Maine – High Water, Updated 6/23/25

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Alert

06/23/2025

Update: The USGS gauge at the Piscataquis River in Blanchard indicates that water levels south of Monson and into the 100 Mile Wilderness have started to come down, but remain high. The ATC received a report of a hiker almost being swept away at Long Pond Stream over the weekend (NOBO mile 2,097.0).

River and stream crossings are one of the most dangerous challenges on the A.T. Hikers have died in stream crossings along the Trail during major rainstorms. Pack extra food and supplies so you can be prepared to turn around or wait if necessary.

When in doubt about the safety of a river crossing on the A.T., wait for the water to go down or turn around – it is not worth the risk.

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06/20/2025

The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in Maine has received significant rainfall in the past two days, resulting in high river and stream levels. The USGS gauge at the Piscataquis River in Blanchard is at a level where we expect river and stream crossings along the A.T. south of Monson, especially the West Branch of the Piscataquis, and in the 100 Mile Wilderness to be at dangerous level and may be impassable (NOBO miles 2,070.6 to 2,182.3).

Hikers should exercise extreme caution at crossings. Hikers may need to wait for water levels to go down or turn around and hike back to the nearest road. Hikers should pack extra food and supplies in case they are delayed due to the high water. Throw a stick into the water and see how rapidly the water carries it away. If you cannot walk as fast as it is moving, then it is not safe to cross.

  • Do not ford a stream when it looks too dangerous or the water is flowing too fast. When in doubt, wait until the water levels go back down, find an alternative route, or turn around and hike back to the closest road crossing.
  • If you decide to ford, unbuckle your pack hip belt and chest strap so you can let go of it easily if you fall.
  • Be cautious about using any ropes suspended above the stream. These are not “official” installations. Instead, they are left by well-intentioned hikers with varying levels of skill in choosing placement and tying knots.
  • Keep your shoes on. Your hiking shoes or boots provide the best traction and protect your feet from possible hazards such as submerged sharp sticks, rocks, or trash.
  • If you do not have trekking poles, use a sturdy stick to help with balance.
  • Cross facing upstream, lean slightly into the current, and shuffle sideways across the stream. Avoid turning sideways into the current.
  • Do not attempt to ford the Kennebec River at any time. Dam releases upstream may cause sudden and rapid changes in water depth and current.

For additional recommendations on how to judge if a crossing is safe and how to cross safely, visit our Rivers and Streams Crossing page.

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