Be prepared...Know what to expect! Planning a trip to the Great North Woods is no easy task. Here, we list some resources to help you reach the goal. The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is called a wilderness because it is largely uninhabited. It is a 92-mile long river and lake system that is managed by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The plants and fisheries are native and cherished by nature lovers who visit by canoe. We include a sneak preview of the 9 series videos produced by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

As with any trip, safety is the #1 priority! Get prepared by learning all you can first!

In addition to the videos posted below, there are some very helpful websites from the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation, https://www.awwf.org/visit/ that contain maps, a link to informational videos, a trip planner, and links to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands website which allows sign up for weather alerts about conditions on the rivers of the Allagash.

Download the detailed a map here!

Allagash Wilderness Waterway map and info and Watch a few videos. You'll be well on your way to planning a safe and fun trip to the Great North Woods of Maine.

First things first, you will need a good detailed map! You might consider hiring a guide who has experience navigating the area. These Maine Guides will be up-to-date on the rules and regulations, preventing you from violating any laws while enjoying this federally protected area. Check them out here! Park Rules and Regulations

Looking for GUIDE SERVICES? I have not personally hired a guide, so I cannot attest to the experience with any of these listed here. Please do your own research by searching customer reviews. Get a good idea of what they offer and the cost by contacting the guide service directly.

North Maine Woods, Inc has an excellent website with a whole list of Maine Guides. Check here: Guide Services

I'll list just a few...

Allagash Guide Service (207) 398-3418

Bradford Camps (May-Nov) 207-433-0660 (Dec-Apr) 207-746-7777

Chandler Lake Camps 207-290-1424 www.chandlarlakecamps.com

Tylor Kelly Camps 77A Dickey RD, Allagash, ME 04774 207-398-4478

Mahoosuc Guide Service 207-824-2073

Most of these guide services will provide camping gear such as dry bags, canoes and cooking tools...but you must make sure of what they do and don't provide. Some also have cabins to rent including meals and activities. Also make sure of their location. If you want an Allagash River trip and the company is located considerably further south, they may not provide the experience you are looking for.

My family are into bushcraft so we chose the DIY route. We will tent in the campsites available, saving some money and doing things at our own pace.

If you are hoping to tent, there are 81 campsites available along the river on a first come first serve basis. At the time of this blog, camp fees are $6/pp per night for Maine residents, $12/pp per night non-residents plus 9% lodging fee and North Woods tax. Groups are limited to 12 persons. Campers must check in https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/camping/reservations/campground_fees.shtml Only camp at designated campsites. No camping allowed in parking areas.