Paddle Trek
2023 Recap
14th Annual Paddle Trek a Success!
On Saturday, July 29th, we held our 14th Annual Paddle Trek. This event was one of our biggest, with 65 participants. After a summer with so much rain, we were thrilled to have a dry, sunny day. We even had the wind at our backs as we made our way down 15 miles of the beautiful waters in the chain that is the 30 Mile River.
We are so grateful for the 24 volunteers who supported the event throughout the day, from portaging kayaks and canoes, to shuttling paddlers, to serving cookies, and much more. We couldn’t do it without you!
Photo Credit: Trisha Cheney
Thank you to our 2022 Paddle Trek Sponsors!
About the Paddle Trek
The 30 Mile River Watershed Association hosts an Annual Paddle Trek in July. We hope you will join us for all or just a part of this 15-mile guided paddle from Mt. Vernon Village to Wayne Village, traveling along many of the lakes and streams that together form the “30 Mile River.” Beginning on Minnehonk Lake at Mt. Vernon’s Town Beach (meeting at 7AM), the trip route continues down and through Hopkins Pond, Hopkins Stream, Taylor Pond, Echo Lake and its Mill Pond, Lovejoy Pond, Lovejoy Stream, Pickerel Pond, and Pocasset Lake, ending in Wayne Village’s Mill Pond (usually close to 2:30PM).
How it Works
The event is split into four parts – with the option of paddling one, two, three or all four parts.
Paddlers may join the group at any of the three meeting points:
- Minnehonk Town Beach, Mt. Vernon
- Echo Lake Boat Launch, Mt. Vernon
- Lovejoy Pond dam, North Wayne
Paddlers may end at three locations:
- Echo Lake Boat Launch, Mt. Vernon
- Lovejoy Pond dam, North Wayne
- Memorial Park, Wayne Village
Schedule
Please note that times are approximate and will be dependent on paddle conditions and the pace of the group. If you are starting at a location other than Minnehonk, please wait for us to arrive.
Virtual Paddle Trek
Click on the numbers on the map to see images along the Paddle Trek route.
| Title | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
Check-in at Minnehonk Lake | G227+9P4 Mount Vernon, ME, USA | |
Orientation | G227+8M8 Mount Vernon, ME, USA | |
Minnehonk Lake - Start | G227+7Q4 Mount Vernon, ME, USA | |
Hopkins Stream | F2P5+P97 Mount Vernon, ME, USA | |
Hopkins Stream | F2P5+8G9 Mount Vernon, ME, USA | |
Blake Hill Road - Portage | F2P5+4F8 Mount Vernon, ME, USA | |
Hopkins Stream | F2J5+VFP Mount Vernon, ME, USA | |
Hopkins Stream | FX6X+PMG Mount Vernon, ME, USA | |
Taylor Pond | FX5Q+28P Mount Vernon, ME, USA | |
Taylor Pond - End | FX3P+CGP Mount Vernon, ME, USA | |
Taylor/Echo Portage | FX2P+V9W Mount Vernon, ME, USA | |
Echo Lake - Start | FX2P+V9W Mount Vernon, ME, USA | |
Echo Lake | CXVJ+7Q7 Mount Vernon, ME, USA | |
Echo Lake | CXJ8+45P Fayette, ME, USA | |
Echo Lake - Portage | CX86+8GF Fayette, ME, USA | |
Echo Lake - Portage | CX86+6JW Fayette, ME, USA | |
Echo Lake Outlet Stream | CX77+V57 Fayette, ME, USA | |
Echo Lake Mill Pond | CX69+86Q Fayette, ME, USA | |
Rt 17 - Portage | CX59+WM3 Fayette, ME, USA | |
Lovejoy - Portage | CX59+RP2 Fayette, ME, USA | |
Lovejoy Pond - Start | CX5C+G2J Fayette, ME, USA | |
Lovejoy Pond | CX4C+284 Fayette, ME, USA | |
Lovejoy Dam - Portage | 9XF8+VCQ Wayne, ME, USA | |
Lovejoy Dam - Portage | 9XF8+9C5 Wayne, ME, USA | |
Lunch Spot | 9XF8+58G Wayne, ME, USA | |
Lovejoy Stream | 9XF8+28Q Wayne, ME, USA | |
Pickerel Pond | 9X84+Q2C Wayne, ME, USA | |
Pocasset Lake | 9WCV+62R Wayne, ME, USA | |
Wayne Mill Pond | 8WXJ+HHQ Wayne, ME, USA | |
Tubby's | 517 Main St, Wayne, ME 04284, USA | |
End at Memorial Park | 8WXJ+CG5 Wayne, ME, USA |
Registration Fees
New this year! We are offering discounted, early bird registration until Wednesday, July 12 at 11:59PM. See the early bird and regular prices below.
| Early Bird | Regular | |
| Adults | $28 | $35 |
| Teens (ages 13-17) | $15 | $20 |
| Children (under 12) | Free | Free |
Don’t miss out! Registration closes Thursday, July 27th at 11:59PM. We cannot accommodate same day registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage you to read the FAQs carefully. If your question is not answered, please email 30 Mile’s Executive Director, Lidie, at lidie@30mileriver.org.
