’s rich natural and cultural history from knowledgeable guides. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow paddlers and enjoy a slower pace of exploration.
🏞️ Bring Your Own Watercraft (kayak or canoe) or reserve a seat in one of the center’s canoes (advance reservation + $5 rental fee; limited supply). All rentals are payable at the event.
📍 Meeting Point: Fields Pond Boat Landing
📸 Pro Tip: Bring a headlamp or flashlight just in case twilight lingers later than expected!
What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions
Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.
Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:
🛶 Boating & paddling routes
🎣 Fishing hotspots
🏕️ Wilderness camping sites
🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks
🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure
Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:
Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports
Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
The Maine Highlands promises untouched natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a front-row seat to Maine’s most iconic landscapes — all from the seat of a canoe or kayak when you paddle the wild.
