Through & Section Paddler Recognition - Northern Forest Canoe Trail

Through and Section Paddler Recognition

Let's start with some definitions of our recognition categories:

The following categories will go into effect for the 2013 paddle season.  Apply for recognition using the “NFCT Recognition Application and Feedback Form”.  The form is available in a two formats:

Fillable Document (to be sent in as an attachment)

PDF (to print and mail to the NFCT office)

If you need extra NFCT Travel Logs follow this link.

 Through Paddlers paddle the entire Trail as one expedition, during a single season. Through Paddlers will be designated into one of the following three categories:

 Self-Propelled Paddlers are those who complete the entire 740 miles in one direction using their own power to paddle, pole, and portage.  Leaving the trail via other means of travel for lodging, shopping, or other reasons will not count against the self-propelled paddler as long as they return to the same spot to continue the journey on the Trail. Consideration for deviations to this definition will be given to safety, inclement weather, and extreme low water. Self-Propelled Paddlers are designated with a double asterisk ** on the Through Paddlers List.

 Integrated Paddlers are those who paddle the Trail as one expedition during a single season in one direction and use a shuttle for one or more of the carries, not to exceed 10% of the total Trail distance (74 miles). Integrated Paddlers are designated with a single asterisk*.

 Integrated “Downstream” Paddlers are those who paddle the Trail as one expedition, during a single season, reversing direction on one or more rivers to increase downstream miles. There will be no mark to designate this category.

Section Paddlers paddle the entire Trail as a series of two or more expeditions, over the course of multiple paddle seasons. Please note that while we certainly will cheer section paddlers along the way and over the years, we will only be able to confer recognition upon completion of the entire Trail.

 All paddlers on the “NFCT List” prior to 2013 will remain on the list without category designation.  Paddlers designated as NFCT Through Paddlers prior to 2013 can fill out and return the current “NFCT Paddler Recognition Application” to be considered as a Self-propelled Through Paddler or Integrated Through Paddler.

What to do to be recognized as a Through or Section Paddler:

We hope you'll feel that the challenge was in the paddling, not in the process of gaining recognition!  Applications will be reviewed on an annual cycle and are due by November.  Applications will be reviewed, names will be added to the NFCT List, and certificates will be mailed by the end of January. 

Questions? Call 802-496-2285 or e-mail us.