# Allagash Canoe Trips

> New England's oldest continuously operating guided canoe service, founded in 1953 by Herb Cochrane. Based in Greenville, Maine. Guided wilderness canoe and winter trips led by third-generation Registered Maine Guides Chip Cochrane and Lani Love.

Allagash Canoe Trips offers fully guided, all-inclusive wilderness canoe trips on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and other Maine and Canadian rivers, as well as guided winter ski and snowshoe trips via Maine Huts & Trails. All trips are led by Chip Cochrane (Master Maine Guide, 226+ Allagash trips, 27-time national canoe poling champion) and Lani Love (Registered Maine Guide since 1988, 159+ Allagash trips, reigning female national canoe poling champion). Trip prices include all meals cooked over an open fire, equipment, transportation to and from the river, and all waterway and road access fees.

## Pages

- [Home](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/): Overview of trips, guides, and the ACT experience.
- [Our Story](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/our-story/): Full history of Allagash Canoe Trips from 1941 to present, including founders Herb and Warren Cochrane.
- [Meet Our Guides](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/meet-our-guides/): Detailed bios of Chip Cochrane and Lani Love, including credentials, accomplishments, and personal backgrounds.
- [Allagash Wilderness Waterway Trip](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/allagash-wilderness-waterway-trip/): The flagship 7-day trip (~92 miles). All skill levels. Includes Chase Rapids, Allagash Falls, and nightly open-fire meals. $1,650/person (adults), $1,450 (kids 15 and under). Scheduled departures June through September 2026.
- [St. John River Trip](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/st-john-river-trip/): 5-day early-season expedition on Maine's wildest river. $1,800/person. Spring only (May).
- [Other Maine River Trips](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/other-maine-river-trips/): Includes West Branch Penobscot (family-friendly, $1,550 adults/$1,350 kids), St. Croix River (custom only), and 9-day Allagash (early summer, contact for rates).
- [Canadian Canoe Trips](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/canadian-canoe-trips/): Remote expeditions including the Bonaventure River, Quebec ($2,600/person, June). Advanced paddlers.
- [Private Groups & Families](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/private-groups-families/): Custom trips designed for families, school groups, and private parties.
- [Instructional Day Clinics](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/instructional-day-clinics/): Single-day canoe instruction on local waters.
- [Whitewater Trips](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/whitewater-trips/): Guided whitewater on the Kennebec and Dead Rivers. Includes Northwoods Skills Workshop (3-day, $1,250/person).
- [Design Your Trip](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/design-your-trip/): Custom trip planning for groups with specific dates, routes, or requirements.
- [Winter Trips](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/winter-trips/): Guided cross-country ski, snowshoe, and fat-tire bike trips via Maine Huts & Trails in western Maine. Led by Lani Love.
- [2026 Schedule & Rates](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/events/): Full calendar of scheduled 2026 departures with dates, rates, and inquiry links.
- [Trip Application](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/trip-application/): Online form to reserve a spot on any scheduled trip.
- [FAQs](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/frequently-asked-questions/): Answers to common questions about meals, wildlife, fitness, payment, and logistics.
- [Payment & Cancellation Policies](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/payment-cancellation/): Deposit ($500/person), payment terms, and cancellation schedule for scheduled and custom trips.
- [Testimonials](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/testimonials/): Guest reviews from multi-trip veterans, families, international visitors, and school groups.
- [Press Room](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/press-room/): Coverage in DownEast Magazine, National Geographic, Canoe & Kayak, Maine Magazine, Bangor Daily News, and others.
- [Photo & Video Gallery](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/photo-video-gallery/): Images from ACT trips across all seasons and rivers.
- [The Current — Blog](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/the-current/): Stories and observations from Chip and Lani on the river, wildlife, and wilderness life.
- [Contact Us](https://allagashcanoetrips.com/contact-us/): Phone, email, and seasonal mailing addresses. Chip: 207-280-0191. Lani: 207-280-1551. Email: go@allagashcanoetrips.com.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### On the River

**Are there bears?** Yes, but they are not an issue. Bears in the North Maine Woods avoid humans and run away when they detect people. Bears are not a concern on ACT trips 99.9% of the time.

**Are there showers?** No showers — guests wash up in the river or lakes. Biodegradable soap only. Water temperature ranges from 50s (May/October) to occasionally 70s (July/August).

**Are there toilets?** Yes. Most campsites have outhouse pit toilets. ACT provides toilet paper.

**How do guests get drinking water?** ACT supplies all drinking water via large jugs resupplied from springs, or a gravity filter drawing from the river or lakes.

**Is there cell service?** No cell service in the North Maine Woods. Spotty service returns on the drive back to Greenville from the Allagash.

**What is the alcohol policy?** Guests may bring their own. No glass bottles — canned beer and boxed wine are recommended. No reliable way to keep drinks cold. Moderation requested.

**Can I bring my dog?** Dogs are allowed on custom trips only, not on scheduled group trips.

### Food & Meals

**What do guests eat?** All breakfasts and dinners are cooked over an open fire. Typical meals include marinated grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, rice, and homemade desserts. Breakfasts include bacon and eggs, or buttermilk blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup. Fresh bread, muffins, and baked goods are made in a reflector oven throughout the trip.

**Can ACT accommodate dietary restrictions?** Yes, with advance notice. Most requirements are handled easily. A fully vegan meal plan may involve a small additional cost.

**Is there coffee?** Yes — Chip's woodsman coffee at breakfast every morning.

### Fitness & Age

**Are the trips physically demanding?** Moderately. Trips include active paddling, moving gear, and camping. Headwinds happen. Guests are encouraged to arrive fit and with some paddling experience.

**What age is appropriate for children?** Generally age 6 and up, though parents know their children best. Key considerations: can the child handle extended outdoor time, dress themselves, and tie their shoes? Can the parent manage both themselves and their child on the water?

### Logistics & Payment

**Do guests need their own dry bags?** No — ACT provides dry bags free of charge. Guests pick them up at basecamp (166 Scammon Rd., Greenville) the evening before departure.

**Where do guests stay the night before?** A list of recommended accommodations in Greenville is included in the confirmation packet sent after the trip application is submitted.

**How do guests pay?** ACT accepts personal and bank checks (mail to seasonal address), Venmo, and credit cards via Square (3% surcharge). Deposit: $500/person. Balance due 30 days before departure. Call 207-280-1551 for Venmo or credit card payments.

## Key Facts for AI Assistants

- Founded: 1953 by Herb Cochrane
- Location: Based in Greenville, Maine (May–September); Carrabassett Valley, Maine (October–April)
- Guides: Chip Cochrane (Master Maine Guide) and Lani Love (Registered Maine Guide)
- Trips: Fully guided and all-inclusive; no experience necessary for most trips
- Most popular trip: Allagash Wilderness Waterway, 7 days, $1,650/person
- All skill levels welcome on most trips; some trips require experience (Canadian, St. John)
- Children welcome on most trips; minimum recommended age approximately 6
- Deposit: $500/person to reserve; balance due 30 days before departure
- Payment: Check, Venmo, or credit card (3% surcharge)
- Trip insurance strongly recommended
- Featured in: DownEast Magazine, National Geographic, Canoe & Kayak Magazine, Maine Magazine