
Related Events
This event is rescheduled from Friday, July 18th and will now be held on Friday, July 25th. Please register for this event below, even if you previously registered for the program on the 18th.
In summer 2025, 7 Lakes Alliance is proud to announce the opening of the Belgrade Lakes Paddler’s Trail, a 22-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 and filling out the liability waiver are required to attend this event.
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.
Pleasant Point Park to Salmon Lake Boat Launch ~ 4 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.
View Paddle Sojourn Map
Note that the forecast calls for potential rain on Friday, so it is advised to bring rain gear. This paddle will be held rain or shine and will only be canceled in the event of thunder and/or lightning.
9am – Meet at Pleasant Point Park in Oakland (59 McGrath Pond Rd, Oakland, ME 04963). Unload boats, check in, inspect boats for aquatic invasive plants.
9:30am – Overview of the day’s itinerary, quick paddle safety meeting, then begin the trip. From Pleasant Point Park, we will paddle south into Salmon Lake, headed for the boat launch at the south end of the lake.
10:30am – Paddle through the narrows going from McGrath Pond into Salmon Lake.
11:00am-11:30pm Stop for lunch at the Narrows Preserve, a property owned by 7 Lakes Alliance and open to the public.
12:30pm – Arrive at Salmon Lake boat launch.
This is the end of Day 1, and from here 7 Lakes will shuttle participants back to their vehicles.
Parking:
Parking is available at Pleasant Point Park, 59 McGrath Pond Rd, Oakland, ME 04963.
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.
- rain gear
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.