Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Section 9

The 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail traverses some of the most scenic paddling country in the northeast. Section 9 of the trail explores the Dead River and Flagstaff Lake.    
Trail Activity
Paddling
Length
54.00 miles, Normal
Difficulty
Strenuous
Towns
Rangeley, Dallas Plt, Lang Twp, Coplin Plt, Eustis, Flagstaff Twp, Bigelow Twp, Dead River Twp, Carrying Place Town Twp, T3 R4 BKP WKR, T3 R5 BKP WKR
Surface
Water - Lake/Pond, Water - River/Stream
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

This section of the NFCT follows the path of the Dead River, starting on its South Branch and finishing at the 30-foot Grand Falls. It crosses the shallow waters of Flagstaff Lake, which inundated three frontier communities in1950 in Maine’s quest for reliable water flow to generate electricity for the state. The Bigelow Preserve borders the lake to its south, with 36,000 acres of undeveloped, protected ridgeline.

In order to safely experience the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in this region, please bring the NFCT Section 9 map with you on your trip. The Maine Trail Finder is not intended to be a comprehensive resource along this trail.

Other Information

To learn more about this region and plan your trip, visit the Northern Forest Canoe Trail website. There you can:

  • Buy waterproof maps and a guidebook, which describe local regulations and attractions
  • Use the Trip Planner Map Tool to locate outfitters, guides, and other amenities 
  • Learn about the trail and its unique history
  • Become a Northern Forest Canoe Trail member or volunteer
  • And much more!

Specific rules apply to the Bigelow Preserve and many campsites in this region require a fire permit. For more information about local regulations, please refer to the official map.  

Camping and access sites along this section of trail are a result of NFCT collaboration with the following partners and landowners: Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and private landowners.

Private Land Consideration: Many trails are comprised of both public and private land. Trail organizations work to secure landowner agreements and maintain public use through stewardship and maintenance efforts. Each campsite, trail, and access point may have a different code of conduct required by trail users. More information about specific user requirements and guidelines can be found in the resources -- website, map, or guidebook -- provided by the trail manager. As a trail user it is important to understand and uphold these codes of conduct to allow future use of these locations.

 

Trail Manager

Visit Northern Forest Canoe Trail online for more information or contact:

Northern Forest Canoe Trail

Northern Forest Canoe Trail
PO Box 565
Waitsfield, VT 05673
Phone: 802-496-2285
Fax: 802-329-2239
info@northernforestcanoetrail.org
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Trail Tips

Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. This goes for trash, leftover food, toilet paper, and hygiene products. If you brought it into nature, please bring it out.
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Safety
Be a Safe and Respectful Paddler
Paddling conditions will vary according to the weather and season, so always exercise caution and always wear a lifejacket. With good judgment and proper equipment, the risk associated with paddling can be minimized. Respect the natural world and the rights of landowners, and be considerate of other outdoor enthusiasts. Paddlers should seek to avoid causing erosion, trampling vegetation, disturbing wildlife, and harming water quality.
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