Recreation
Recreation
The Greater Fort Kent area is rich in outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can find something to do outdoors all four seasons. Many of the area businesses specialize in the outdoor recreation business. Visitors can go into the outdoors on their own or hire one the many local Registered Maine Guides in the area to make their trip both enjoyable and often an educational experience. No matter what a person is looking for The Greater Fort Kent Region has it.
Fishing
Our region is blessed with some of the best fishing within the State of Maine and New England. Couple the outstanding sport with some of the most spectacular scenery and it can be understood why many make the trek to the region annually.
Our region of Maine is one of the last strong holds for Native brook trout. Brookies can be found in almost any of the free flowing waters throughout the area. Outstanding brook trout can be found in the regions lakes and ponds. Brook trout up to four pounds are taken
annually from the Fish River Chain of Lakes.
Lake Trout or Togue as they are known locally can be found in the lakes of the Allagash River Chain as well as the Fish River Chain of Lakes. Both open water and ice anglers find the fish plentiful and the action fast.
Landlocked Salmon are considered by many to be the king of the game fish in the region. In 2008 Long Lake of the Fish River Chain located in St. Agatha and Madawaska was rated as one of the top landlocked salmon waters in New England and with good reason. This body of water regularly produces salmon six pounds and over!
The St. John Watershed once known for its brook trout fishery is now home to muskellunge. Muskie were stocked by the Quebec Government in Lac Frontier, the headwaters for the Northwest Branch of the St. John. From here, muskies infiltrated the entire St. John River system. Today there is a thriving muskie
fishery that is unique to other fisheries in North America.
Much of the fishing takes place on the three lakes. Baker Lake located in Piscataquis County was the first downstream water to produce a viable fishery. Later Beau and Glazier Lake on the St. Francis River a tributary of the St. John started producing good fish. The current state record muskie came from Glazier Lake and was taken through the ice.
The jewel of the fishery is the main stem of the St. John itself. The northern sections of the river accessible by traveling through Fort Kent to Allagash and into the North Maine Woods will bring anglers to sections of the river that will see few anglers during the course of a season. Fluctuating water levels can make river travel difficult in the summer months. The road system inside of the North Maine Woods has many access points either right to the river or just a short hike from conventional vehicle access.
Today the Town of Fort Kent holds an annual International Muskie Derby each August. On average 400 to 600 anglers participate in this three day event. Some anglers will find sections of the river to fish during this event and not see another angler.
Canoeing and Kayaking
The Greater Fort Kent Area is a gateway to both the St. John River and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. These two rivers are famous for their pristine settings and feeling of remoteness that one will encounter while on either river.
The St. John is the longest free flowing river east of the Mississippi River.
Due to the fact that it has no dams for water control it is really only caneoable during periods of high water in the spring and early summer. The Allagash is caneoable all summer and is the choice of many mid to late summer paddlers.
Both rivers have maintained camp sites. The Allagash does have its own set of rules and visitors should go to the North Maine Woods web site for more information. Numerous vehicle shuttle services and canoe liveries can be found in St. Francis and the Town of Allagash. Registered Maine Guides are also available to canoe trippers if they so desire.
There are numerous day paddles of varying lengths available to visitors. These trips are not only on the St John and Allagash but also on the Fish River Chain of Lakes and its thoroughfares. These are easy sections of water to paddle even for beginners. Local businesses in Fort Kent and Eagle Lake rent canoes and kayaks
and offer shuttle services for the Fish River Chain.
For the photographer and wildlife viewer moose, deer, beavers, eagles, waterfowl and other birdlife are sure to be encountered.
ATV Riding
Visitors wishing to ride ATV’s will find a vast network of trails. Thanks to the local ATV clubs working with local landowners many new trails have opened up.
The trails in the region twist and wind through some of the most beautiful scenery in Maine. Wildlife abounds in the area and is sure to be spotted by the alert rider.
This recreational opportunity is new to the region and could not have happened without the dedication of the local ATV clubs.
