Allagash, Maine
Gateway to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway
Overview
Key Facts
What Allagash Is Known For
Allagash Local Highlights
Things to Do
Living in Allagash
Life in Allagash is quiet and self-reliant. Residents head to Fort Kent for groceries, healthcare, and school services, while logging and outdoor tourism anchor the local economy.
Weather & Seasons
summer
Mild days, 60-75 F; cool nights
winter
Long, cold winters, -5 to 25 F with heavy snow
spring
Slow thaw, 30-55 F and muddy roads
fall
Crisp, 35-60 F with early foliage along the rivers
How to Get There
Follow US-1 to Fort Kent and continue north on Route 161; private logging roads extend west from town into the North Maine Woods.
Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.
Satellite preview
Allagash outline
Outdoor Recreation
Related Guides
Best Breweries in Maine 2026: Top Craft Beer & Taprooms
Maine's best breweries: Allagash, Bissell Brothers, Maine Beer Company. 150+ craft breweries, Portland beer trail.
Camping in Maine
Complete guide to camping in Maine, from rustic backcountry sites to family-friendly campgrounds. Find the best spots and learn what you need to know.
Ghost Trains of the Allagash: Abandoned Locomotives in Maine
Find abandoned locomotives in the North Maine Woods. Directions, hiking guide, and Eagle Lake Railroad history.
Complete Guide to Kayaking in Maine
Explore Maine's waters by kayak, from sea kayaking in Acadia and Muscongus Bay to lake paddling and whitewater, with safety tips and top destinations.
Craft Beer in Maine
From Portland's brewery district to rural farmhouse ales, Maine has become a craft beer destination. Your guide to Maine's best breweries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Allagash known for?
Allagash is known as the gateway to the legendary 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway, one of America's premier canoe routes. The town sits where the Allagash River meets the St. John River, offering access to remote North Maine Woods and serving as a base for multi-day paddling expeditions.
How do I access the Allagash Wilderness Waterway?
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway begins at Chamberlain Lake and ends at the St. John River in Allagash. Paddlers can arrange shuttles in town for the start or end of their trip. Access to the North Maine Woods requires checkpoint entry north of town.
What outdoor activities are available in Allagash?
Allagash offers world-class paddling on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, fishing for brook trout and salmon, moose and whitetail hunting with local guides, and snowmobiling on trails connecting to Fort Kent and the greater trail network.