Jack Amrock and Marnie MacLean slide their canoe over one of the many beaver dams along Gassabias Stream. Staff photo by John Patriquin.

Several stretches of the 130-mile trail, however, can be done as day trips. With two vehicles, or by arranging for shuttle service, it is possible to explore portions of Maine's historic water trails and be back at your car before evening.

But leave extra time. It can take longer than you had hoped to shuttle cars or paddle in the wind. And bring an extra set of keys. Stash them with the car, or let your canoe partner carry them.

These are some suggestions for a safe and enjoyable canoe adventure:

• Wear life vests. Buy a comfortable paddle vest and keep it on while in the boat. Many people underestimate how cold Maine's waters are and how hard it is to right a swamped canoe.

• Get the maps. The U.S. Geological Survey topographical sheets will help you navigate the lakes. One place to find them is DeLorme Publishing Co. in Yarmouth.

  The Maine Atlas, also published by DeLorme, gives the best overview of the trip and adjacent roads. For the rivers, rely on the Appalachian Mountain Club River Guide for Maine, the St. Croix International Waterway Commission's river map, as well as a trio of Maine Geographic canoe guides published by DeLorme. These are all available in Maine bookstores.

  Make or buy a plastic envelope, or use a big Ziploc-type bag, to keep all the maps dry.

• Bring a compass. An occasional bearing will give you added confidence on lake crossings.

• Pack a spare paddle. Accidents happen.

• Make a bailer. A cut-off bleach bottle will make bailing the boat easy. The boat will take on water in rapids and in rain.

• Bring a 50-foot coil of line and several shock cords. The line is useful for everything from securing your canoe at night to guiding boats through unrunnable rapids. Shock cords can be used to lash your gear inside the canoe, so it stays with the boat if it's upset.

• Dryproof your gear. Wet clothes or sleeping bags can ruin a trip. Commercial dry bags of various sizes are available at boating and sporting-goods stores. At the least, double-bag everything you want dry in lawn bags or Ziploc-type bags, then pack it in canvas or vinyl bags, to keep the plastic from being ripped.

• Aside from the clothes you carry in your canoe, consider keeping spare, dry clothing in the car parked at your destination.
  
  

Canoeing and birch bark canoes

"Arnold Invades Quebec: Canoe-borne attack follows Kennebec, Dead and Chaudiere" is about Colonel Benedict Arnold's birchbark-canoe invasion of Canada, the first amphibious military assault in our nation's history.

Margaret's Algonquin Park Page has tips for planning a canoe trip.

Canoe and Kayak magazine online

The Paddlers' Web

Chat about paddling in the GORP Paddling Forum

Maine Sportsmen's Guide to river trips

Checklist for canoe campers

Top ten tips for safe canoeing