Waitsfield, Vt. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT), stretching from Old Forge, New York to Fort Kent, Maine was named "Best Canoe Trail 2011" in the July issue of Outside Magazine. In circulation since 1978, Outside is America’s leading active-lifestyle and adventure-travel magazine dedicated to covering the people, activities, gear, art, and politics of the world outside.
Nationally, there are dozens of water trails in the United States and according to the "Outdoor Recreation Participation Report 2010" by the Outdoor Foundation, approximately 20 million Americans participated in some form of paddling (canoeing, kayaking, rafting) in 2009. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is the only water trail that traverses four states and crosses an international border.
Kate Williams, Executive Director of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail non-profit, believes strongly that the Trail can help unite communities and strengthen local economies, "The Trail and the communities along it are world-class destinations. Recognition as "Best" by Outside Magazine affirms our vision for the trail as a powerful connector of people and place through the experience of paddling."
Also this week, two segments of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail were included as part of a listing of "Top Ten Fishing Destinations" by Family-Outdoors.com. The Allagash River in Maine and the entirety of the Adirondack Park in New York were included. Family-Outdoors.com has provided "quality and unbiased" fishing, hunting, camping, and general outdoor information since 2008 and is "written for families and family-oriented sportswomen and sportsmen of all abilities and from all regions."
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail follows historic native paddling routes on the rivers and lakes of northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and the province of Québec. The organization celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2010 and is the longest inland water trail in the United States. NFCT serves as an inspiration for those with a passion for canoeing and kayaking and catalyzes rural economic growth by developing nature and heritage tourism opportunities in partnership with local small businesses. Most paddlers approach the trail in sections, enjoying the wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, and community events that can be enjoyed in the various rural destinations along the route. NFCT’s 13-map series, Guidebook, and online Trip Planner support paddlers of all abilities to craft a journey that fits their interests.
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The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a 740-mile inland 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.
Media Contact:
Kevin Mack, Director of Partnerships and Marketing
Northern Forest Canoe Trail
(802) 535-5855, Kevin@northernforestcanoetrail.org
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