Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Great Northern Paper Company Lands
Great Northern, a division of Bowater Corp., controls nearly 2.1 million
acres of wild lands mostly along the West Branch of the Penobscot River.
The primary artery providing access is along the Golden Road, a pri-
vately owned byway that begins in Millinocket and heads west to the Ca-
nadian Border. From Millinocket to Chesuncook Lake the road is paved.
Access via the gate house just north and west of Millinocket.
The Golden Road is the main route to connect with the Telos Road (the
main way into the Allagash Region) as well as access to Ripogenus Gorge,
where whitewater rafting trips on the West Branch of the Penobscot be-
gin.
The Telos Bridge, and Cribwork rapids just a short walk downstream,
is a great place to stop and watch rafts come by each day. The rapid, a
dangerous Class V, is among the toughest in Maine.
Because nearly every major lake and stream in the West Branch region is
part of the hydropower system for the mills, stream levels may change at
any moment without notice. Lake levels also fluctuate widely, but due to
their size the water rises or falls more slowly.
Be prepared at any time for water levels to
change. Near dams alarm sirens or horns
sound to warn people immediately down-
stream if additional flood gates are to be
opened.
The last chance to fuel up north of Millinocket is Pray's Store, which is on
the side road leading to Ripogenus or, as the locals call it, “Rip” dam.
Detailed maps of company lands and camping permits are available from
the company (see address below) or at the Katahdin General Store in
Millinocket and Wortman's Store in Greenville. Instead of gated check-
points, which were used in the past, roving attendants check the com-
pany campsites to be sure visitors have paid the fee.
There is no charge for day use of Company lands by Maine residents. The
camping fee is $5 per person, per night. Children under age nine camp
free. Season passes are available.
For specific information on services in Great Northern Lands, contact the
Public Relations Department at One Katahdin Avenue, Millinocket
04462.
723-2229.
Great Northern Paper is also part of the North Maine Woods ,anum-
brella organization that administers recreational use on diverse paper
company lands in Northern Maine. It is based in Ashland and also offers
helpful maps for $3 each. It can be reached by writing to North Maine
Woods Inc., PO Box 421, Ashland 04732.
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