Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
including the
Ice Caves
on Allagash Lake, a series of natural openings
on the slopes of a hill that fill with ice and snow in winter. Because sum-
mer is short here some ice remains year-round. The spot is a six-mile, up-
stream trip from Chamberlain to Allagash Lake and low water levels
often make it more of a drag than a paddle. It is seldom visited.
The history and draw of Northern Maine has never been just about the
land but rather a combination of the story of the land and the people who
sought, often unsuccessfully, to tame it. Another popular spot at the
north end of Chamberlain Lake is the site where to massive steam loco-
motives lay rusting (although in recent years an effort to cover them with
sheds and set them back on short sections of rail have been underway).
Before the railroad, logs were hauled overland by a massive tramway.
Rusting remains of that machinery can also be seen as the forest reclaims
the area.
Allagash Alliance Group
The not-for-profit organization Allagash Alliance Group wel-
comes any volunteer efforts to help preserve old buildings and
trains. They can be reached at RR 1, 35 Tall Pines Road, West
Buxton 04093.
929-8245.
There are fees for use of the Allagash and group size is limited to 10, al-
though several larger groups such as scout troops, etc., who were fre-
quent visitors before restrictions were imposed, are grandfathered.
Motor use is prohibited. But some lakes allow motors with a restriction
on horsepower.
Use of this area has slowed somewhat in recent years. According to state
officials, the Allagash had 27,008 visitor days (number of visitors multi-
plied by the number of days they stayed) during 1966. By 1981 that had
soared to 51,194, but it has dropped to an average of 43,000 visitor days
during the last few years. Because 75% or more of the visitors stay more
than one day, that 43,000 amounts to about 12,000 visitors over 12
months spread among the waterway's 100 miles and 150 campsites.
About 50% of that visitation comes in June and July. Still campsites,
which are available on a first-come, first-served basis, are situated to pro-
vide as much privacy as possible to enhance the wilderness experience.
Many parties plan to reach prime locations early in the day. The tradition
is that people will remain at each site for only one night (weather delays
excepted).
