With 6,000 lakes and 3,500 miles of coastline, Maine is the perfect New England destination for kayakers. From sea kayaking through an unpopulated archipelago to flying through Class V rapids, Maine offers ample opportunities to remain outdoors and active, regardless of your kayaking skill level. Guided tours providing all the necessary equipment are available for those new to kayaking, but the state offers endless entry points for seasoned kayak owners to drop into the water and explore.
Acadia National Park
Acadia is an island park off the coast of Maine, and home of a few great sea kayaking opportunities. For experiences sea kayakers leading active lifestyles with the confidence and experience to plan and execute solo sea kayaking trips, the Acadia area is rife with smaller islands and ocean channels to explore. For those who prefer a guided tour, Acadia National Park leads ecological sea kayaking tours from May through October. The tours provide specially chosen guides and include kayaks and equipment.
Nicatous Lake
Nicatous Lake is part of a waterway system used by the Native Americans that empties into the salt waters at Penobscot Bay. Kayakers can stick to the tranquil waters of the lake, explore the more rapidly moving waters that feed the lake, or even take an extended venture from the lake to Penobscot Bay. Nicatous is 13 miles long and graced with enough coves, inlets, and islands to fill a full two- or three-day schedule.
Nahmakanta Lake
The Nahmakanta steam feeds into the lake of the same name with a 5.3-mile stretch of white water kayaking. Once you reach the lake, you'll find 10 miles of shoreline unspoiled by development or infrastructure. For kayakers who enjoy observing wildlife from the water, the shores of Nahmakanta Lake are a common stomping ground for moose, and over 100 species of birds, including loons. If you're looking to get out of the kayak, there are many trails to hike including the Appalachian Trail.
Deer Isle
Deer Isle isn't all that far form Acadia National Park, making the areas a potential double destination for extended kayaking trips to Maine. The tip of an archipelago, Deer Isle offers sea kayakers easy access to a number of islands, many of which permit overnight camping. Steve, Harbor, and Potato islands are well-known places to stay in the Deer Isle area.
Penobscot River
Kayakers can take to Penobscot River on unguided ventures, or as part of an organized tour. The river is famous for its mellow and treacherous waters. Depending on where you enter Penobscot, you'll either experience placid waters flanked by grazing moose or a 70-foot per minute granite walled drop that feeds into a Class V rapid area affectionately known as Exterminator. A guided tour of the calm waters of the river will take you through the most tranquil, moose-heavy regions, while very experienced and fearless kayakers will find intense rapids in the river's more turbulent regions.
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