The Home Stretch: Final Days on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail
In early spring 2023, Alicia met with Rob Center, co-founder of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT), to explore one big question: How can we get more Maine teens on the nationally recognized, yet locally hidden, water trail flowing through their own backyards?
The 740-mile NFCT links lakes, rivers, and portage routes from Old Forge, NY, to Fort Kent, ME - with 340 of those miles coursing through Maine. From Umbagog to Rangeley, Flagstaff to Moosehead, the Allagash, and finally the St. John River, the route traces ancient paths rich with natural and cultural significance.
That initial meeting sparked a bold vision. Together with NFCT Director Karrie Thomas, Alicia imagined a three-year series of summer canoe expeditions for Outdoor Clubs at schools near the trail. Thanks to generous support from the Ferguson, Horizon, and Davis Conservation Foundations, they launched the inaugural trip that very summer.
Year One: First Time on the Water
In July 2023, teacher Todd Papionou of Mountain Valley High School led a crew of first-time student paddlers, guided by Maine Guide David Butler. Their journey from the Magalloway to Umbagog included the challenging three-mile Rapid River portage and a battle against the notorious winds of Megunticook, culminating at Haine’s Landing in Oquossoc. For many, it was their first multi-day expedition - an unforgettable blend of skill-building, adventure, and self-discovery.
Year Two: Building Momentum
The following summer, more school groups took to the NFCT. Our blog has shared their stories - young people navigating Maine’s historic waterways with grit, teamwork, and growing confidence. The team remained on track to complete the full Maine stretch of the trail by summer 2025.
Year Three: Allagash to Fort Kent
On June 25, 2025, the final expedition launched from Pelletier’s Campground. Alicia was joined by Teens to Trails Director of Outdoor Programs Sam Andrews, Outdoor Club leaders Rae Wren (Jackman) and Meg Leduc (Ashland), NFCT guidebook author Katina Danaan, and Karrie Thomas. As they pushed off, a young bull moose forded the river just yards from their boats - a fitting sendoff on the storied Allagash.
They camped on a sunny bluff, met Tom Gerard of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation at the Falls portage, and learned about his inspiring work connecting more students from Ashland to this special river.
The next morning, they paddled into Allagash Village for breakfast at Two Rivers, where Darlene welcomed them warmly, sharing stories of hosting NFCT crews who improve campsites upriver.
They pressed on past the confluence with the St. John River, navigating final rapids that gave them their only swamping of the trip. At Pelletier’s, Norm greeted them with well-maintained campsites and the bittersweet news that, after decades serving paddlers, his outfitting business is for sale. This vital operation represents meaningful access to the Allagash - if you know someone seeking a unique livelihood in Maine’s woods, this is it.
Journey’s End
Their final day was smooth and beautiful, ending in Fort Kent, where State Representative Daigle - who years ago helped install NFCT signage - welcomed them at the journey’s end.
This summer marked the 25th anniversary of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and the culmination of the three-year expedition series. As the NFCT shared in their announcement, the trip-planning materials created will soon be available on their website, empowering youth groups across the region to follow in their paddle strokes.
Because of these trips, Maine teens are forming lasting memories, learning skills, and building pride in their home waters. That’s the power of a shared adventure—and there are many more to come.