Bike Riding
Bike riding gives the visitor the chance to take in the scenery at a slower pace than travel by car through the area. There is a mapped bike tour that takes the rider through the towns of the valley. The 10th Mountain Ski Center opens its cross country trails to riders wishing to take the challenge. There is an old rail bed that has been converted to a recreation trail for those seeking solitude and still be near town.
Two cycling events are held each year in the Valley. The County Cycle Classic is held the Second weekend in July and starts in Van Buren. Le Tour de la Valle is the second weekend in August from Fort Kent.
Snowmobiling
The Greater Fort Kent Area should be considered the snowmobile capital of Maine! The region has had suitable snow for riding consistently over the last five years by January 1. No other area in Maine can say that. The local clubs, towns and businesses are very active in maintaining the 2200 miles of existing trails.
Riders can find trails leading from town to town and many of the businesses are located on ITS trails or have spurs leading to them. Gas, food and lodging are always just a short ride away. Maintained trails through the North Maine Woods take riders into one of the last uninhabited areas of Maine. Adventurers can find powder riding in the area west of the maintained trail to the Canadian border. This is an undeveloped area and few services exist. Riders are urged to use caution and should be self-sufficient when traveling this area.
Winter Sports
Cross Country Skiing and snowshoeing are two winter activities that are gaining popularity in the region and with good reason. The 10th Mountain Ski Facility has 22 km of trails for all abilities. This facility hosted the 2004 World Cup Biathlon and host smaller events annually. Lodging establishments in the area have trails for their guests as well. The area lakes provide scenic day trips as do sections of the Allagash and St John Rivers.
Snowshoeing into the woods during the winter can take visitors to areas not frequented by mechanized travel. Countless woods roads and frozen streams and brooks will take those wishing solitude to their destination. The Town of Allagash supports one of the largest deer wintering yards in the region. Deer can be seen and photographed all winter. Many choose to take to the big woods in search of moose antlers that have shed. This is a popular and prosperous past time in the region. Local guides are available to help in your search.
The Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department has snowshoes available for use.
Lonesome Pine Ski Area provides downhill skiing for all abilities. The ski area has a rental shop as well as food service and lounge.
Winter visitors often plan their trips to coincide with Can Am Sled Dog Race. This is the largest and most prestigious dog sled race in the New England. Mushers come from all across the US and Canada to participate in the 250 mile run. The Can Am 250 is a qualifying race for any musher wishing to eventually move on to the Iditarod Race. The start for the race is held on Main St in Fort Kent. The 250 Race is preceded by the 30 and 60 mile races. Events are planned annually for spectators of the race. Two spectator-friendly race check points are located near-by in Portage and Allagash. The finish Line for all the races is Lonesome Pine Ski Area in Fort Kent.
Have you ever wondered what these mushers go through on the Can Am sled dog race? Some area businesses offer point to point overnight sled dog trips for the hearty adventurer.
The winter fisherman will find fishable waters throughout the region. The Fish River Chain of Lakes is very popular with locals and visitors alike. Lakes on the St. John and Allagash watersheds can be accessed from the area as well.
Winter visitors will find all the amenities they may need. Sled Rentals are available, local guides to help in your trip and a full array of lodging, restaurant, and support services await.
Hunting
The Greater Fort Kent Area has a rich hunting heritage. The region is the gateway to Allagash and the North Maine Woods. Fort Kent is located in Aroostook County. More bear are taken in Aroostook County than any other county in Maine.
On the average six hundred deer
over 200 pounds are taken annually in Maine, one third of these animals comes from Aroostook County.
Bird hunters will find diverse hunting opportunities in the region. Abandoned farm land reverting back to poplar and alder hold grouse and woodcock. The vast networks of logging roads, leading west towards the Canadian border, are annual hotspots for the visiting hunter with or without a dog.
The region has large populations of moose
as well as coyote. Hunters will find numerous guide services and lodging establishments to help them on their quest. With the large land mass available to hunters, often one can have the area to themselves.