How far is the trip?
The trip is about 15 miles if you complete the whole thing, but there are options to do one or more sections.
Do I have to paddle the whole trip?
No. The trip is split into four parts. You may do as many or as few as you like. You may start the trip at the Minnehonk Town Beach (Mt. Vernon), the Echo Lake boat launch (West Mt. Vernon, near the Chimney), and the Lovejoy Pond dam in North Wayne. You may end the trip at the Echo Lake boat launch, Lovejoy Pond (behind the Fayette General Store), the Lovejoy Pond dam, or Memorial Park in Wayne Village.
How long will it take?
The entire trip takes about seven hours, including breaks. Please see the schedule in “How it Works” for more information.
What is a portage? How many are there?
Portage means that you must pick up your canoe or kayak and carry it from one body of water to another because of a dam or other impasse. You will be responsible for portaging your own boat. Portages are up to 300 yards long, often on rough ground, and are difficult for some people. A kayak/canoe dolly cart may be helpful if you have one; several of the portages are on even ground. Depending on water levels in the streams, there are 4-6 portages in the trip.
What are typical paddling conditions?
We will be paddling a variety of lakes and streams. Conditions vary depending on water levels and wind. The calmest paddling tends to be on Minnehonk Lake, Hopkins Stream, Lovejoy Pond, Lovejoy Stream and Pickerel Pond. The stronger winds and larger waves are usually on Echo Lake and Pocasset Lake. If water levels are high enough, we are able to avoid two of the portages and paddle the streams at the outlets of Minnehonk Lake and Echo Lake, which both have swifter current and a few riffles and rocks, but that typically does not happen.
What pace do people go?
There is always a wide variety of abilities but you will need to paddle at a steady, moderate pace and stay behind the leader. This event is not a race. The group will get spread out, but we are careful that no one gets left behind.
Do I need to provide my own boat?
Yes! BUT if you need a kayak, we do have a few that we will be renting on a first come, first serve basis. The cost is $20 for a single kayak. Please contact Lidie (lidie@30mileriver.org) to reserve a kayak.
What kind of boat do I need?
Past participants have used kayaks or canoes, although standup paddle boards are welcome. We’ve had boats in a variety of shapes and sizes on past trips. The ideal boat is one that tracks well on open water but is also maneuverable in streams. Because of the portages, very heavy or very long boats can be more challenging. Shorter, sit-on-top kayaks do not work well on the larger lakes.
Do I need to register ahead of time?
Yes! Registration closes on Thursday, July 27th at 11:59PM. New this year, we are offering discounted early bird registration until Wednesday, July 12 at 11:59PM.
What are the physical fitness requirements for participating?
Portages are up to 300 yards long and can be difficult for some people. (See below for details on portages). The trip is most enjoyable if you are fit enough to carry your boat (with a partner) and paddle at a steady rate. It works best when everyone works together, helping out those who need it.
How do I get back to my car at the end of the day?
If needed, we will transport one person from each group back to their car. You will need to sign up for this in advance when you register.
What do I need to bring?
In addition to you kayak or canoe, bring lunch, lots of water, sunscreen, a lifejacket, and sturdy footwear for portages and stream-walking (NOT flip-flops or Crocs).
Will there be bathrooms along the way?
There are porta-potties or outhouses at the Minnehonk boat launch, Echo Lake boat launch, North Wayne dam and Wayne village.
Will you cancel the trip if it rains?
We will only cancel the trip in the event of heavy rain or thunderstorms. If we do need to cancel, we will email all participants, post on Facebook, and leave a message on our voicemail, 860-4043.
How many people go on the trip?
In past years, 50-65 people have paddled, though not everyone does the whole route. The group gets fairly spread out, so it doesn’t feel crowded.
Register for the Paddle Trek
Registration is currently closed and will reopen for our 15th Annual Paddle Trek in June 2024. We hope to see you next year!