Maine High Peaks Paddlefest – Rangeley Oquossoc Adventure Rendezvous
Together, the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust and the NFCT are creating an experience that showcases outdoor adventure, connection with the landscape and the small town character of the Rangeley Lakes area and entices canoe, kayak, SUP and guideboat enthusiasts from New England and beyond to join us on June 28-30, 2024.
The Maine High Peaks PaddleFest is a weekend of events and activities including equipment demos, paddling clinics and competitions big and small in a setting with lakes, mountains, small shops, outdoor heritage museums as well as food and music for everyone.
The main event of Maine’s High Peaks Paddlefest is the Rangeley Oquossoc Adventure Regatta (ROAR). The course will take place on the same chain of lakes, rivers and portages used by Maine’s Native people, settlers and guides, now part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Maine’s High Peaks PaddleFest will raise funds to steward waterway access and promote Maine’s Western Lakes and Mountains region as a tourist destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Rangeley Oquossoc Adventure Rendezvous (ROAR), part of Maine’s High Peaks PaddleFest, is a two-day, 40-mile paddling stage race featuring a paddle through the incredible lands and waters of the Rangeley Lakes showcasing the best of the area. See the tabs below for course descriptions, boat classes and awards, and additional details about PaddleFest. If you’re ready to register, please follow the link below.
Schedule – Friday-Sunday: Maine’s High Peaks PaddleFest, including exhibitors, equipment demos and sales; outdoor games, kids events, speakers, book signings and more; silent auction; Esquif Rangeley 17 canoe raffle; libations, food and entertainment; and race awards (Sunday).
Saturday-Sunday: ROAR – Sunday: 10 am to noon, Youth Can Paddle! at Haley Pond Park, Pond Street, Rangeley, featuring paddle races, obstacle courses, face painting and more.
Day 1
Start in Rangely at Rangeley Town Cove Park, 31 Park Rd, Rangeley, ME. Paddle across the north side of Rangeley Lake and carry through Oquossoc past the fish hatchery and onto Lake Mooselookmeguntic. Continue across Mooselookmeguntic and south along the western shore to Upper Dam. Carry around Upper Dam to Richardson Lake. Paddle north on Richardson Lake to finish at Mill Brook Boat Launch. DISTANCE: 20 miles CARRIES: Two (1.2 miles total).
Day 2
Start at Mill Brook Boat Launch and reverse the course to finish at Rangeley Cove Town Park.
Relay Teams
Relay teams will switch in Oquossoc between Rangeley Lake and Mooselookmeguntic. Details will be provided in the Paddlers’ Guide, which will be sent to all before the race.
Mill Brook Boat Launch
A shuttle will be provided to transport racers to and from Mill Brrok after the finish on Day 1 and before the start on Day 2. Participants will be expected to leave their boats at Mill Brok overnight. We will provide an overnight guard to ensure the security of your craft. This launch is not large enough to accommodate a large number of cars and the access road cannot support two-way traffic. Pit Crews will not be permitted to drive in to Mill Brook Boat Launch.
Please visit the main website for information about course maps, boat classes and awards, safety requirements and general details about this inaugural event.