Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
After several minor rapids the river spends its last few miles winding
through an extensive marsh. Watch for false channels. Go left when you
can see a house straight ahead and the takeout point near Stillwater
Dam is just around the corner. This 17-mile route makes for a long day
trip. There are no authorized campsites along the river.
Northeast Creek, Bar Harbor
Northeast Creek is the only real stream of any size on which to paddle on
Mount Desert Island. Park at the paved pullout along Route 3 in Salis-
bury Cove where the stream runs under a small bridge and into the sea.
This very slow-moving water meanders past a farm into the island's inte-
rior. After a few bends the stream widens out into a massive marsh. Stick
to the main channel and you will eventually come to a high ground island
which can be explored. Further still, in fall, wild cranberries wait to be
picked. A total of two miles of stream are navigable by hand-carry boats.
Somes Pond, Mount Desert Island
A small body of water by Maine standards but what this lacks in size if
more than makes up for in features. Put in at one of the small roadside
pullouts on either the south or north end. There is a wildlife sanctuary on
the south shore, a small private island in the center, and on the west end
some good swimming ledges. A small stream meanders nearly a half-mile
from the west side. The east side is very shallow and weed-choked. Watch
out for seaplanes.
St. Croix River, Vanceboro to Kelleyland
The Saint Croix, from Vanceboro to the hydro dam on Grand Falls
Flowage at Kelleyland, is one of the finest river trips in the Northeast.
Because it is dam-controlled there is enough water to paddle (500 CFS
minimum) all summer long. The ride at that level may be somewhat
bony, but it gets better when the water is up.
The best place to begin is Russell's Landing (
788-3980) near a railroad
bridge which German spies once tried to blow up in WWII. For a small fee
Russell will let you park for several days and launch your boats. You can
camp there and there is a restroom. He can also arrange car shuttles.
This 33-mile trip (shorter if you take out at Loon Bay) features some long
flat stretches but also mile upon mile of fun Class I and Class II rapids.
There are only two spots - Little Falls and Canoose Rips - that are
tougher and must be scouted or portaged. There are numerous campsites
along the way on both the Canadian and American side.
