A Journey of Spirit and Soil: The 18th Annual Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail Festival
Rediscover the Maine Woods Through History, Culture, and Wilderness Adventure
Experience a profound connection to the land at the 18th Annual Thoreau-Wabanaki Trail Festival. Held from Wednesday, July 24th to Friday, July 26th, 2024, this premier event honors the legendary legacy of Henry David Thoreau. In addition, it celebrates the deep-rooted traditions of the Wabanaki people. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Moosehead Lake region, the festival is a vibrant celebration. Specifically, it celebrates the North Woods’ natural and cultural heritage.
2024 Festival Highlights
This year’s lineup features world-class experts, master craftsmen, and immersive field trips that bring the “People of the Dawn Land” and Thoreau’s travels to life.
Wednesday, July 24: The Art of the Canoe
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Maine’s Master Wooden Canoe & Paddle Builders: (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Crafts Park, Greenville) Meet legendary builders like Jerry Stelmok and Rollin Thurlow.
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The Great Canoe Loop: (7:00 PM at Lakeside Event Center) Join Penobscot Guide Ryan Kelley as he presents his extraordinary 1,500-mile journey through Maine’s river systems.
Thursday, July 25: For the Birds!
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Guided Birding Walk: (7:30 AM at Greenville Junction Wharf) Explore the local habitat with experts Bob Duchesne and Alexandra Conover Bennett.
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The Maine Bird Atlas: (7:00 PM at Lakeside Event Center) Coordinator Kate Weatherby shares the groundbreaking citizen-science project tracking Maine’s avian life.
Friday, July 26: Philosophy and Future
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Thoreau-Wabanaki Ways in the Woods: (10:00 AM – 11:30 AM at Greenville Consolidated School) A children’s nature walk and reading of “Many Hands, A Penobscot Story”.
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The Thoreau-Polis Relationship & Land Back Movement: (7:00 PM at Lakeside Event Center) A powerful dialogue exploring Thoreau’s connection to his Penobscot guide, Joe Polis, and the modern Wabanaki Land Back Movement.
Immersive Pre-Festival Experience
Cultural Immersion Canoe-Camping Trip (July 21-23): Dive deep into Wabanaki lifeways with a three-day journey. It is led by the Penobscot Nation. During the trip, you will retrace the ancient waterways. You will also listen to traditional songs and stories around the campfire.
Plan Your Visit
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Admission: Evening programs are $10 per person; children 12 and under are free.
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Contact: For registration or more info, email [email protected] or call (207) 695-2702.
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Official Website: thoreauwabanaki.org.
Stay at the Gateway to Adventure
Make Moose River Lookout your home base in Rockwood. Located at the base of Blue Ridge Mountain, our rental offers direct access to ITS66. In addition, it also has a private dock for your own canoe excursions.
Book Your 2024 Stay: Moose River Lookout Booking | Call: (800) 544-0300.
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