Upper West Branch Penobscot River
Maine Historic & Beautiful Penobscot West Branch River trip
Outfitting from this location since 1857!2-7 days! This is our most popular overnight canoe trip! This trip offers something for most ability levels: canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, camping, exploring, photography, and sightseeing. Starting at Roll Dam on the Penobscot River, you’ll paddle downstream to remote wilderness campsites on the river and Lobster and Chesuncook lakes. Each site has picnic tables and fire rings positioned in beautiful wilderness settings. On this canoe trip, you’ll find many of the best wildlife viewing opportunities for moose, loons, deer, many species of ducks, and eagles, graced with beautiful views of Mt. Katahdin. The Maine moose frequents this watershed in search of the abundant aquatic plant growth, so sightings on the river trip are common.
Overnight On The West Branch Penobscot
Pre-Trip Planning
- River shuttle: We offer drop-off and pick-up at the most popular spots.
- Airport Transportation: Service to Bangor and Portland Airports.
- Parking: Free parking is available during your trip, with ample parking for your vehicles and trailers.
- Lodging: For those who want to stay locally, we offer lodging options for our trippers.
- Water levels: The Penobscot River levels are generally good from May through October. Contact us for updated information.
- Weather and Time: Plan your trip carefully and add extra days for wind, when you may need to stay off the water.
Permits and Fees
- Camping fees:
- Maine Resident: $6.54 per person per night.
- Non-resident: $13.08 per person per night.
- Children under 10 are Free
- Private Road Use fee:
- Maine Resident: $13 1-day use fee per person
- Non-resident: $18 1-day use fee per person.
- Under 18 and over 70 Free
- Fire Permit and wood: All fires should be in the site fire pit. No permit is required.
- Fishing License: If you choose to fish, you can buy your license and read the rules online Here
Useful Information
- Toilets: An outhouse is provided at each campsite. Please do not throw bottles or trash in the toilet.
- Children: As a general guideline, eight and older. Of course, only you know your child’s capabilities.
- Communication Devices: Your cell phone will have little to no service in most remote areas of the North Maine Woods. If you need communication, bring a GPS communicator, SPOT device, or satellite phone. (Garmin products are available for purchase in our store.)
- Maps: River trip maps
- Fire: waterproof matches & lighter
- River trip Characteristics: No portages make this an easier trip. The current is mostly slow to moderate, with some easier, quick water. Canoe camping skills are recommended.
Penobscot River Rules
- Campsites: Camp at designated campsites. All sites are signed and are first-come, first-served. They include a picnic table, fire pit, and outhouse.
- Bikes and ATVs: Not allowed on any North Maine Woods roads
- Firewood: Only Maine firewood is allowed to prevent the spread of insects and disease.
- Fires: Allowed only in fire pits.
- Max Group Size: Although there is no maximum group size, 12 or fewer seems to work best. Larger groups may have to separate for campsites.
- Trash: Carry in, carry out; no receptacle
- Pets: Allowed under the control of the owner.
- Outhouse: No glass or trash allowed.
- Fireworks: not allowed in the north Maine woods
- More Information: This is a partial list. Contact us for more information
Contact us for more planning assistance
Upper West Branch of the Penobscot River
A Beautiful wilderness river famous for its scenery, wildlife sightings and fishing.The Upper West Branch of the Penobscot River offers a scenic and historic paddling experience through Maine’s remote wilderness. Flowing past old logging sites and pristine forests, this trip features calm waters, occasional rapids, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including moose, eagles, and loons. Ideal for novice and experienced paddlers, the journey provides a mix of solitude and adventure, with plenty of great campsites.
Suggested Itineraries- Mileage and Days are estimates.
| Miles | Days | |
| Old Roll Dam to Lobster Lake to Lobster Trip: | 14 Miles | 2 Days |
| Old Roll Dam to Chesuncook Village takeout | 27 Miles | 3 Days |
| Old Roll Dam to Umbazooskus | 34 Miles | 3-4 Days |
| Old Roll Dam to Caribou Point | 43 Miles | 4-6 Days |
Mileage Chart
This is a general guide of distances; several Campsites exist throughout the entire watershed for other options.
- From Old Roll Dam to Lobster Landing, 8 miles
- Lobster Lake to Big Island 10 miles
- Big Island to Chesuncook Village Takeout 9 miles
- Chesuncook Village to Gero Island 1 mile
- Gero Island to Umbazooskus Takeout 5 miles
- Gero Island to Sunrise Point 10 miles
- Sunrise Point to Caribou Point 5 miles
- Gero Island to Caribou Point (Forestry Point) takeout 16
Details:
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Season: May-October
- Duration: 2-6 days
- Gear: Complete outfitting and rentals
- Transportation: Shuttle Service
Our group rented canoes and related equipment from them for a 7 day Allagash River adventure in June 2022. Their equipment was excellent quality, and they provided for all our needs while showing a great deal of patience!
