Year-Round Access to the Allagash

Henry David Thoreau was an early visitor to the Allagash area, which became a busy transportation corridor for loggers before it was preserved for recreation.

The 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway extends from Telos Lake in the south to West Twin Brook, just south of the St. John River, in the north. The full trip takes seven to 10 days by canoe, but shorter trips can be taken. Ice-out is in mid-May, and black flies hang around usually until July.

Besides canoeing and camping, there are hiking trails and fire towers. Campsites are open for winter use. A snowmobile trail provides access to Chamberlain Lake.

Access is by private roads from Maine and Quebec, used primarily by logging trucks, which have the right of way. All waterway users entering on private roads must register at checkpoints or with a ranger. Groups are limited to 12 people.

Points of interest include remains of steam locomotives that hauled pulpwood from Eagle to Umbazooksus lakes, and a cable tramway used to transport logs between Eagle and Chamberlain lakes during the early 1900s. The nine-mile Chase Rapids is the most challenging stretch of the Allagash, and the 40-foot Allagash Falls, 13 miles south of the St. John confluence, is a scenic high point.