by Cloe Chunn

After 8 years of work, the Penobscot River Paddling Trail has 11 free campsites along the main stem of the Penobscot River.  

The start point is the Medway Boat Launch, and the end point is 103 miles downstream on Verona Island, gateway to continuing adventures on the Maine Island Trail.

The northernmost campsite is “Tannery Row” in Winn, named for its previous location as a tannery of hides, local hides and buffalo hides brought from the West by train and boat. The campsite lies half a mile downstream from Five Island Rapids. As all campsites, it has tent space for several tents, a 12-foot picnic table, an approved privy, a kiosk with information and guest book, and a sign visible to paddlers.

The next 5 campsites are in Chester “Medunkeunk Landing”;  north Howland “Mohawk” due to its location just downstream of Mohawk Island; “Nibezun” in Passadumkeag; “Riverbilly’s Retreat” in Argyle; and “Ketawamkihtek” half a mile off the Penobscot on the Stillwater Branch in north Old Town. These are all flatwater to Class 1 paddling.

From Old Town down, the river offers spurts of whitewater paddling, from Class I to III depending on water levels. The next campsite is “Oak Glen” in Orono, then “Penobscot Salmon Club” in Brewer, where the river changes to tidal influence.  Best to paddle falling tides to “Sturgeon Leap” in Orrington, “Ferry Crossing” in Prospect, and “Joost Campsite” on Verona Island. From Verona, you can join with the Maine Island Trail in Castine.

There are three portages: Mattaseunk Dam in Medway, West Enfield Dam in Howland, and Milford Dam in Old Town. Numerous boat launches offer many points of access.

Please visit their website www.PenobscotRiverPaddlingTrail.org  for more information and downloadable maps.