Maine Huts & Trails is the perfect summer destination for paddlers, with easy access to scenic Flagstaff Lake. Flagstaff Lake Hut overnight summer rental guests get free access to canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards at Flagstaff Hut.
Where to Paddle
Flagstaff Hut is situated on the shores of Flagstaff Lake, and it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny summer day. The lake is large but relatively shallow, and is bordered by the soaring peaks of the Bigelow Preserve. This unique landscape can cause unexpected strong winds across the water, so paddling beyond our protected cove is only recommended for strong, experienced paddlers. For a more relaxing experience, consider taking a canoe or kayak to explore the shoreline where you’ll be safe from high winds.
Dam Releases
If you’re planning a paddle trip on the Dead River, be sure to check the dam release schedule first.
View the 2025 dam release schedule.
Check the USGS Website or the Waterline Website for current conditions.
Wind Warning
Please remember that Flagstaff Lake is very large and often windy. A fun afternoon paddle could quickly turn into a dangerous evening, so please honestly consider your own abilities (and those of your weakest paddlers) before planning any lake crossing.
Best Maine Hut Destinations for Paddling
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Flagstaff Lake Hut
A two mile hike from the trailhead will deliver you to a picturesque lakeside vista before reaching the hut where you can kick back and relax. Our most popular hut, Flagstaff is a great “first hut” for new visitors and for wildlife enthusiasts. Birders will see kingfishers, loons, and pileated woodpeckers. Deer, beavers, and playful […]
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Grand Falls Hut (Closed)
Grand Falls is our most remote hut, located almost 12 miles northeast of Flagstaff Lake. A combination of dead outdated batteries and washed out bridges have kept the Hut closed for the last couple years. In addition to the batteries needing replacement, record flooding has not been kind to our 18+ bridges that extend along […]