WAITSFIELD, Vt. In time for the summer travel and paddling season, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) has unveiled a “12 in 2012” list that showcases the best the region has to offer. The list of attractions, activities, businesses and more was compiled through nominations from the public.
According to NFCT, the goal is to promote travel to the towns and communities along the 740-mile water trail. To make getting there even easier, the nonprofit provides links to businesses, paddling itineraries, travel packages and more.
The list includes “bests” ranging from best place for a sandwich, best sunset viewing location and best weekend paddling trip. All attractions are a perfect reason to get out on the Trail in northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine this season.
- Best Campsite: Watch the sunset at Doe Campsite on the Missisquoi River in Vermont. Map 4 Lake Champlain and Missisquoi River, VT.
- Best Wildlife Viewing: Eyes and ears wide open for otter, moose, bear and more along the Allagash River in Maine. Maps 11–13 Moosehead/Penobscot Region, Moosehead Lake to Umbazooksus Stream, ME; Allagash Region (South), Umbazooksus Stream to Umsaskis Lake, ME; Allagash Region (North), Umsaskis Lake to St. John River, ME.
- Best Skinny Dipping Location: Try one of the Saranac Lakes in New York. Map 2 Adirondack North Country (Central), Long Lake to Saranac River, NY.
- Best Sandwiches: Hungry, really hungry? Joey’s Junction above the Missiquoi River in Highgate Center, Vermont, is the place for you. Map 4 Lake Champlain and Missisquoi River, VT.
- Best Day Trip: The best day trip you may have never heard of: The Upper Ammonoosuc River, from West Milan to Stark, New Hampshire awaits. Map 7 Great North Woods, Connecticut River to Umbagog Lake, NH.
- Best Lunch: Portage between lakes with a treat in Oquossoc, Maine. You can’t go wrong at either the Gingerbread House or the Oquossoc Grocery. Map 8 Rangeley Lakes Region, Umbagog Lake to Rangeley Lake, ME.
- Best Family Vacation: Flagstaff Lake in Maine and a last night at the Flagstaff Hut. Map 9 Flagstaff Lake Region, Rangeley Lake to Spencer Stream, ME.
- Best Bed & Shower: The Northern Door Inn in Fort Kent, Maine at the eastern terminus of the NFCT. Map 13 Allagash Region (North), Umsaskis Lake to St. John River, ME.
- Best Weekend Trip: If you only have a weekend, try the Connecticut River in New Hampshire for great paddling and campsites. Map 7 Great North Woods, Connecticut River to Umbagog Lake, NH.
- Best Portage: Brown’s Tract, Eighth Lake to Raquette Lake, New York. Map 1 Adirondack North Country (West), Fulton Chain of Lakes to Long Lake, NY.
- Best Birding Location: Paddling under and along a Belted Kingfisher is a treat anywhere along the Trail and no better place that the Clyde River in Vermont. Map 6 Northeast Kingdom, Québec/Vermont, Lake Memphremagog to Connecticut River, VT.
- Best Pizza: If you’re looking for a great slice, try the pizza at Little Italy in Saranac Lake, New York. Map 2 Adirondack North Country (Central), Long Lake to Saranac Lake, NY.
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is the longest, recreational paddling trail in the nation and runs from Old Forge, New York, through Vermont, Québec, New Hampshire, to Fort Kent, Maine. In 2011 it was named “Best Canoe Trail” by Outside Magazine.
###
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a 740-mile paddling trail tracing historic travel routes across New York, Vermont, Québec, New Hampshire and Maine. Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Inc. is internationally regarded as the preeminent water trail organization in North America, and connects people to the Trail’s natural environment, human heritage, and contemporary communities by stewarding, promoting, and providing access to canoe and kayak experiences along this route.
To learn more about paddling the NFCT, to become a member, and to purchase a guidebook and maps, visit http://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org or call 802-496-2285.
Media Contact: Kevin Mack, Director of Partnerships and Marketing
Northern Forest Canoe Trail
802-535-5855, Kevin@northernforestcanoetrail.org
SHOW COMMENTS