Northern Forest Canoe Trail Through-Paddler's Companion - Fourth Edition
A companion guidebook for paddlers who intend to canoe or kayak the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail in a single trip from Old Forge, New York to Fort Kent, Maine.
Written by Katina Daanen who through paddled the entire Trail in her canoe twice (2011 and 2021).
FOURTH EDITION. Originally published in February 2022 and updated in June 2024. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail Through-Paddler's Companion is the first (and only) comprehensive resource guiding paddlers from the first put-in to the last take-out on the 700-mile plus water trail. This fully updated guide is a must-have resource for aspiring Through-Paddlers or for any paddler looking for additional Northern Forest Canoe Trail details.The revised fourth edition includes better advice about remaining on more of the Trail's upstream segments, suggestions for paddling the least challenging section of the S. Branch Dead River, more accurate mileage data and added (or removed) campsites.
Recognized as the preeminent water trail by the American Canoe Association, the 740 mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) begins in the Adirondacks at its western terminus in Old Forge, New York, ending at the eastern terminus in Fort Kent, Maine. It traverses 23 rivers and streams, 59 lakes and ponds, connects 45 communities and towns, and includes more than 65 portages, totaling about 70 miles. The Trail has been named "America's Best Canoe Trail" by Outside magazine and a "Best East Coast Adventure" by Canoe and Kayak.
The Through-Paddler’s Companion documents navigating the Trail in its entirety—west to east from the perspective and unique needs of an expedition paddler or anyone looking for more detailed information while following the official NFCT maps. It provides comprehensive and tactical advice about specific water bodies, including upstream paddling directions, portage (or carry) descriptions and distances, and mileage markers, while offering suggestions for ordinary, yet sometimes elusive matters, such as where one might spend the night.
The “Companion” guidebook includes:
• 34 consecutive segment descriptions documenting the entire Trail including 160-plus miles of upstream paddling
• 25 illustrated maps highlighting challenging trail sections
• Details about every portage (or carry) with recommendations about how “wheelable” each may be
• Statistics about average paddle times
• Tips for planning daily mileage goals
• Lists of services found along the Trail
• A quick reference list of all the official NFCT portages
www.nfctpaddler.com
