Allagash River
102.78 km | 63.86 mi
Length can differ from official measure!
Kategorie 2
Embedd this river on your own website
The Allagash River is a 105 km long tributary of the Saint John River in northwestern Maine. It originates in Churchill Lake in northern Piscataquis County and flows through the remote and scenic region of Maine's North Woods, north of Mount Katahdin. The name "Allagash" comes from the Abenaki language and means "bark stream." The river is part of the 92.5-mile (149 km) Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW), established by the State of Maine in 1966 and designated in 1970 as the first state-managed component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
The AWW encompasses a chain of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, including major headwaters such as Chamberlain, Eagle, and Churchill Lakes. The river itself flows predominantly northeast, passing natural mountain lakes and the impressive Allagash Falls, a 12-meter-high cascade. The region is surrounded by commercial forests but remains largely untouched, with no permanent human settlements. It is rich in history, including traces of the Abenaki Indians.
The Allagash region is known for its pristine nature, diverse wildlife (e.g., moose, bald eagles, black bears), and cold, clear waters that provide a home for fish species such as brook trout, lake trout, and whitefish.
The Allagash River is a globally popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are the main recreational activities:
Canoeing and Kayaking
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is one of the most famous canoeing routes in the USA, suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. The route features calm river sections, large lakes, and moderate rapids such as the Chase Stream Rapids (Class I-II).
There are over 80 rustic campsites along the waterway, equipped with fire pits, picnic tables, and pit toilets, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Camping
Backcountry camping is a central part of the Allagash experience. The campsites are simple but well-maintained, with fire pits and outhouses. Visitors must filter or treat their drinking water, as no tested drinking water is available (except at the Chamberlain Bridge and Churchill Dam ranger stations). All trash must be carried in and carried out.
The AWW encompasses a chain of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, including major headwaters such as Chamberlain, Eagle, and Churchill Lakes. The river itself flows predominantly northeast, passing natural mountain lakes and the impressive Allagash Falls, a 12-meter-high cascade. The region is surrounded by commercial forests but remains largely untouched, with no permanent human settlements. It is rich in history, including traces of the Abenaki Indians.
The Allagash region is known for its pristine nature, diverse wildlife (e.g., moose, bald eagles, black bears), and cold, clear waters that provide a home for fish species such as brook trout, lake trout, and whitefish.
The Allagash River is a globally popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are the main recreational activities:
Canoeing and Kayaking
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is one of the most famous canoeing routes in the USA, suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. The route features calm river sections, large lakes, and moderate rapids such as the Chase Stream Rapids (Class I-II).
There are over 80 rustic campsites along the waterway, equipped with fire pits, picnic tables, and pit toilets, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Camping
Backcountry camping is a central part of the Allagash experience. The campsites are simple but well-maintained, with fire pits and outhouses. Visitors must filter or treat their drinking water, as no tested drinking water is available (except at the Chamberlain Bridge and Churchill Dam ranger stations). All trash must be carried in and carried out.
