NFCT Maps: Don't Leave Home Without 'Em

AMC Outdoors, March 2006

Mountaineers’ Books and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail have published a series of 13 section maps of the trail, each with extensive interpretive information, historical background, and all the detail a paddler could need: access information, local contacts, exact location of each portage, campsites, side trips, and much more. The sections break down as follows and each map is $9.95, available online at www.outdoors.org or www.northernforestcanoetrail.org.

• Map 1: Adirondack North Country (west), New York
• Map 2: Adirondack North Country (central)
• Map 3: Adirondack North Country (east)
• Map 4: Island and Farms, Vermont
• Map 5: Upper Missisquoi Region, Vermont/Quebec (avail. May 06)
• Map 6: Northeast Kingdom, Vermont/Quebec
• Map 7: Great North Woods, New Hampshire
• Map 8: Rangleley Lakes Region, Maine
• Map 9: Flagstaff Region, Maine
• Map 10: Greater Jackman Region, Maine (avail. May 06)
• Map 11: Moosehead/Penobscot Region, Maine
• Map 12: Allagash Region (South), Maine
• Map 13: Allagash Region (North), Maine

If You Go...
Preparation is the name of the game here. While paddling the length of the trail would test the skills of the most competent paddler, many sections are novice-friendly. Review the maps and call local contacts to make sure your trip is doable. Bone up on your skills with an AMC workshop or chapter instruction. For those who want to hire a local guide, see www.northernforestcanoetrail.org or call 802-496-2285 for suggestions. In late summer some sections may be too dry, so NFCT recommends traveling these in May and June. Other parts of the trail are at their peak in September and October.