Discover Maine Woods Cultural & Natural Heritage
Find Spiritual Renewal in the North Woods
Mt. Kineo on Moosehead Lake is home to a Penobscot creation story. It was also the inspiration for naturalist philosopher Henry David Thoreau’s now world-famous book “The Maine Woods.” Two of Thoreau’s three life-transforming trips into the Maine woods were launched from Moosehead Lake with Penobscot guides.
What We Do
Destination
Education
Each third week in July, the Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail Festival provides some of the best programs travelers will find in, and about, all manner of subject having to do with the Maine Woods, presented by the best people in their respective fields. One of the most popular has been “All About Moose,” delivered by internationally renowned Maine Moose Expert Lee Kantar of the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. Each summer, the Festival explores any number of dynamic, informative topics,
from Wabanaki and settler exchange to the flora and fauna of these remote woods & waters.
Nature
Connections
The Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail consists of traditional canoe routes and portages on Maine’s great Kennebec, Penobscot, and Allagash rivers, over which Thoreau traveled with Penobscot Guides Joseph Attean and Joe Polis. Like them, the Festival continues making those connections with Nature, for its human benefits.
Heritage
Experiences
The Festival encourages the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of Maine’s unique cultural and natural heritage; and spiritual renewal in the North Woods for all Maine residents and visitors. It offers first-hand experiences of the Wabanaki way of life and living, in a collaboration with Penobscot Nation Cultural and Historic Preservation. The Festival’s programs range from how to survive solo in the Maine woods, to finding solace in a mindful walk on a quiet path, to what’s the big deal about Maine’s brook trout. Come see how Thoreau’s experiences with Penobscot guides became a voice
that transformed a nation.
Why Choose Us? To Experience the profound beauty, joy & spirit of Maine Woods heritage
The Festival takes place in the height of summer, in the heart of the Maine Woods ~
The Festival features inspiring presentations and genuine programs all about the region, all led by expert Maine people ~
The Festival is a one-week journey, landing in a remote, spectacular landscape, learning the ways of the Wabanaki and the ways of the Woods ~
The Festival helps to find the cultural thread and quiet solace that inspires harmony with Nature, for its many human benefits ~
The Festival celebrates the balm of the Maine Woods, as seen through the eyes of Thoreau, learned from the traditions of the Wabanaki ~
– Henry David Thoreau
and the whispers on the wind
we will feel the heartbeat of Mother Earth,
And all creation will continue to breathe
– Wabanaki saying
2024 Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail Festival 