Challenging the Backcountry...
Maine-Style!

What is Maine High Adventure?

Maine High Adventure is a challenging outdoor program offered by the Boy Scouts of America. Each summer hundreds of Scouts and Explorers enjoy unique backcountry experiences in northern Maine. The area encompasses Mount Katahdin, the Allagash Waterway, a portion of the Appalachian Trail and the Penobscot watershed - more than 10,000 square miles of the north Maine woods which remains much as Henry David Thoreau saw it 140 years ago. A highly proficient guide is assigned to help each crew enjoy a successful adventure.

Where is Maine High Adventure?

Although your trek will involve the areas described above, your initial destination is our base camp operation - Matagamon Scout Base, which is located at the northeast corner of Baxter State Park on Grand Lake Matagamon, 27 miles northwest of Patten, Maine.

What are the trek options?

Opportunities abound throughout northern Maine for extended backcountry travel!

Canoeing is the most popular option for Maine High Adventure crews. Paddling is available on lakes, ponds, easy to intermediate streams and rivers, and challenging whitewater. A crew can plan a laid-back relaxing trip, a strenuous demanding trip, or anything in between. Portaging may have to be included. . .no extra charge!

Many groups also include day climbs or side trips in their itinerary. Climbing Mount Katahdin (Maine's highest peak), or other mountains, as well as visiting historical landmarks or unique natural areas, adds welcome variety to the trip plan.

Backpacking is another option for MHA crews. The Appalachian Trail winds its way over rugged terrain towards the northern terminus atop Mount Katahdin. Nearby Baxter State Park has an extensive network of beautiful trails and outlying campsites. Crews wishing to include backpacking in their trip plan should indicate those desires to MHA when scheduling their high adventure experience.

The wilds of northern Maine offer a variety of fascinating environments - enormous lakes carved by glaciers, whitewater churning down rocky rivers, craggy peaks soaring skyward, endless conifer and hardwood forests, abundant wildlife, and a profusion of colorful wildflowers. Maine has an intriguing history featuring the Abnaki Indians, known as the "Dawn People", Leif Erickson, Henry David Thoreau, and the mighty lumberjacks and sportsmen whose tales and lore have woven a colorful tapestry.

Maine High Adventures offers you and your group an opportunity to learn and grow while having fun on a unique and custom designed trek.

Where can you go on your trek?

Whether your interest is canoeing or photography or hiking or wildlife observation, high adventure in the north Maine woods is exciting and inspirational. The key to this successful program is flexibility. . .flexibility in what you do, as well as when and where you do it. Each crew's itinerary is tailor made to suit the desires and capabilities of the crew while also considering other factors such as: the crew's length of stay; current environmental conditions such as water levels; and, current logistical situations such as campsite availability. For these reasons, we refrain from pre-planning trips ahead of time.

Other factors that might impact the trip planning process are potential extra fees associated with some program areas. These costs could include campsite fees and extra transportation.

Program areas utilized by Maine High Adventure include: the Allagash Wilderness Waterway; the Appalachian Trail; Aroostook River; Baxter State Park; Chesuncook Lake; Grade Lake Matagamon Grand Lake Seboeis; Penobscot River (East and West branches); Seboeis River; and Webster Brook. Additional trip planning information is included in the Advisor's Preparation Kit, which is mailed upon receipt of the March fee installment.

When Should You Come?

Anytime from mid-June until mid-August is available for summer treks. Opportunities for whitewater canoeing, samoa boating and fishing are best in June and early July. Crisp cool nights and warm sunny days are most frequent in late July and early August. Anytime is great for High Adventure.

The optimum length of stay is 8 to 10 days to participate in a variety of adventurous activities. The minimum required length of stay is 6 days, but this also limits the trek options and program possibilities. There is no maximum length of stay.

Call (207) 259-4408 (or email us) for available dates and information.

Contact us:

Maine High Adventure
Boy Scouts of America
HCR 74, Box 69
Whiting, ME 04691
Email us (mhaa@nemaine.com)

Explore the Maine High Adventure Program:

What Programs Are Featured
Who May Attend Our Programs
When Should You Come
How to Register
Contact Maine High Adventure
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