2027 Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail Festival

Moosehead Lake to Mt. Kineo Trip

July 20-21, 2027

Mt. Kineo rises from the expanse of Moosehead Lake. The largest lake in one state east of the Mississippi River, it is an ancient Wabanaki travel route; Mt. Kineo an important cultural and tool-making site. Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail paddlers will be guided up the lake for an overnight camp out on Kineo.

Moosehead Lake to Mt. Kineo Canoe Trip

Mt. Kineo has been a very important place for the Wabanaki people since time immemorial. We will begin the canoe trip early Tuesday morning, July 20, and paddle to Hardscrabble campsite near the base of Kineo. Chris Sockalexis, the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Penobscot Nation, will be joining us for the trip up Moosehead Lake. On Kineo, Wednesday, July 21, he will give a talk about the importance of Kineo to his ancestors. We will do a short hike to the base of the Kineo Cliffs where flint was quarried to make arrowheads. Chris will demonstrate flint knapping and explain why Kineo flint is ideally suited for percussion flaking arrowheads. After lunch on Wednesday we’ll paddle back across to our takeout in Rockwood mid-afternoon.

The trip, guided by Kevin Slater, co-owner of Mahoosuc Guide Service is offered as part of the 2027 Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail Festival at Moosehead. Mahoosuc will provide all food (Tuesday lunch through Wednesday lunch), canoeing and camping equipment. We’ll be paddling wood-canvas canoes similar to the E.M. White design which was based on Wabanaki style canoes. Participants will receive a personal clothing and equipment list after signing up. Transport to the put in and back from the takeout will be provided. Pre-registration is required through Mahoosuc Guide Service at the website listed below.

NOTE: Cost is $495. Pre-registration is required and made through Mahoosuc Guide Service. Contact them directly at: 207.824.2073 or email: info@mahoosuc.com.

Kevin Slater, co-owner of Mahoosuc Guide Service, will be guiding this trip with Chris Sockalexis, Penobscot Nation Tribal Historian and Archeologist.