Our Northern Forest

Canoe Trail Adventure

In 2023 we embarked on our biggest adventure (yet!), and thru-paddled the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) in the US and Canada. Here is how we prepared and completed the 740mile trail that starts in Old Forge, New York, then uses 23 rivers and 59 lakes, to pass through 4 states and 1 province, before finishing in Fort Kent, Maine.

So how did we get to be these two smiley people at the end of the trail?

First we should have a little look at how we found out about the trail. Back in the dark days of lockdown in the UK, we were itching to get outside and on the water. It was then that Robert came across a National Geographic article that really piqued our interest. When asked “is there anywhere new we could paddle?” whilst paddling with friends on our local river when restrictions were lessened just a bit, Robert replied “Well, I did find an interesting trail online...” Little did we know at the time, but that conversation would set in motion an adventure that would change the next 3 years of our lives.

training and prep

useful info sources

kit considerations

Equipment List

transport to and from

when to start

canoe sourcing

resupply

Bug Bites

expedition group shrinking

drinking water

border crossings

Adventuring in the UK vs US

Trail angels

transport to and from

Post adventure blues

FAQs

This page will likely make the ‘overview’ blog post defunct