Canoeing and kayaking are very popular sports in the area, not only because they are a great workout, but they are quieter than motorboats and better for scenic viewing! In addition, there are no restrictions on where canoes and kayaks may venture!
Self-Guided Canoe and Kayak Trips
Cupsuptic River: For a short trip about 1 to 2 hours with easy-in/easy-out access, try Cupsuptic River! Take Route 4 towards Oquossoc to the information Pavilion. Turn right on Route 16 towards Wilsons Mills, continue across the Kennebago River, past the Cupsuptic River. Do not cross the bridge – landing is on the east side. About 1 mile up the river on the west side is “Hinkley’s Cafe” where camping and a picnic area are available. ¾ mile further up the river on the left is a cabin called Mooch’s. At this point, passage becomes impossible due to rocks and small falls. Turn around and return.
Magalloway River: This trip requires a car shuttle and is a 5.5 mile (approximately 3 hour) paddle. Take Route 4 towards Oquossoc to the Information Pavilion. Turn right on Route 16 to Wilson’s Mills. At Wilson’s Mills as you approach the bridge, turn right on Bennett Road. Immediately on left is the launching point. There is fast water at the start, but it is flat.
Shuttle: Take a car to the bridge at the Maine/NH border – there is only 1 bridge which crosses the river. Take out at bridge – it is quite steep.
Kennebago River: This is a very popular trip, as it is close to Rangeley and offers a great opportunity to see moose and other wildlife! Approximately 3 miles, this trip also requires a shuttle. Take Route 4 towards Oquossoc to the Information Pavilion. Turn right on Route 16 and proceed 1.3 miles to Kennebago River Road on the right. Proceed 2 miles on this gravel road to the so-called Steep Bank Pool on the left. You will see a path for launching at this point, park on the right side of the road. There is a ledge around the first bend, which should be approached to determine whether to run it on the left, or right side. You may have to carry over this under certain weather conditions/or degrees of your skills. After this it is flat water to the Route 16 bridge. Take out on east bank immediately after bridge.
Shuttle: Go back to Route 16, turn right, and proceed 0.10 miles. Park on the left side before the bridge.
Dead River – North Branch: 3.4 mile paddle (Approximately 2 hours) requiring a shuttle and a portage. Take Route 16 east to Stratton, then turn left on Route 27. Continue north, past Cathedral Pines Campground. About 1 and a ½ miles past Eustis, turn right on King and Bartlett Road. Turn right at the King and Bartlett sign, cross the bridge, launching on the left immediately after the bridge. Park on the right side of the road.
Shuttle: leave vehicle at the Cathedral Pines Campground. Portage: The portage (approximately 100 yards) is around a dam marked by a cable with barrels strung across the river. Pull out on the right where the cable is anchored. To the left is a path. 100 yards below is a place for reentry. Continue to Cathedral Pines.
Guided Canoe and Kayak Trips
Rangeley Adventure Company – 7 Pond Street, Rangeley ME 04970
Rangeley Adventure Co is offering weekly friendly children’s programs and activities, guided Kennebago/ Cupsuptic River trips, and fun tours! Instructions for all ages. Call 207-864-2771 to book your Rangeley adventure and check out their website at rangeleyadventureco.com
Northern Waters Outfitters – 29 Upton Road, Errol NH 03579
Magalloway River, Umbagog lake and Rapid River! For guided canoe trips, go to beoutside.com to book a trip and explore the vast wilderness in this region of Maine! You can also call (603) 482-3817 for more information!
White Water Rafting
A must do while on vacation!! An hour drive away from Rangeley and Oquossoc you can find white water rafting explorations. We have heard the drive is worth it!!
Northern Waters Outfitters – 29 Upton Road, Errol NH 03579
If you would like a little more excitement than a canoe trip, Northern Waters Outfitters also offers whitewater rafting trips! Perfect trip for families and firsttime rafters to build confidence. Call 603-482-3817 for more information, or visit beoutside.com/whitewater-rafting
Boat, Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboard Safety
If you’re currently at one of our rentals that means you’ve read and signed the Rental Agreement where we list our rules on watercraft usage. Click here for a refresher: https://www.rangeleyrentals.com/sample-rental-agreement/
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU’VE CAREFULLY READ MAINE BOATING LAWS: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/maine-boating-laws.pdf
Personal Floatation Devices:
Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs): Your rental may provide PFDs. Use at your own risk! We do not guarantee they are USCG approved, in good condition, or have enough to properly fit everyone in your group. We recommend bringing your own if you have them. You can also rent them from: Rangeley Adventure Company, Lakeside Marina, or River’s Edge Sports. Please read about proper use and requirements of PFDs on Page 38 of Maine Boating Laws.