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, making 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 low 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: planning routes with both Gaia GPS and traditional paper maps, time & distance estimation, proper paddling mechanics and canoe trim, group management, reading conditions on the water, navigating with wind, safe open-water crossings, rescue and recovery techniques, sustaining energy and pace, injury prevention, portaging, scouting and running class 1 whitewater, campsite selection and efficient setup, fire building techniques, water purification, meal planning & prep for multi-day trips, minimizing campsite contamination, backcountry food safety, leave no trace principles, first aid kits, gear & clothing selection, proper layering, tips & tricks, essential knots, finding fish on the move, introductory 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, the guide will discuss the area's history and other intriguing topics with the group.

We will have camp activities 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 delays, 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, arriving 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

Prices are in USD, also known as United States Dollars.

Included: route planning & daily itinerary management, trip logistics support, permits & reservations, staff & guide support, canoes, paddles, PFDs, and three meals per day for the four days of the trip.

Not included: accommodations, personal travel to/from our location, travel/trip insurance, meals not listed in the itinerary, snacks & personal purchases, optional gratuities for staff & guides.

Transportation provided during your itinerary is incidental to trip logistics support and is not sold as a stand-alone passenger transportation service.

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 60 days prior to the start of your trip. This ensures you are committed to the trip.

We can accommodate up to six participants. While we expect this trip to fill up, we require a minimum of three participants to cover the operating cost. If fewer than three participants register by the due date, those who booked will have the option to either cover the additional costs so the trip may proceed or cancel and receive a refund, minus processing fees.

Cancellation Policy:

  • Domestic (US) - Cancellation fee

  • 60+ days - Deposit may be applied toward another trip, within one year, based on availability.

  • 30-59 days - 50% of total trip cost

  • 29 days or less - 100% of total trip cost

Please understand this trip takes time and advance notice to plan and execute. We may turn away other customers to hold your reservation. Our policy is not meant to be punitive, however, we plan far in advance to make these trips possible. By 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 purchasing 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 via 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, and 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 required items, you can rent or purchase them 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 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 control the weather. We have allotted an extra day to account for poor weather conditions that may prevent us from moving to the next location. In the unlikely event that we cannot continue to the next scheduled location, we will 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:‍ ‍5 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.