
MAINE TRAILS
GUIDE SERVICE

WILDERNESS CANOE & BACKPACKING TRIPS IN NORTHERN MAINE - Since 1997
Discover the 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway in northern Maine, one of America's preeminent canoe trips, and Baxter State Park, a wilderness haven encompassing some of the most rugged terrain in the Northeast, including Maine's "greatest mountain", Katahdin!
We offer both flat and white water canoe trips from 3-8 nights on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and in the Penobscot River Corridor as well as hiking/backpacking trips of 3-5 nights in Baxter State Park. ​
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CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE!
2025 CANOE & BACKPACKING TRIPS DESTINATIONS

WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
"The five days in the woods were as enjoyable as any I have had in my life. This trip will be relived over and over again through stories with family and friends, especially Brad, Jud & Roy. Thanks for everything!"
-Ted S. - Newington, CT
"Thanks for a great adventure - we appreciate all the equipment, work and planning it took to lead this trip. It's something that we will both remember - and laugh at all the memories!!"
Todd & Penny - Saco, ME
"Very knowledgeable of both the waterways and the history of the area. Rich, you were a fantastic host! Your nature, attitude and enthusiasm made this trip wonderful".
-Adam M. - San Antonio, TX
"I was extremely impressed with your navigation & professionalism - particulary in the pre-trip phase - quick responses to e-mails, sending out info promptly".
Kasey R. - Boston, MA

CONTACT:
Richard Aspinall
Master Maine Guide
52 Walton Mills Road
Mount Vernon, Maine 04352
207-650-0808 (mobile)
207-293-2600 (home/office)
*207-746-3285 (Grindstone Base Camp)
*Summer months only
Follow Us!
MISC HELPFULL LINKS
- Fishing Licenses
- Gear Websites
- Water Levels
- Weather
PHOTO GALLERY
- Canoe Trips
- Backpacking pics
- Misc. pics
CANOE & BACKPACKING TRIP POLICIES & CUSTOM TRIP INFORMATION
​​GENERAL CANOE TRIP POLICY
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- LIFE VESTS OR LIFE JACKETS WILL BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHILE PADDLING.
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- IN THE NAME OF SAFETY & GROUP HARMONY, MAINE TRAILS GUIDE SERVICE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS IN PADDLE PARTNERS AT ANY TIME.
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- TRIPS ARE MEANT TO BE PARTICIPATORY IN NATURE, MEANING THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE GROUP IS EXPECTED TO ASSIST IN THE CAMPING EXPERIENCE (WOOD GATHERING, PURIFYING WATER, LOADING & UNLOADING GEAR AT EACH CAMPSITE, ETC…).
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- WHILE PADDLING, ALL GROUP MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO STAY WITHIN VOICE DISTANCE OF THE TRIP LEADERS, UNLESS OTHERWISE INSTRUCTED BY THE GUIDE.
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- ALL GROUP MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO SIGN “RELEASE OF LIABILITY” FORMS BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE TRIP.
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CUSTOM TRIP RATES
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- FOR INFORMATION ON CUSTOMIZING A TRIP, WITH A PARTY OF LESS THAN 4 PEOPLE, PLEASE CALL OR WRITE FOR SPECIFIC DETAILS.
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- WE OFFER SPECIAL GROUP RATES FOR LARGER PARTIES AND FAMILIES. PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS
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- WE ALSO OFFER TRIPS TO SEVERAL OTHER MAINE LOCATIONS THAT WE HAVE NOT ADVERTISED. PLEASE ASK IF YOU HAVE A SPECIAL DESTINATION IN MIND.
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TO REGISTER FOR A SPECIFIC TRIP
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- CALL EARLY OR WRITE TO RESERVE OR SECURE A SPECIFIC DATE
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- 25% OF TRIP FEE IS REQUIRED FOR A DEPOSIT, WHICH WILL RESERVE A SPOT FOR YOU OR YOUR GROUP ON A SPECIFIC TRIP
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- THE BALANCE OF YOUR TRIP FEE IS DUE 3 WEEKS BEFORE ACTUAL TRIP DATE
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- ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN A WAIVER OF LIABILITY BEFORE STARTING A PARTICULAR TRIP
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REFUND POLICY
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- MAINE TRAILS GUIDE SERVICE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL ANY TRIP DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, LOW WATER LEVELS, PARTY SIZE OR ANY UNFORESEEN HEALTH ISSUES THAT WOULD RENDER THE GUIDE UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIP. IN THE EVENT THAT A TRIP IS CANCELLED BY "MAINE TRAILS GUIDE SERVICE", THE CLIENT WILL RECEIVE A 100% REFUND OR CREDIT TOWARDS A FUTURE TRIP WITHIN 1 YEAR.
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- CANCELLATIONS, BY CLIENT, WITH LESS THAN 30 DAYS NOTICE WILL RESULT IN NO REFUND, BUT 100% OF FEE PAID WILL BE APPLIED TOWARDS ANOTHER TRIP WITH "MAINE TRAILS GUIDE SERVICE" WITHIN 1 YEAR.
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- CANCELLATIONS, BY CLIENT, WITH MORE THAN 30 DAYS NOTICE WILL RESULT IN A FULL REFUND OR CREDIT TOWARDS A FUTURE TRIP WITH "MAINE TRAILS GUIDE SERVICE" WITHIN 1 YEAR.
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GEAR & EQUIPMENT
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- MOST GEAR AND EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED FOR YOU, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF PERSONAL GEAR (CLOTHES, SLEEPING BAG & REST PAD, AND FISHING GEAR). A COMPLETE PACKING LIST WILL BE SENT UPON TRIP REGISTRATION.
- MAINE TRAILS GUIDE SERVICE USES OLD TOWN DISCOVERY 169 & 174 CANOES AS WELL AS OLD TOWN PENOBSCOT 17 CANOES, AND OFFERS CLIENTS A 2 OR 4-PERSON EUREKA OUTFITTER OR DOME TENT FOR LODGING.
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