The Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Enjoy 740 Miles of Canoe and Kayak Destinations in New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine [Paperback]

Northern Forest Canoe Trail (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2010

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) links the waterways of New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine. This is the first official guidebook to the whole 740-mile trail and reflects the broad mission of the NFCT: To celebrate the rich human heritage and diverse natural environment of the Northern Forest by establishing a water trail that traces historic Native American travel routes across the region.

The route's variety of flat water, swift water, and whitewater--expanding across a range of rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds--provides extensive opportunities for canoe, kayak, and camping recreation. Vibrant communities along the way offer inns, B&Bs, and museums, as well as other recreational and historical attractions. This guidebook goes beyond route information to serve as a narrative of the natural, human, and cultural legacy of the region and its wonderful accessibility to visitors.

Product Details

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books; 1 edition (March 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594850615
• ISBN-13: 978-1594850615
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #152,190 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #17 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Kayaking

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars NFCT guidebook, March 12, 2010

By 

section paddler (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Enjoy 740 Miles of Canoe and Kayak Destinations in New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine (Paperback)

This is an excellent guidebook for anyone who is interested in doing any part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Section by section the guidebook walks the reader through what to expect and look for along the trail. Combined with the section maps and web based trip planner there aren't many questions that go unanswered.

There's a lot of information packed into the book with excellent trip suggestions and pointers on what to see and look for on your trip. I especially liked the suggested trips and the section on through paddling.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Trip Planning from Idea to Execution, April 5, 2010

By 

Karla Hart (Alaska) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Enjoy 740 Miles of Canoe and Kayak Destinations in New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine (Paperback)

For me trip planning goes through distinct stages. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail guidebook addresses each stage.

Initially I explore destination ideas, then narrow in on a region, then focus on the trip I can do with time and resources available. Introductory text in the guide provides a sweeping overview of the region, including human and natural history. Now I'm hooked on the idea. The authors have done the work for me in narrowing the trips with a handy listing by categories such as "for families or beginners," "wildlife-viewing trips," and "paddling-hiking/biking combinations."

Time for packing and logistical details. They have a pre-trip planning section and trip put-in/put-out information.

On the water, suddenly that boring to read at home text of the route details (e.g., "...approach to the dam, which is dangerous because of exposed metal rebar in the river...") is the center of my focus! Critical point by critical point, the guide helps me make safe route choices and alerts me to interesting features I might otherwise miss.

The waterproof section maps (sold separately) complement the book.

This book was written by several authors, each sharing their expertise for segments of the route. All write well and the guide flows together nicely; however, at least one is an exceptional writer.

My only suggestion for improvement would be that the guidebook be plastic spiral bound so it could rest open within a zip-lock plastic bag for field use. I don't want to be thumbing for the right route section each time I review the guide while underway.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough and joyful read, May 22, 2010

By 

mcccliv (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Enjoy 740 Miles of Canoe and Kayak Destinations in New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine (Paperback)

Find a comfortable chair because as soon as you open this book, you will be dreaming about and planning for the next trip. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail Guidebook is good enough for arm chair travelers and through paddlers alike.

It is rich in information for preliminary trip planning. Historical context and anecdotes are weaved between area attractions, navigation tips, terrain charts, pictures, maps, and itinerary recommendations. There are also segment profiles for quick reference to access points, services, contacts, and trail features.

The section maps (13 in total, sold separately) are a fantastic addition to the book with visual depiction of the trail, mileage markers, and service locations.

And there is the NFCT web site at [...]
with full directory of services, their contact information, itineraries, and events.

This is where the book falls short. I wish it included the contact details for the groceries, bakeries, B&Bs, and other services it refers to, so they are readily available while off and on the trail.

I enjoyed reading the book and planning for my first trip on the trail. I encourage you to plan a trip too. Stay safe and wear a life jacket.