Big Black River Canoe Trip
Maine Canoe Trip on the Big Black RiverContact Us for Pricing & Availability
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Submit your information, we will collect and put together a quote and verify that your requested dates are available. We will then get back to you with a quote and booking information.
Please keep in mind that, no reservation is booked until we receive your deposit and you have a confirmation from us.
The Big Black River trip is a true wilderness canoeing adventure for experienced canoeists. The Big Black flows from Quebec into northwestern Maine, eventually flowing into the St. John River approximately 35 miles upstream of Allagash Village. Paddlers can choose to run the Big Black only and take out at Escourt Road, or continue their trip down the St. John to our take out and parking area in Allagash Village.
This trip is primarily Class II+ water with two significant deadwaters and no portages. Depending on flow conditions the rapid areas require frequent line changes and experienced paddling. Campsites are primitive and unmaintained with no amenities.
Due to the nature of the river, with no dams or lakes to adequately supply water flow after spring snow melt, the best paddling conditions occur throughout the month of May but are unreliable after that.
Big Black River Trip Summary
Our friend and AGS customer, Frank Richards, has canoed the Big Black River several times. He prepared the following trip report for those interested in giving the Big Black a try. We would like to thank Frank for helping us out by preparing this document. He is also working on a canoeing guidebook for the St. John river.
Transportation & Shuttle
With two put-in locations, paddles can choose to run the Big Black only, taking out at Escourt Road, before the confluence with the St. John. Alternatively paddles can continue down the St. John, to our parking /take-out area in Allagash Village. Our Transportation Service means that you drive to our lodge in the town of Allagash, where the Allagash and St. John Rivers meet. We will load your gear into our vehicle and drive you to the desired starting point on the river to start your paddle back to Allagash. You have the choice to camp on our property, rent a cabin the night before your trip or drive in the day you arrive. Our Shuttle Service means that you drive to your desired starting point with your vehicle and we drive it to your take out destination while you are paddling on the river. Prior to your trip we will contact you to make arrangements for us to have a key to your vehicle. Prices are based per vehicle with a discount for multiple vehicles.
| Big Black River Access Points |
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| Big Black River @ Depot Rd – 5 days / 64 miles |
| Big Black River @ Blanchette Rd - 3 days / 46 mile |
North Maine Woods (NMW) charges gate and nightly camping fees. To view the St. John and North Maine Woods fee’s please visit this link http://www.northmainewoods.org/information/fees.html or call headquarters in Ashland at 207-435-6213.
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