'The Appalachian Trail Of Rivers' Across New England Is America's Longest Paddle Trail

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) is one of the world's premiere paddling experiences. Billed by National Geographic as "Appalachian Trail of Rivers," the NFCT is not only the longest continuous canoe trail in the United States, but also one of the oldest. The total length of the trail is 740 miles, and all of the connected waterways have been used throughout history by Native Americans, settlers, anglers, and traders. It's a rugged, historic trail that takes paddlers across the most pristine landscapes in the northeast.

While the waterways may be ancient, the NFCT itself is rather new. Vermont-based paddlers and business-owners Kay Henry and Rob Center started the NFCT non-profit in 2000 as a means of connecting these historic waterways into one continuous trail. Through lobbying, fundraising, and various local efforts, the NFCT was completed 2006 and quickly gained its now legendary status.

The trail stretches across parts of upstate New York, all three northern New England states — Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine — and one Canadian province, Quebec. This impressive paddling trail connects together 23 rivers/streams, 59 lakes/ponds, 45 communities, and 65 portages (more on those in a minute). So, if you're keen on adventure and aren't interested in dealing with the crowds of the PCT or the Appalachian Trail, then the NFCT might be just what you're looking for.

Taking on a through-paddle of 740 miles is no small task. A lot of planning that needs to be done in order to make a full go of the NFCT a success. However, much like the Appalachian Trail it is often compared to, many people begin the NFCT but don't actually end up finishing it. Instead, people will do sections of the trail as a day trip or weekend adventure. Still, anyone planning on a full trip will need to prepare for about one to two months worth of water travel.

The NFCT officially begins in Old Forge, New York, which is nestled in the heart of Adirondack Park, the largest state park outside of Alaska, a little over two hours north of Albany. From there, the NFCT is split into 13 different sections, each of which is mapped in great detail. As for mileage, paddlers can expect 147 miles through New York, 174 miles through Vermont/Quebec, 72 miles through New Hampshire, and 347 miles through Maine.

The trail officially ends at Fort Kent, Maine, which is not too far from the famous Million Dollar View Scenic Byway. Anyone planning a through paddle will need to arrange transportation in order to get home: Fort Kent is three hours away from the closest international airport in Bangor. Thankfully, there are plenty of lodging opportunities you can use if you need to stay a few extra days to arrange transport home.

The waterways of the NFCT are varied and come with their own unique challenges. For example, paddling Section 11 in Maine, you come into contact with wide stretches of open water across Moosehead Lake, mild rapids on the Penobscot River, and hidden lakes with views of Mount Katahdin. There are several sections of this immense trail that require paddlers to portage. Portages are sections of a canoe trail where paddlers need to carry their canoe across land to the next water access point. These can be challenging, but their purpose is to avoid hazards like waterfalls and dams. The NFCT has 70 miles worth of portages. 

The most notorious portage of the NFCT is the Mud Pond Carry in the Allagash Wilderness of northern Maine. Paddlers either need to carry or drag their boat through 1.8 miles of a shallow stream thick with mud, vegetation, and muck. It can be incredibly challenging for some paddlers, while others find it incredibly fun.

Another great thing about the NFCT are the communities along the trail that welcome paddlers. The trail passes through 45 communities, including the dazzling lakes of the Adirondack village of Tupper Lake, the jewel of the Maine Mountains at Rangeley Lake, and the quiet covered bridges of Groveton, New Hampshire. You really couldn't ask for better New York and New England wilderness adventuring.