The Greater Fort Kent area is rich in outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can find something to do outdoors all four seasons. Many of the area businesses specialize in the outdoor recreation business. Visitors can go into the outdoors on their own or hire one the many local Registered Maine Guides in the area to make their trip both enjoyable and often an educational experience. No matter what a person is looking for The Greater Fort Kent Region has it.
Fishing
Our region is blessed with some of the best fishing within the State of Maine and New England. Couple the outstanding sport with some of the most spectacular scenery and it can be understood why many make the trek to the region annually.
Our region of Maine is one of the last strong holds for Native brook trout. Brookies can be found in almost any of the free flowing waters throughout the area. Outstanding brook trout can be found in the regions lakes and ponds. Brook trout up to four pounds are taken
annually from the Fish River Chain of Lakes.Lake Trout or Togue as they are known locally can be found in the lakes of the Allagash River Chain as well as the Fish River Chain of Lakes. Both open water and ice anglers find the fish plentiful and the action fast.
Landlocked Salmon are considered by many to be the king of the game fish in the region. In 2008 Long Lake of the Fish River Chain located in St. Agatha and Madawaska was rated as one of the top landlocked salmon waters in New England and with good reason. This body of water regularly produces salmon six pounds and over!
The St. John Watershed once known for its brook trout fishery is now home to muskellunge. Muskie were stocked by the Quebec Government in Lac Frontier, the headwaters for the Northwest Branch of the St. John. From here, muskies infiltrated the entire St. John River system. Today there is a thriving muskie
fishery that is unique to other fisheries in North America.Much of the fishing takes place on the three lakes. Baker Lake located in Piscataquis County was the first downstream water to produce a viable fishery. Later Beau and Glazier Lake on the St. Francis River a tributary of the St. John started producing good fish. The current state record muskie came from Glazier Lake and was taken through the ice.
The jewel of the fishery is the main stem of the St. John itself. The northern sections of the river accessible by traveling through Fort Kent to Allagash and into the North Maine Woods will bring anglers to sections of the river that will see few anglers during the course of a season. Fluctuating water levels can make river travel difficult in the summer months. The road system inside of the North Maine Woods has many access points either right to the river or just a short hike from conventional vehicle access.
Today the Town of Fort Kent holds an annual International Muskie Derby each August. On average 400 to 600 anglers participate in this three day event. Some anglers will find sections of the river to fish during this event and not see another angler.
Canoeing and Kayaking
The Greater Fort Kent Area is a gateway to both the St. John River and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. These two rivers are famous for their pristine settings and feeling of remoteness that one will encounter while on either river.
The St. John is the longest free flowing river east of the Mississippi River.
Due to the fact that it has no dams for water control it is really only caneoable during periods of high water in the spring and early summer. The Allagash is caneoable all summer and is the choice of many mid to late summer paddlers. Both rivers have maintained camp sites. The Allagash does have its own set of rules and visitors should go to the North Maine Woods web site for more information. Numerous vehicle shuttle services and canoe liveries can be found in St. Francis and the Town of Allagash. Registered Maine Guides are also available to canoe trippers if they so desire.
There are numerous day paddles of varying lengths available to visitors. These trips are not only on the St John and Allagash but also on the Fish River Chain of Lakes and its thoroughfares. These are easy sections of water to paddle even for beginners. Local businesses in Fort Kent and Eagle Lake rent canoes and kayaks
and offer shuttle services for the Fish River Chain.For the photographer and wildlife viewer moose, deer, beavers, eagles, waterfowl and other birdlife are sure to be encountered.
ATV Riding
Visitors wishing to ride ATV’s will find a vast network of trails. Thanks to the local ATV clubs working with local landowners many new trails have opened up.
The trails in the region twist and wind through some of the most beautiful scenery in Maine. Wildlife abounds in the area and is sure to be spotted by the alert rider.This recreational opportunity is new to the region and could not have happened without the dedication of the local ATV clubs.
