The Upper West Branch of the Penobscot River is perhaps the best-known waterway in the east for observing and photographing moose. The Penobscot River canoe trip begins at Old Roll Dam and flows into Chesuncook Lake ending at the south end near Old Chesuncook Dam. The Penobscot River is ideal for the beginning canoeist as no rapids or portaging needs to be done. A worthwhile side trip to Lobster Lake with its natural sand beaches and spectacular views of surrounding mountains make it one of Maine's most beautiful lakes. This may be scheduled for your trip. As on the Allagash and the St. John Rivers, all camping is in designated areas only, on a first come first serve basis. At this time there are no specific group size regulations on the Penobscot.
On the Penobscot River there are two popular starting points used by Katahdin Outfitters:
Old Roll Dam: | 45 Miles, 4-5 Days |
Lobster Stream: | 38 Miles, 3-4 Days |
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Seboomook Dam to Roll Dam | 2.5 miles |
Roll Dam to Penobscot Farm | 5.5 miles |
Penobscot Farm to Lobster Trip | 2.5 miles |
Lobster trip to Ogden Point | 3 miles |
Ogden Point to end of Big Claw | 4.5 miles |
Lobster Trip to Halfway House | 8 miles |
Halfway House to Big Island | 2.5 miles |
Big Island to Pine Stream | 6 miles |
Pine Stream to Chesuncook Village | 3 miles |
Chesuncook Village to Chesuncook Dam | 16 miles |
Chesuncook Dam to Ripogenus Dam | 3 miles |
Ripogenus Dam to big Eddy | 2.5 miles |
Big Eddy to Horserace Brook | 4 miles |
Horserace Brook to Abol Bridge | 5 miles |
Abol Bridge to Nevers Corner | 2 miles |
Nevers corner to Debsconeag Falls | 3 miles |
Debsconeag Falls to Passamagamet Falls | 4 miles |
Passamagamet Falls to Ambajejus Lake | 2 miles |
Katahdin Outfitters is not responsible for water levels in the Penobscot River. Mother nature takes care of this and is therefore out of our control.
You may check here to view some of the popular camping spots and put in areas on the West Branch of the Penobscot River.
Chesuncook Lake | |
Lower West Branch | |
Lobster Lake and Upper Penobscot |