The NFCT extends for 740 miles across contiguous rivers, streams and lakes, following Indigenous travel routes from Old Forge, NY, through Vermont, Québec and New Hampshire, to Fort Kent, Maine. In addition to being a paddling route, the Trail celebrates the history of the Northern Forest. Paddlers will be able to explore both the natural beauty of the rivers and lakes as well as the communities through which the trail passes.

The Trail was officially completed in Spring 2006, with 13 mapped contiguous sections offering campsites, portage routes, trail signs and access points along the entire route. Local community groups have played a crucial role in the Trail’s development in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Québec and New York, and will continue to be stewards of the Trail in the future.

Because the Trail follows Native American routes, the Trail is named after the traditional mode of transportation of the Native Americans of this area: the canoe. Today, the canoe is still the most versatile craft to complete the entire Trail; however, most of the Trail can be paddled with a kayak. With the appropriate design and skills, a paddler could kayak the entire route.

A series of 13 maps details the 740-mile Trail, including route descriptions, local information, and photos and stories of the landscapes through which you’ll travel. The maps are available at outdoor specialty retailers, booksellers, and in our Online Store.

Absolutely not. The Trail is perfect for a variety of paddling experiences, from a peaceful evening paddle to longer sectional expeditions and everything in between. The Trail represents more than 50 interconnected vacations, extending through an interesting diversity of waterways, landscapes and communities. Paddlers of all abilities can find something on the Trail, as can visitors with even limited vacation time. We invite you to dip into the Trail as fits your needs, and to keep coming back to see what’s around the next bend in the river.

Many sections of the Trail are appropriate for a novice paddler. Most paddlers will choose flat-water segments or paddle in a downstream direction rather than commit to a thru-paddle. To complete the entire Trail, paddlers will need to muster all their paddling skills. They will need to pole upstream, descend rapids up to class IV, cross large, exposed lakes subject to wind and waves, and portage. Ultimately, there will be a section of Trail to fit most anyone. Some sections will be perfect for an evening paddle, others for an overnight or weeklong paddle. Some sections will even attract those who wish to paddle from inn to inn.

The NFCT recommends that all paddlers obtain appropriate maps and other local information prior to embarking on any paddling trip. If Trail visitors are new to paddling or to a particular area, they may also want to hire a guide or enroll in a class. Peruse our website, call or email us, or contact one of the chambers of commerce along the Trail to find local guides and instructors.

It is natural to draw similarities between the Trail and other long-distance trails. There are many similarities — there are also many differences. Both trails are long-distance trails that celebrate the outdoors and outdoor recreation. Both trails also require physical activity to enjoy them. Most people who use long-distance trails take one-day or short overnight trips. And like those other trails, most of those who seek to paddle the entire Trail will do so in section paddles. Very few people will paddle the length of the Trail in one trip because of the skills and time required to complete a through-paddle.

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail differs significantly from the Appalachian Trail in many ways.  Perhaps, most significantly, in management. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail obtains access for campsites and portages through landowner permission rather than through land protection. Additionally, because it is a trail of navigable waters, the Trail flows through both developed areas and backcountry. It is a blend of community experiences and wilderness. The other significant difference from most hiking trails is that many sections of the Trail require a high level of skill to complete.

Yes! We have compiled a list of NFCT Thru-Paddlers and Section-Paddlers who have gone through the recognition process. The first person to thru-paddle was Donnie Mullen, an Outward Bound instructor from Northport, Maine, who paddled a 16-foot wood-canvas canoe, which he made himself for the trip. He left May 1, 2000, from Old Forge, NY, and completed the 740-mile journey 55 days later in Fort Kent, Maine.

The Trail has a seasonal nature due to natural and manmade fluctuations in water levels. In late summer, some sections of the Trail may be too dry to paddle. Paddlers also need to be aware of dam releases; information from water gauges found across the NFCT can be found on the American Whitewater Website. Generally, the water levels (and bugs) are more reliable in May and June, and the sun and warmth are more reliable in July and August. September and October often provide good paddling weather and better water levels than late summer.

The Trail received some critical start-up funding through National Park Service-administered federal grants, secured through the efforts of Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy. Today, we are a membership organization that relies on contributions from individuals. We also receive funding  from the state-level and foundations, corporate contributions, map sales and revenue from our races, events, online store and our annual online auction. The best way to support NFCT efforts is to become a member or make a donation.

It is a big – and exciting – project. In 2000, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail formed as a nonprofit organization to manage the Trail, with offices in Waitsfield, VT. We successfully engaged local communities along the Trail to help develop the Trail and rally volunteers. With the Trail complete, we now work with staff and volunteers on a variety of stewardship projects and mission-related programs.

You can help! We need volunteer and financial support. Major gifts from members, businesses and friends are imperative in helping us sustain this vital public resource. The NFCT is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and all gifts are tax deductible. Become a member online or call our office at 802-496-2285 for membership information. Donations, payable to the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, can be mailed to P.O. Box 565, Waitsfield, VT 05673.