Intro to Backcountry Canoeing
Dates
September 27 - 30: Fall foliage, fewer bugs, and cool temperatures. This is our favorite time of the year in Maine. The weather is near perfect (for us) and the woods are once again quiet after a busy summer season. The average high is in the low 60s. The average low is in the mid 40s. Cold snaps bringing freezing temperatures are possible.
Course Information
Over four days we will cover a variety of topics aimed at preparing you for multi-day canoe trips through the backcountry. The Maine Wilderness contains some of the most beautiful and remote paddling on the east coast, which makes it the perfect setting for learning what it takes to successfully and safely paddle a long distance route.
To promote an effective learning environment, enrollment is limited to 6 participants, per course. The mileage paddled each day is intentionally kept on the lower side to allow for learning and skill-building throughout the day.
Each participant needs a fully functioning kit, minus a cook system as we provide all meals. Gear is an important aspect of a safe and efficient trip. You will receive a packing list as part of your pre-trip packet.
In-the-field Training Topics: How to navigate & plan routes using Gaia, how to navigate & plan routes using paper maps, time & distance estimation, proper paddling techniques, how to pack & trim a canoe, group management, crossing open water safely, navigating with wind, open water rescue and recovery, portaging, scouting, class 1 whitewater, choosing a safe & proper campsite, setting up your campsite efficiently, paddling etiquette, overuse injury avoidance, sustaining energy and pace in varying conditions, proper layering techniques in varying conditions, fire building techniques, water sources & purification, nutrition & caloric intake, meal planning & prep, minimizing campsite contamination, food safety in the backcountry, leave no trace principles, first aid kits, essential gear & clothing, tips & tricks, useful knots, how to find fish on the move, fly fishing, and more.
This is a fully guided trip. We provide an experienced registered Maine guide on this trip. The guide will lead the group and provide assistance as needed. Throughout the day, they will discuss the history of the area and intriguing topics with the group.
We will have camp actives in the evening for those who want to participate.
Meals are provided, snacks are not.
Itinerary
Arrival: 7:00 a.m. meet up at our location in Millinocket for gear check and last minute supplies. Lodging is available in the Hostel if you wish to arrive the night before. Parking is available on-site for the duration of the trip.
The Trip: This trip is four days (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Weather Day). Any paddle plan should account for potential weather issues, especially on big water where it is possible to become “windbound” and unable to paddle. If the weather is in our favor and the trip goes according to plan, we will return to Trout Brook on day 4, with an arrival back in Millinocket that afternoon or evening. If the weather delays us and we have to make full use of Weather Day, we will return on day 5.
The plan is to paddle approximately 16 miles across serene and picturesque Grand Matagamon Lake while staying at three separate campsites along the way.
Pricing
Included: three meals per day for the four days of the trip, canoes, paddles, pfds, campsite fees, our fees, and guide fees. Prices are in USD.
Not included: any other transportation, accommodations, trip insurance, snacks & electrolytes, and optional gratuity for the guide(s).
Intro to Backcountry Canoeing: $850.00
Booking & Cancellation Policy
The deposit is 25% of your trip cost and is required at booking. The deposit is included in the total trip price.
The remaining 75% is due 90 days prior to the start of your trip. This is to ensure you are committed to the trip.
We can accommodate up to six participants. While we expect this trip to fill up, it should be noted that we do require a minimum of three participants to cover the cost of operating this trip. If less than three participants have registered by the due date, those who have booked this trip will have the option to either cover the additional costs so that the trip may proceed or cancel their trip and receive a refund, minus processing fees.
Cancellation Policy:
Domestic (US) - Cancellation fee
90+ days - Deposit may be applied toward another trip, within one year, based on availability.
60-89 days - 100% of deposit
30-59 days - 50% of total trip cost
29 days or less - 100% of total trip cost
Please understand that a guided trip takes time and advance notice to plan and execute. We may turn away other customers in order to hold your reservation. Our policy is not meant to be punitive, however, we plan far in advance to make these trips a possibility. At the time of the due date, funds have already been used in preparation for your upcoming trip. For this reason, we strictly adhere to our cancellation policy. We strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance to help cover any unforeseen circumstance that may lead to you canceling after the due date.
To qualify for refunds, you must notify us in writing, by email, to info@katahdinadventureco.com.
Katahdin Adventure Company reserves the right to alter or cancel trips and determine refund amounts at its sole discretion.
Disclaimer
While this is a fully guided trip, all participants must be capable of covering the distance mentioned in the itinerary. Each participant should be in reasonably good shape. Each participant will be required to portage a canoe and gear, as well as assist in setting up camp and cooking. Each participant will be required to carry all necessary supplies and gear for their safety and enjoyment. There is a list of essential items the guide requires you have with you. We will send the list and relevant information at booking. If you lack any of the required items, they can be rented or purchased from our Outfitters.
The guide will provide information & in-the-field assistance, administer first aid if needed, set the pace, lead the group, and determine the safest course of action throughout the entire trip. The guide has full control over the trip and has the authority to make changes to the itinerary as deemed necessary.
This is an intermediate level trip, though it is suitable for beginners willing to put in the effort.
While we will do everything we can to provide a safe trip, we do not have any control over the weather. We have allotted an extra day to account for poor weather conditions that may keep us from moving on to the next location. In the unlikely event that we are unable to continue to the next scheduled location, we will have to opt for a safer route and make the best of the trip. We do not offer refunds due to weather. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance.
Get in touch.
If you are interested in participating in our trip, please reach out to us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you register.
September 27-30, 2026: 6 of 6 spots remaining
Dates are proposed and based on the ability to obtain reservations. Dates may need to be shifted once reservations are acquired.