The County 2019-2020 Aroostook County Tourism | Page 14

THE COUNTY | 2019-2020
it reflects the sky above and offers the keen observer a glimpse into the
hidden world beneath the surface. Who wouldn’t want to spend every
waking minute “out there?”
As a child it starts with joyful splashing in the sandy shallow and grows into
chasing minnows and frogs; worm dunking and lazy hours spent just f loating.
It’s that first big trout caught on a f ly line, or swimming across the lake. Each of
these indelible memories sparks a love of life spent on the water.
From small, unnamed ponds and vast lakes to well-known broad rivers that run
hundreds of miles, water is everywhere in Aroostook County. Unspoiled places
are famous for their beauty and connection to the natural world. Whether you
prefer f loating in a tube, swimming, paddling a canoe or kayak, or taking to a
stand-up, the ways to get on the water are nearly as endless as the bodies of water,
including some of the world’s most iconic paddling experiences.
WHEN THE LIGHT ON THE WATER IS JUST RIGHT
In northern Aroostook, the upper St. John is a majestic river that springs from
deep in the Maine Woods. And it’s the longest wild river in the East—over
400 miles to the Atlantic from its start at Baker Lake. The County is also the
northern terminus of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and home to the Fort
Kent Muskie Derby. From here the river meanders alongside some of the
region’s most beloved historic communities as it travels to the sea.
Swimming, paddling, or playing in the water, these are timeless experiences that
can be enjoyed by anyone. In The County, this resource is a part of everyday
recreational life, with riverside campsites and sporting camps on virtually every
lake. All you need is a sense of adventure; outfitters will help with the rest.
Then all that’s left to do is just relax.
Visit our website for more information about activities on the water
in the region.
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Discover what America’s wild rivers once looked like along the Allagash
Wilderness Waterway, with its interconnected lakes, ponds, streams, and
river stretching 65 miles from the heart of the North Maine Woods. Whether
you paddle for fun or are a devotee of the sport, the Allagash is an iconic
paddling experience.