Watercraft Regulations for the Allagash Wilderness Waterway

• Allagash Wilderness Waterway Conditions & Alerts

On-page links to help you navigate this page:

• Definitions
• Basic Guidelines
• Watercraft Not Permitted

Definitions

Canoe: A canoe is defined as a form of small watercraft long and narrow, sharp on both ends or sharp on one end and blunt at the other, usually propelled by paddles or small motors and having no sails. The width at the widest point shall not exceed 20% of the craft’s overall length, nor shall the transom, if any, exceed 26 inches in width. Measurement shall be the outside of the hull but shall not include gunwales, rub rails, or spray rails, if any

Kayak: A kayak is defined as a form of small watercraft, long and narrow, sharp on both ends, usually propelled by a double-bladed paddle in a sitting position, and having no sails. It usually has a covered deck, a cockpit covered by a spray-deck and/or skirt, and may be equipped with a small rudder. The width at the widest point shall not exceed 25% of the craft’s overall length. Measurement shall be the outside of the hull but shall not include gunwales, rub rails, or spray rails, if any.

Restrictions

Allagash rules restrict use of types of watercraft in several sections of the Waterway in order to maintain a traditional experience. For example,

Telos and Chamberland Lake motor size is unlimited, but personal watercraft, hovercraft, airboats, racing boats, and pontoon boats are prohibited.

Lock Dam North to West Twin Brook - only canoes and kayaks with motors not exceeding 10 horsepower may be used. Watercraft must meet the definition of a canoe or kayak shown above. Inflatable watercraft and prefabricated sails are prohibited.

Allagash Lake and Allagash Stream - only canoes and kayaks without motors may be used. Watercraft must meet the definition of a canoe or kayak shown above. Inflatable watercraft and prefabricated sails are prohibited.

Basic Guidelines

Length

10ft

11ft

12ft

13ft

14ft

15ft

16ft

17ft

18ft

19ft

20ft

21ft

22ft

23ft

24ft

Canoe 20%

24”

26”

29”

31”

34”

36”

38”

41”

43”

46”

48”

50”

53”

55”

58”

Kayak 25%

30”

33”

36”

39”

42”

45”

48”

51”

54”

57”

60”

63”

66”

69”

72”

To measure the width:

1. Measure the outside of the widest part of the hull.
2. Do not include gunwales, rub rails, or spray rails.

Watercraft not permitted in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway:

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