The Moosehead Region offers an abundance of choices for the paddlesport enthusiast. Those seeking a peaceful flatwater glide can sample many quiet ponds, small lakes, meandering streams and bogs, or ply the waters of Moosehead Lake on a windless evening. Canoeists and kayak tourers who are prepared for rough water may venture onto Moosehead and other large lakes in the area to explore for the day, or embark on overnight or multi-day expeditions and set up camp at a variety of primitive sites. Experienced whitewater canoeists and kayakers may choose from many rivers and streams in the region ranging from easy rips perfect for beginner practice, to Class IV and V challenges suitable only for closed-boat experts. At certain water levels, several exciting steep-creek streams can be run by the most experienced boaters.

A number of dam-controlled rivers in the area provide exceptional whitewater paddling throughout the season. Other rivers are dependent on natural flows and may offer good paddling only in spring or after a rainy spell.

For those without their own gear, canoes, touring kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets may be rented from a number of businesses in the Moosehead area. Guided day and overnight trips and instruction sessions are available locally as well.

The Moosehead Lake Region is a gateway to the vast North Maine Woods, home to a number of popular wilderness canoe-camping trips. Multi-day expeditions on the Upper West Branch Penobscot, Allagash, St. John, and Moose River all begin within a few hours' drive or a short floatplane flight from Greenville. Outfitting, shuttles, fly-ins, and guided trips can be arranged with area businesses.

The State of Maine requires that all boaters carry a correctly-sized Type II PFD for each person, and that all children age 10 or under must wear their PFD at all times while in any boat. While adults are not required by law to wear their PFD, we highly recommend doing so, particularly on the larger lakes no matter what the season or weather, in rapids of any class, and on ALL waters during the months of May, June, late August, September, October, and November, when water temperatures leave little margin for survival in a spill. Non-swimmers of any age should always wear their lifejacket while boating.