In summer 2025, 7 Lakes Alliance is proud to announce the opening of the Belgrade Lakes Paddler’s Trail, a 32-mile route that travels through the watershed, connecting many of the major lakes and streams. Join 7 Lakes for our first Paddle Sojourn, where we will paddle the majority of the trail over the course of three days. Participants are welcome to join for all three days or join us for one day and paddle with us to discover new places in the watershed. If you plan on joining multiple days of this event, please register for each day you plan to attend the paddle sojourn. Registration is required to attend this event. The cost of this event is $20 per person payable by cash or check on the day of the event. $20 covers the cost of admission, regardless of how many days you plan to attend.

Liability Waiver

 

If you are interested in participating in this event but do not have a canoe or kayak, please contact dan.woughter@7lakesalliance.org to inquire about borrowing a 7 Lakes boat.

Day 2: Route 225 Bridge to 7 Lakes Office ~ 7 miles

Route Overview – Please note that these times are estimates, and weather conditions and group speed will greatly affect how long each day will take.

Day 2 involves crossing Great Pond, the largest lake in our watershed. Wind, rain, or other weather conditions may change the planned route, 7 Lakes Staff will monitor the weather and make adjustments as necessary.

View Paddle Sojourn Map

 

8:30-9am – Meet at the Route 225 bridge in Smithfield where it crosses Great Meadow Stream (GPS location: 44.587216 -69.818067). Overview of the day’s itinerary, quick paddle safety meeting, then start the paddle.

10:30am – Paddle through Great Meadow stream into Great Pond in the North Bay.

Invasive Plant Notice: This route takes us through Great Meadow Stream and Great Pond’s North Bay, which are both infested with variable-leaf milfoil, an invasive aquatic plant. 7 Lakes Alliance Invasive Aquatics Director Sharon Mann will be on this trip to answer any questions and to help facilitate clean, drain, dry practices.

11:30am – Pass through the south end of Chute Island.

12:30-1pm – Stop for lunch at the Hoyt Island Preserve.

2pm – Arrive at 7 Lakes Alliance office. This is the end of day 2, and from here 7 Lakes Staff will shuttle participants back to their vehicles.

 

Parking:

Parking is available on the side of the road on the east side of the route 225 bridge, (GPS location 44.587216 -69.818067)

What to bring:

• paddle craft (kayak or canoe) and paddles
• life jacket – 7 Lakes requires all paddlers to wear these at all times while on the water (notify 7LA if you need to borrow one)
• food & water
• sun protection – sunscreen, long sleeve shirt, sunglasses, etc.

Event Policies

• All participants must fill out the waiver provided before taking part in this event.
• Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by at least 1 adult paddler in the boat.
• We ask everyone attending 7 Lakes Alliance events to treat people, plants, and animals with respect.
• 7 Lakes staff may be taking pictures during this event. If you would not like to be photographed, please let staff know during the event or contact staff ahead of time.
• Pets will not be allowed at this event.

FAQ’s

How will we get back to our vehicles each day?

7 Lakes will provide shuttles to get all participants back to their vehicles after each day’s paddle.

What kind of boat do I need?

This trip is for paddlers only, so participants need canoes or kayaks. Every day of the trip involves crossing lakes, so participants should feel comfortable crossing open water in their chosen boat.

7 Lakes Alliance reserves the right to deny boats if they are not appropriate for this event.

Do I need to bring my own boat?

We encourage all participants to bring their own boat. 7 Lakes does have a limited number of canoes that can be lent to participants. Contact dan.woughter@7lakesalliance.org for more information if you need to borrow a boat.

What are the physical requirements for this event?

Participants should feel comfortable paddling the entire distance planned for the day.

Participants should also be comfortable with paddling in changing weather conditions, as the weather can change quickly on large lakes. Safety is our first priority, and conditions will be closely monitored by 7 Lakes staff.