The Maine Island Trail is the dean of long-distance water trails. It is a 325-mile-long waterway for small boats extending from Casco Bay to Machias. The trail ventures along the coast over protected salt rivers and quiet bays, around magnificent capes, and among many large and small islands. The trail takes advantage of the small, state-owned islands along most of the route, using them as overnight wilderness camping sites.

However, not all the islands are state-owned; some are privately owned. To get the map to the campsites, one must be a member of the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA). Owners and members of the MITA cooperate to keep the islands unblemished and the wildlife thriving. Members use the islands in a manner that has little or no impact on the natural environment by using cook stoves instead of open fires, building their fires below the high-tide line, camping in grassy areas, and carrying out all waste and rubbish. Special consideration is given to wildlife, and bird breeding islands are avoided until after the nesting season.

Just the Facts

For more information: Maine Island Trail Association

Suitable craft: Sea kayaks

More Atlantic coast paddling: Cape Cod, North Carolina's Sounds, Cumberland Island

More GORP: Maine's Down East Islands