Bike Riding
Bike riding gives the visitor the chance to take in the scenery at a slower pace than travel by car through the area. There is a mapped bike tour that takes the rider through the towns of the valley. The 10th Mountain Ski Center opens its cross country trails to riders wishing to take the challenge. There is an old rail bed that has been converted to a recreation trail for those seeking solitude and still be near town.
Two cycling events are held each year in the Valley. The County Cycle Classic is held the Second weekend in July and starts in Van Buren. Le Tour de la Valle is the second weekend in August from Fort Kent.
Snowmobiling
The Greater Fort Kent Area should be considered the snowmobile capital of Maine! The region has had suitable snow for riding consistently over the last five years by January 1. No other area in Maine can say that. The local clubs, towns and businesses are very active in maintaining the 2200 miles of existing trails.
Riders can find trails leading from town to town and many of the businesses are located on ITS trails or have spurs leading to them. Gas, food and lodging are always just a short ride away. Maintained trails through the North Maine Woods take riders into one of the last uninhabited areas of Maine. Adventurers can find powder riding in the area west of the maintained trail to the Canadian border. This is an undeveloped area and few services exist. Riders are urged to use caution and should be self-sufficient when traveling this area.
Winter Sports
Cross Country Skiing and snowshoeing are two winter activities that are gaining popularity in the region and with good reason. The 10th Mountain Ski Facility has 22 km of trails for all abilities. This facility hosted the 2004 World Cup Biathlon and host smaller events annually. Lodging establishments in the area have trails for their guests as well. The area lakes provide scenic day trips as do sections of the Allagash and St John Rivers.
Snowshoeing into the woods during the winter can take visitors to areas not frequented by mechanized travel. Countless woods roads and frozen streams and brooks will take those wishing solitude to their destination. The Town of Allagash supports one of the largest deer wintering yards in the region. Deer can be seen and photographed all winter. Many choose to take to the big woods in search of moose antlers that have shed. This is a popular and prosperous past time in the region. Local guides are available to help in your search.
The Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department has snowshoes available for use.
Lonesome Pine Ski Area provides downhill skiing for all abilities. The ski area has a rental shop as well as food service and lounge.
Winter visitors often plan their trips to coincide with Can Am Sled Dog Race. This is the largest and most prestigious dog sled race in the New England. Mushers come from all across the US and Canada to participate in the 250 mile run. The Can Am 250 is a qualifying race for any musher wishing to eventually move on to the Iditarod Race. The start for the race is held on Main St in Fort Kent. The 250 Race is preceded by the 30 and 60 mile races. Events are planned annually for spectators of the race. Two spectator-friendly race check points are located near-by in Portage and Allagash. The finish Line for all the races is Lonesome Pine Ski Area in Fort Kent.
Have you ever wondered what these mushers go through on the Can Am sled dog race? Some area businesses offer point to point overnight sled dog trips for the hearty adventurer.
The winter fisherman will find fishable waters throughout the region. The Fish River Chain of Lakes is very popular with locals and visitors alike. Lakes on the St. John and Allagash watersheds can be accessed from the area as well.
Winter visitors will find all the amenities they may need. Sled Rentals are available, local guides to help in your trip and a full array of lodging, restaurant, and support services await.
Hunting
The Greater Fort Kent Area has a rich hunting heritage. The region is the gateway to Allagash and the North Maine Woods. Fort Kent is located in Aroostook County. More bear are taken in Aroostook County than any other county in Maine.
On the average six hundred deer
over 200 pounds are taken annually in Maine, one third of these animals comes from Aroostook County.Bird hunters will find diverse hunting opportunities in the region. Abandoned farm land reverting back to poplar and alder hold grouse and woodcock. The vast networks of logging roads, leading west towards the Canadian border, are annual hotspots for the visiting hunter with or without a dog.
The region has large populations of moose
as well as coyote. Hunters will find numerous guide services and lodging establishments to help them on their quest. With the large land mass available to hunters, often one can have the area to themselves.Date / Time
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