Best 12 in 2012 - Northern Forest Canoe Trail

Northern Forest Canoe Trail:  Best 12 in 2012

With 740 miles of paddling, and a wealth of places and experiences, it’s hard to narrow down to a “best of” list for the Trail. So, we asked our fans to tell us what the quintessential Northern Forest Canoe Trail experiences are, and they responded with a sweet list. Consider this set of “bests” as your perfect reasons to get out on the Trail this summer, and to visit many of our community partners.  Thanks to everyone who responded to our request and made the list possible!

Best Bed & Shower:  The Northern Door Inn in Fort Kent, ME—eastern terminus of the Trail, and finish line for NFCT through paddlers. Map 13

Best Birding Experience: Paddling with a Belted Kingfisher along the Clyde River, VT.  Map 6

Best Campsite: Watch the sun set and otters frolic at the Doe Campsite on the Missisquoi River, VT.  Map 4

Best Day Trip:  The Upper Ammonoosuc River, from West Milan to the covered bridge at Stark, NH.  Map 7

Best Family Vacation:  Paddle the shore of Flagstaff Lake framed by dinner and lodgingat the Maine Huts and Trails Flagstaff Hut, ME.  Map 9

Best Lunch:  A tie between the Gingerbread House Restaurant and the Oquossoc Grocery. Map 8

Best Pizza: By the slice—Little Italy in Saranac Lake, NY.  Map 2

Best Portage:  Between Eighth Lake to Brown’s Tract Inlet and Raquette Lake, NY.  Map 1

Best Sandwiches:  Joey’s Junction above the Missisquoi River in Highgate Center, VT.  Map 4

Best Skinny Dipping: We don’t promote public nudity on any of the Saranac Lakes, NY.  Map 2

Best Weekend Trip: Stellar river paddling and campsites—Connecticut River, NH.  Map 7

Best Wildlife Viewing: Bear, moose, otter and more along the Allagash River, ME. Maps 12-13