Backpacker Magazine – November 2008

Thoreau Slept Here: The Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail

Maine's newly minted Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail tracks the famous naturalist's 1800s expeditions. Good news: It's still wild.

by: Tom Clynes, Photos by Bridget Besaw

Tags:
• Maine
|
• Destinations
|
• Weekends
|
• Adventures
|
• Wildlife
|
• Environment
|

---

PLAN IT | Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail, ME

When To Go
The months from July through October offer the perfect combination of stable weather and declining insect hordes. Summertime brings highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.

Gear
Pack your gear in a drybag like the NRS 3.8 Heavy Duty Bill's Bag ($80, nrsweb.com); it has shoulder straps for portages and is so bomber it should last a lifetime. Pack bug spray with DEET (we like 3M's Ultrathon lotion: $6, rei.com) and a headnet just in case (try Sea to Summit's Mosquito Head Net: $8, seatosummit.com).

Map and Books Pack Quiet Water Maine: Canoe and Kayak Guide, by Alex Wilson and John Hayes ($18, Appalachian Mountain Club Books) and Northern Forest Canoe Trail Map #11 ($10, The Mountaineers Books).

Outfitter
Join a guided trip (or rent canoes and supplies) and arrange a shuttle with Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville. (866) 223-1380, maineoutfitter.com

The Way
From Millinocket, take Bates St. 0.8 mile north to Millinocket Rd., and turn left. After 7.5 miles, Millinocket Rd. becomes Golden Rd.; stay on Golden for 45.6 miles to the put-in at Hannibal's Crossing, a bridge where Golden Rd. crosses the West Branch Penobscot River.

Contact
thoreauwabanakitrail.org

Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter