Allagash Wilderness Waterway Reviews

The allagash waterway was an Unbelivable experience!!!! I went with one friend, one canoe and minimal gear. I would def recommend this trip to anyone with an adventurous spirit like myself. Only saw 3 other groups while out there. I did the whole 92 miles from chamberlain lake to where the allagash river meets the st. John river. I would absolutely do this trip again any questions please don't hesitate to ask thanks :)

I paddled the Allagash Wilderness Waterway with my son, brother, and cousin in August 2017, and can honestly say it was the best canoe trip I've ever been on. We used the services of Norman L'Italien at Pelletier's Campground for renting canoes and vehicle shuttle. The canoes were exactly where Norm said they would be when we arrived at Chamberlain Bridge, and Norm came later to pick up my car and deliver it to Michaud Farm, our ending point. Norm had lots of good advice about planning our trip, and everything he told me was 100% accurate about the river and what we should expect. Do not hesitate to contact Norm when planning your Allagash River trip.

The first part of the Allagash is a series of very large lakes. We had some strong head winds the first two days, with large waves and white caps on the lakes, making for some difficult paddling and slow progress. Crossing Chamberlain Lake was pretty difficult. Same on Eagle lake the next day. Once we entered the river at Churchill Dam, we made much better progress each day. The rapids were tons of fun, exhilarating! The Ranger at Churchill Dam drove our gear down-river for a very modest $10 fee. And there's Wi-Fi at the Ranger's cabin, allowing a chance to check-in with family back home to let them know we were still alive and doing well.

Everyone we met along the way was friendly and helpful. We portaged around Long Lake Dam, with some assistance from another couple who happened to be there at the same time. Every Ranger we met was helpful and friendly. The campsites along they Waterway are excellent - no complaints about any of the sites that we stayed at.

When we ended our trip at Michaud Farm, we packed up all of our gear and headed to St. Francis, about a 30 minute drive, to shower at Pelletier's Campground, then went to Fort Kent for dinner at the Swampbuck restaurant - which was pretty good.

Can't wait to go to the Allagash again!!

For the past three years I've been hunting around or near the Allagash and I never would have started if I didn't canoe it twice. I've never been more at peace in life as I am while I'm visiting the Allagash wilderness waterway. From moose to northern lights, you will see it all. If you need to get away from everything, go ahead and check out some of the camps around the waterway. You are able to get to multiple camp sights by vehicle. I would put a fall trip on the Allagash on my bucket list if I hadn't already done it. It's breath taking with the colors and wildlife.

I spent the second week of September in the Allagash, alone. I'd been up for a week in July with my family, there were eight of us. Coming alone is a whole different experience. I base camped going upriver from Churchill Dam. I towed a single kayak behind my canoe. Having the kayak allowed me to explore the streams and shallow marshes in search of moose. One morning I saw a total of six feeding in the misty pre-sunrise. I rose early paddled and fished, read and relaxed and cooked two large meals per day. I was able to find plenty of firewood to enjoy several hours of campfire time each evening. The weather was unseasonably cool with daytime highs in the low 60's with nights in the 30's. My visit coincided with full moon. The nights were clear and the lack of ambient light allowed for beautiful moon and later on star gazing. I love the Allagash and will continue to make both family and solo visits for a long long time.

A fantastic experience canoeing through lakes and wild water rivers. The Allagash wilderness from bears, moose and wild birds is something I will never forget. Went with friends from all over UK.

Was fortunate enough to make my fifth trip down the river - Indian Stream to Michaud Farms. Accessing the waterway via Millinocket is easier than the trip in through Ashland. Favorite campsites include The Ledges, Outlet and Allagash Falls. The beauty...the beauty.

floating down this river in my canoe was indescribable to most wonderful experience of my life I would recommend this trip to anyone who likes to be alone in the wilderness hopefully they will never overcrowd this place

We paddled from Churchill dam to town over 5 days. Great trip. Roughly 5 hours of relaxed paddling per day. Lots of wildlife including the unwelcome insect kind. We used Allagash Guide Service and we’re very happy with them.

We ran the AWW - an fantastic kayak camping experience - with superb logistical help from Tyler Kelly Camp & Guide Services: http://allagashhunting.com/
They are incredibly friendly & nice people.
They let us camp in their back yard before starting out & went out of their way to protect our kayaks & gear during the 3 hr back-roads shuttle (they covered everything with a tarp & used soft padding under the tie-ropes).
If you want to do theAWW, use Tyler Kelly to help get you there!