Anyone paddled Flagstaff Lake in Maine? Thinking of going there for a 4-5 day trip this summer. Good idea?
Its big
You can camp at Cathedral Pines then work your way over to the old town site on an attractive island.
Then go over to Hurricane Island or the south shore. You can camp at the end of Long Falls Dam Road extension (quite nice). Dont forget to do the 12 miles rt to Grand Falls on the Dead. That is a fishing hole and a beautiful spot.
Long Falls Dam Road is passable by car. That is a good put in too.
Five days would be better with the trip to Grand Falls.
great idea
– Last Updated: Feb-10-09 6:03 AM EST –
http://www.mountainvalleyproperty.com/index.php?page=flagstaff_lake_bigelow_preserve
useful map of the lake: http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/doc/parks/map_print.pl?map_name=bigelowpreserve.pdf&park_id=42
The campsites are first come first serve no fee. If you go midweek you will probably have your pick.
Did a full moon night paddle with my brother last summer. http://picasaweb.google.com/scottb03109/FlagstaffLake81608#
I try to get up there at least once a year. Here's some pics from 05: http://picasaweb.google.com/scottb03109/FlagstaffLake81608#
I will echo the others comments about strong winds and large shallow lakes. Pick some decent weather and if you want to avoid struggling with the winds try to paddle mostly before noon or after 6pm.
Car type
If you have a low car use the west side of the lake for launch…
The Long Falls Dam end road is navigable but best with a high ground clearance vehicle…