Chiputneticook
Lakes or Schoodic Lakes
A lake system consisting of North, East
Grand, Mud, Spednic and Palfrey lakes and numerous small feeder lakes that makes
up the headwaters of the historic St. Croix Canadian Heritage River. This lake
system and the river form the international boundary between Canada and the
United States with New Brunswick in the east and Maine in the west. The word
Chiputneticook (chip-hut-ne-ti-kuk) is of ancient native origin and no one knows
what its meaning really is anymore.
North
Lake is small at about 2 miles long and 1 mile wide,
there are 2 calm flat water rivers flowing into it that can also be explored for
several miles by canoe. There is some habitation on the south side but the north
is unspoiled wilderness. From here you can portage overland to First Eel Lake
and into the Eel River which flows to the Saint John River. This provides access
all across New Brunswick, and to Northern Maine, and into Quebec then onto Upper
Canada via the St. Lawrence. This portage is known as the old Meductic canoe
trail and is part of the longer Maliseet trail which extends as far as Old Town
Maine. A small river known as “the thoroughfare” must by paddled before finally
arriving in East Grand Lake.
North Lake
Old Meductic Canoe Trail
East Grand
Lake is about 22 miles long and 4 miles wide at its
greatest width. At its deepest point it is 128feet deep but more impressive is
its average depth at 90 feet. There are 6 campsites on the Canadian side of the
lake and 1 on the American. Large sections of the American side are developed so
sail boats and all manner of watercraft are encountered. The Canadian side is
largely untouched but the campsites are frequented by Maine fishing guides for
lunch stops. On any trip you are all but guaranteed some company during tourist
season. Continuing on there is a short portage over a small dam into what is
known as Forrest City stream, more properly known as the west branch of the St.
Croix River. The portage is about 100 feet and is not difficult. The river
section drops significantly over about a mile with a number of drops and ledges
however these are very minor to any experienced canoeist.
East Grand Lake
East Grand Lake
Mud Lake (also
known as Azesko Lake) is small at a bit more than 2 miles long and is very
narrow. In spite of its name it is very pleasant. There are some small cottages
on the Canadian side but the whole area is the beginning of the wild sections of
any down lake trip. There are three portage trails on this lake some of which
are all but forgotten about. Small unofficial campsites mark the beginnings of
most of the trails. The secondary portage is about 2100 feet into Spednic lake,
the preferred route is around Mud Lake Falls which requires some extra paddling
but is more scenic and is shorter at around 900 feet. Mud Lake Falls is a small
but beautiful phenomenon and is a great reward to look at for anyone who has to
undertake a portage. A very short section of Class 2 rips below the falls are a
nice addition after the portage before entering into Spednic
Lake.
Mud Lake
Mud Lake Falls
Spednic
Lake is larger at about 20 miles long and about 4.5
miles across. It is dotted with numerous islands and has 10 Canadian campsites
and 3 American. There are also several unofficial sites on the various islands.
The upper sections of Spednic lake are wild and untamed. Except for a few
cottages on the American side this is what the area must have looked like for
hundreds of years. The lake has numerous coves and islands and it would take a
whole summer to explore it fully. As you paddle down into the lower section the
south side is developed with American cottages but the whole northern side has
been protected as a wilderness area by the Canadian government. Paddling to the
end of the lake there is a short 300 foot portage over a holding dam into the
St. Croix River. Going east it is possible to travel into Palfrey
Lake.
Spednic Lake
Spednic Lake
Palfrey
Lake is average size at about 5.5 miles long. It is
completely inside Canadian waters and is protected on all sides with the
exception of a fishing lodge. It is however possible to canoe up here for a cold
beer after a few days on the lake without one or get a home cooked meal. The
lake is actually part of Spednic Lake now because of higher water levels but
retains its name.
Palfrey Lake
Palfrey Lake
St. Croix River is
the most popular attraction for canoeists because of its many Class 1 and 2
rips. The Class 3 little falls is entertaining place for watching canoes flip
over. The rapid is separated by an island in the center and consists of a
straight run with a fairly large ledge on the American side and on the Canadian
side is a very challenging rock garden with drops and haystacks. Most stick to
the American side with the exception of those that prefer a challenge. Portage
trails line both sides of the river with the American side being the preferred
as the shortest. There are 18 campsites on the Canadian side of the river and 11
on the American side over the most popular 36 mile stretch. For those wishing to
finish the river there are no more campsites on the last 20 miles to the sea but
there are numerous class 3, 4 and 5 rapids best not attempted by
canoeists.
Little Falls St.Croix River
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