Community Paddles
The NFCT coordinates with local paddlers, guides and outfitters to organize paddle meetups on and near the canoe trail, AND we promote similar events hosted by our partners across the Northern Forest region. If you’d like to organize a community paddle, please get in touch: info@northernforestcanoetrail.org.
Please note: The NFCT does not provide boats or equipment for paddle meetups. If you’re interested in renting or borrowing a boat, please contact a local outfitter.
June 28: Franklin Falls Pond to Union Falls (New York)
Join Guide ADK and the NFCT on a trek from Franklin Falls Pond to the Union Falls Dam. We will meet at noon at the public access at Franklin Falls Pond on River Road outside Bloomingdale, then shuttle vehicles to the takeout at Union Falls. Once shuttling is complete, we’ll hit the water, ideally by 1 pm at the latest. This 8.6-mile trip crosses Franklin Falls Pond, with a short, relatively flat portage around Franklin Falls, and then continues across Union Falls Pond to the takeout at the dam, approximately three hours. This paddle is suitable for most skill levels, but please take the mileage into consideration. This is a free event but we ask that you sign up in advance so that we can contact paddlers in the event of inclement weather. To learn more, email chris@
Click here to sign up for free!
July 9: Guided Nature Paddle w/UMATR
Join our friends from the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Wild & Scenic River Committee to learn about the flora and fauna along the Missisquoi River while navigating a section of this beautiful Wild & Scenic river. Orleans County Forester Jared Nunery and Franklin County Forester Charlie Hancock will share their knowledge as we wind through the riparian forests and farmlands of the upper Missisquoi. Location will be determined based on water levels! Register today to secure your spot!
July 26: Boats & BBQ with Brault’s w/UMATR
Join our friends from the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Wild & Scenic River Committee for a new event this year with a BBQ at Brault’s Meat Market and Slaughterhouse in Troy! We will start by having an optional scenic paddle starting on Lane Rd in Westfield, headed down the Missisquoi to end with a BBQ of hamburgers and hot dogs at Brault’s. Don’t want to join us for the paddle, but still interested in coming for a BBQ? Come on down to Brault’s between 12-3 pm for a burger or dog! We hope to see you there!
Aug. 3: Paddle & Picnic w/UMATR
Join our friends from the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Wild & Scenic River Committee to experience a section of the Missisquoi with the benefit of our knowledge UMATR Committee members and a provided picnic lunch! This free and family-friendly event is a great way to experience a new stretch of the river or enjoy good company while you explore it again. You are encouraged to bring your own watercraft, but we do have canoe’s available for those who are in need! We have a limited number of available boats, so first come first serve.
Aug. 5: Scenic Missisquoi Paddle w/UMATR, MRBA & VLT
Join our friends from the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Wild & Scenic River Committee, the Missisquoi River Basin Association (MRBA) and the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) for a scenic four mile paddle of the Upper Missisquoi as we weave between farmland and natural spaces. We will be beginning our paddle from the Lane Rd access point in Westfield downstream to above the Chase Dam on River Rd guided by UMATR, MRBA, and VLT staff. We will also begin the paddle with an opening discussion with a local Vermont farmer about the relationship with farming and our natural spaces. This section is first time paddler friendly and UMATR has boats available if needed!