Community Paddles
The NFCT coordinates with local paddlers to organize community paddles 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 lead a community paddle, please get in touch: info@northernforestcanoetrail.org.
Thursday, June 6, to Wednesday, June 12: UMATR 10-Year Celebration Paddle (Vermont)
After years of hard work from a group of dedicated watershed volunteers, 46.1 miles of the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers were designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers in 2014. Back in 2019, UMATR and its friend paddled all 46.1 miles to celebrate five years of designation, and they are back at it again to celebrate 10 official years as being designated Wild and Scenic rivers! Join UMATR staff and UMATR Committee members as they paddle along the beautiful river sections, across seven day paddles starting on June 6 running through June 12. Each section of the river is broken down day by day for what to expect on the river, and you can register for each day that you are interested in joining. This paddle is free for participants and some meals will be provided! Click here to learn more & register.
Friday, June 7: Downtown Saranac Lake to Bloomingdale (New York)
Join your friends from St. Regis Canoe Outfitters and the NFCT for a downstream cruise from the boat launch at St. Regis Canoe Outfitters to the McCasland Bridge near Bloomingdale. We’ll meet at St. Regis Canoe Outfitters (73 Dorsey St, Saranac Lake) at 4:30 pm and hit the water at 5. This trip is suitable for all skill levels and will take about 1.5 hours. SRCO will provide a shuttle back to town. To help us plan accordingly, we ask the you pre-register by clicking here. There is no cost to attend. In the event of lightning or other hazardous weather, we will cancel and do our best to let everyone know as soon as possible. St. Regis Canoe Outfitters is offering discounted boat rentals for anyone who needs one! For more information, email info@canoeoutfitters.com or chris@northernforestcanoetrail.org.
Saturday, June 8: Axton Landing to Raquette Falls with Raquette River Outfitters (New York)
Join your friends from Raquette River Outfitters and the NFCT for an out-and-back trip from Axton Landing to Raquette Falls. We’ll meet at the Axton Landing access at 9:30 am and hit the water at 10 am. This trip is suitable for all skill levels, but please note that the first half is an upstream paddle; plan on about six hours total. We’ll hike to the falls for lunch before cruising downstream back to Axton Landing. To help us plan accordingly, we ask that you pre-register by clicking here. There is no cost to attend. In the event of lightning or other hazardous weather, we will cancel and do our best to let everyone know as soon as possible. For more information, email chris@northernforestcanoetrail.org or info@raquetteriveroutfitters.com.
Saturday, July 20: Paddle Instruction Day w/UMATR (Vermont)
Join our friends at the Upper Missisquoi & Trout Rivers Wild & Scenic Committee for a full day of paddling instruction! Start the day with flat water and end the day with some swift water sections. Come broaden your paddling skills with a full day of canoe instruction and fun! Click here to learn more & register.
Thursday, July 25: Guided Nature Paddle w/UMATR (Vermont)
Join our friends at the Upper Missisquoi & Trout Rivers Wild & Scenic Committee for a guided nature paddle, led by UMATR staff and Orleans County Forester Jared Nunery! Location TBD based on water levels. Click here to learn more & register.
Sunday, Aug. 18: Paddle & Picnic w/UMATR (Vermont)
Join our friends at the Upper Missisquoi & Trout Rivers Wild & Scenic Committee for the annual Paddle & Picnic! Paddle a section of the Missisquoi River and enjoy a free meal. Click here to learn more & register.