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.
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. 1: Sunset Paddle w/Rangeley Adventure Co
Join us on Friday, Aug. 1, for a sunset paddle on Rangeley Lake, hosted by the NFCT and Rangeley Adventure Company, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The paddle will begin and end at the Rangeley Town Park public boat launch and cover a few miles of the Rangeley Lake section of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. This paddle is accessible to all ability levels and there is no cost to attend. If you need gear, rentals are available from Rangeley Adventure Co; call 207-864-2771 to learn more.
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!